The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-07-24
Barnea' flaw dropped. "Why

Barnes Jaw dropped. why why, yes. I'll get them together in the auditorium, if you like. But, really, Mrs. Henderson, they know of the-ah-change. There's no reason to put yourself out"
 "Oh, don't mind at all," Hel. ena told him, gathering up her gloves and bag. She turned to Lassiter. "While MT. Barnes is notifying the employees, perhaps you can show me where the audi" torium is?"
 The bankers son left his chair. Indeed, can." He extended his arm and Helena took 1t, conscious of Roger Barnes malicious glare. Tn the hallway Lassiter told her in Q low voice, Tin mighty glad you shot 1t into Barnes about the credit list he's been carrying. I've argued with him for months. To my mind, he's courting disaster for the Henderson Department Store by allowing these big, long, time accounts. There's Q limit to how far an establishment can go to keep good will"
 I'm awfully pleased to know you agree with me-" Helena said. 'T-1'm going to need your help, Mir. Lassiter."
 He did not answer directly, but the slightest pressure on Hel. ena'S arm was all the reinsurance that she needed. She would have been less than woman had she failed to realize that John Lassiter was attracted to her, and that he respected her judgment aS well as her charm.
 Gently he guided her to the floor above the mezzanine, to the small auditorium which was sometimes rented out to clubs, or used for demonstrations - or, less often, for e meeting of employees. Trying to hide her nervousness, Helena took Q chair on the plat form beside John Lassiter. in Q moment they were joined by Courtney. Plainer than words, his smile told Helena that she was doing very well indeed with John Lassiter.
 "Barnes is sending word through the store that the new owner would like to have the employees convene up here," he told Helena and LaS- sitter.
 Soon they began to drift in. Helena could sense the!r unInis- takable feelings. The younger women crowded for a place near the platform, anxious for Q close- up of the girl who had married Peter Henderson and who, through Q freak of fate, was now their employer. The older women lin- gered toward the back of the little hall, frankly resentful They've been here for years," Helena thought, land now they're wcn- dering what I'm going to do with them" The men were frankly sullen. They lined themselves along the back wall, not taking seats, as if they wanted to be ready to leave at the slightest provocation.
 Barnes stepped to the platform. ''Employes of the Henderson De- partment Store" he began in stilted fashion, i've have with Us here the new owner of this ore Eanization for which we have all worked and planned together" He turned to Helena with an artificial smile. Mrs. Henderson ."
 Helena rose. There was Q faint wave of applause. "I've got to win them," Helena thought, "If I don't do 1t now, I'm lost" Unsteadily she moved to the edge ofe the platform. She had heard that the knees of frightened speakers knocked together. Now she knew that this was actually true. She was grateful for skirts in. that awful moment"
 ~T-I've never made 6 speech in my life,' she began. Then panic struck into her heart = and was quickly dispelled ct the wave of sympathetic laughter which greeted this confession. Regaining her corn- posture, she answered the laughter with 6 smile. "But I've stood on my feet behind counters . good many
 hours, SO I don't see why we can't understand one another.
 |. @One thing I want to assure you--there won't be any sudden changes in the personnel. I hope there won't have to be any at ali sudden or otherwise. I haven't any definite ideas about the store" She smiled again. "Xou see, I haven't been here long. enough. Tf any Of yoE, ct any timc, have anything you want C