The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1933-01-12
Hard to Tell
By MARY MARSH
g by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
WNU Service

WNU Service
1T HAD been a dull executives
L meeting. Mr.. Stewart, the presi-
dent of the concern, was going to
Europe, and Mr.. Stone, of the Chi
cago Office, was coming to take his
place at the New York Office. The
meeting had been called to make
final arrangements - arrangements
which it seemed to Rodney could
have been made as we'll without his
presence.
But when the six other execu-
tives were making their departure
from Mr.. Stewards office. Mr.. Stew
art stopped Rodney. placed a ia.
therly hand on the young mans
shoulder and asked him to wait.
"There is something I want you
to do-something simple, but very
important" began Mr.. Stewart. 81
have the greatest respect for Mr..
Stone and know that his coming
here may be fraught with many in
conveniences and anxieties. "Now,"
Mr.. Stewart hesitated and then
plunged ahead. SITS about Miss
Drew. 1t would be a trifie difficult
for me, you see. She's an excellent
young woman, and invaluable. Miss
Drew knows so much about the bust
ness we couldn't possibly have her
60. She is to be Mr.. Stones sec
rotary. I'm used to her, but Miss
Drew is. well, rather"
YES" agreed Blaine. calling to
view the swapping black eyes and
vigorous. waving black hair of Mr.
Stewards secretary. She is, a trifle."
"Quite so. I don't mind II now.
Though l must confess she rather
upset me at first. And Of course
If she becomes really annoyed at
anyone ! imagine she would be a
real tartar. 80
"Just suggest that as Mr.. Stone
Is stranger, she might treat him
with gentleness. We decided be-
fore you got to the meeting that
some one would better suggest this
to her. and for reasons we decided
that you would best be able to
do it." ~ -a.a ~~~.
This was the hardest assignment
that Blaine had ever had i'm his as.
sociation with Mr.. Stewart. Rod.
ney had never taken much notice
Of her before, but now he deliber-
ately studied her face and her car
riage when she was not looking. He
had made up his mind that the only
way to go about II was to become
friendly with her. to get her conf
dence and then TO make an honest
breast of the matter.
He would meet her after working
hours and thus show his finesse.
Meanwhile Mr.. Stewart had sailed
and Mr.. Stone had come to take his
place-AIr. Stone. who proved to be
a blond young giant who accom-
plished twice as much as Mr. Stew
art Something. possibly the long
hours and the strenuous business
methods of Mr.. Stone. very decided
ly softened the edge of Miss Drew's
sharp temper. Her dark eyes
snapped less fire now and the wavy
black hair that seemed To typify her
high spirited nature seemed TO wave
more softly To her face.
Three months had passed. and II
was the eve of Mr.. Stewards return
Rodney Blaine had done his best
He had never fallen down on an as
signment before and he had moi had
his little talk with Miss Drew
simply because she had never given
him an opportunity.
Rodney was the first of the firm
to see Mr.. Stewart after his return
home, and after brief discussion
of business interests, Mr.. Stewart
brought up the subject that was
apparently uppermost in his mind
"Were you successful in giving Miss
Drew her little tip Off"
"Not exactly" began Rodney.
Heavens, man." interrupted Mr.
Stewart, "you don't mean you LEI
her boss Stone around the way she
has been bossing me. Don't explain.
was afraid you wouldn't tell her
OF course. Stone wouldn't stand
for her tongue-and now she's left.
I'm sorry you LET this happen. Miss
Drew was without question. one of
my greatest business assets"
"But she hasn't left" Blaine ex.
planned. Then they were interrupt
ed by the overtowering 'ir. Stone,
and Rodney Blaine was glad TO
withdraw.
Mr.. Stone waived all discussion
of business.
"There is something I want to ask
you." he said. 81 didn't want TO
write 1t. But a good share of my
happiness depends on the answer
you give. Is Rodney Blaine serious
in his regard for Miss Drew? He
seems to follow her about. always
seems 10 be trying to tell her some
thing. am more than interested
in the girl myself. Frankly I'd ask
her TO marry me-"
.Marry vou 2" paSnpd Stewart