Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 216, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 September 1912 — Page 3

IT HAPPENED AFTER THE BIG “LAY-OFF

Jim, the Engineer Without a Job, Finds “The” Girl in Time of Adversity.

By FRANK H. JONES.

It was when the economy fever struck the engineering department of the J. C. R. R. that Jim Andrews lost his footing, and made a wild grab to hang on to his natural self, but it seemed to slip away from him as It always does when the lay-off comes. The chief clerk went from table to ■table, pausing only long enough to toss down a neat little envelope in front of some individual who was too busy to pay immediate attention to It One by one they picked them up, tore off the ends and glanced at the contents. Some uttered mild exclamations of surprise, others gave free vent to their feelings, still others said never a word, but their looks spoke volumes. Jim was one of the latter. His square jaw dropped as he picked up ithe letter and rose from his chair. There was no mistaking the curt and business-like phrase: “Your services are no longer required after the 25th instant.”,—— It spoke little, but meant lots. He ' Tead it again and again, then turned !to join the uproar. Jim “tried tp work; it seemed a ibattle where it had always seemed a pleasure, the very figures he wrote aeemed *to jump up before him and icry, “you’re fired.” He looked up, everybody was looking at everybody else, and no one could quite collect himself. He threw down his pen tn disgust, irose from his chair, and stuffing his ihands in his pockets he shuffled aimlessly toward the outer office. He {didn’t have any business out there, ibut he wanted to go somewhere, and not caring where, he poked along out. There was no one in the office except a girl who sat at a typewriter ever by the window. Jim had seen lher occasionally as he had been 'through the office to and from work. What struck him in particular was Tier simple dress and neat appearance. He stood still in the doorway lookling at her. “Oh!” she exclaimed, rather embafvassed, “I didn’t know there was anycne in here. You almost frightened •me.” "Are you fired, too?” was Jim’s only comment. She hesitated a moment, glanced at the letter, and said slowly: “I suppose so.” 1 “When do you go?” Jim asked. ' /‘The 25th, the letter says.” "Same here,” he answered as he .turned and started back into the drafting room. , She looked after him as he disappeared around the corner, somewhat surprised. * The next two weeks were years to :Jim. It seemed as if the days were :never so long and the work so tiresome. - ‘ At last the fatal 25th Aie, and Ulin, with some dozen other sullen Individuals, left the office that night to iface the job hunter’s lot. As he left the office ajid started down the corridor, the girl came out iand joined him. She had a cheery good evening for him, but it hidn’t have its usual effect ion him. They entered the elevator and were soon outside the building. Neither . aeerned to know just which way to turn. " . It was Jim who broke the silence with that question which had been Tinging in his ears for two weeks. “Got anything to do?” “Not vet,” she replied, looking up at him. “Have l you?” “No. ’ I’m In the same box as the rest of the bunch.” *T suppose the only thing we can do Is to wait for something to turn up,” continued the girl. x "Do you keep house?” asked Jim, rather surprised. “Not a very large one, just for mother and mysejf. Don’t you live at home?” "In a home that costs |hree per •and you can’t use the gas after H o’clock,” he retorted dryly. “Now there’s no use of you looking so ugly about It,” said the girl pointing a little gloved finger at him. “And just to get even with you I’m going to invite you out to the house for .supper. Will you come?” Would he go? It took him a moment to collect himself. He laughed for the first time in two weeks. “Sure; we’ll sort of celebrate.” They soon reached a small lodging house on the outskirts of the business section, not unlike many other such houses on the same and neighboring streets. As they entered the hallway Jinx was struck by the quietness of the place. She took his hat and coat and led him into the parlor, “so called for convenience,” she explained. An elderly woman rose from her seat by the window and came forward to meet him. “Mother, thia is Mr. t — she was confused for a moment till Jim came forward with his name. “Andrews.” ... ■ “Really, I had quite forgotten your ■name,’’ she .said rather guiltlUy; but Jim surmised that she had nqver known It. ” ' J “And. are you one of the engineers at the office?** questioned the mother, jStlll looking at him.

“Used to be, would express it better,” said Jim. “I’ve been worried to death for fear Mazie won’t get another position," she continued, drawing a chair toward the window for Jim, and resuming her own. 4 Jim was still looking about the room. His eye rested for a moment on the piano in the corner. An idea flashed through his mind —what if—, ho, that was out of the question, and perhaps—- . “Does your daughter play the piano?” asked Jim, suddenly remembering that he was a guest. “Yes, a great deal; and I don’t know what do to amuse ourselves If It were not for the piano; Mazie is a fine player, too.” He turned around; Mazie had disappeared into the other room. -- They chatted till Mazie came to the door and called them to lunch. It was hard for Jim to remember when’ he had had such a home-like meal. It had it’s effect on him and he made quite an after dinner entertainer as they sat about the table and Jim told stories of his travels and career. At an hour dangerously near midnight Jim took his leave after receiving an invitation to call again. He walked across the city to his own boarding house. The damp night air had its usual depressing effect on his spirits. The next day he went out to a neghboring town where his cousin was starting a moving-picture theater. He could at least take tickets or play the usher for the present; anything was better than loafing. His cousin greeted him with: “You are just,the man I am looking for, Jim.” '. , “Glad somebody wants to see me come around. You don’t want a/good usher or a general utility man, do you?” Jim inquired. “Usher nothing; I want a good operator and a piano player, that’s what’s troubling me now.” "That’s us,” Jim assented. '“What? Who is us?” “Er —well—” Jim stammered, “I know a dandy piano player for you, and I can turn the crank myself." “Interested in her?” asked his ’cousin. “I will. be when I get a job, but for the present I can only say a good word for her playing.” “If that’s the case, you bring her out here tomorrow afternoon. As for you, you’re an at $25 per until the engineering is good again. Is it a go?” They shook on it, and Jim hustled back to the city. / When he reached the girl’s home he didn’t even stop to ask her if she had got a position; but read her story from her tired little face as she greeted him at the door. He told her the news and .his cousin’s offer. She hesitated at first, but Jim’s enthusiasm won her, and sb« to be ready the next day. Jim didn’t have time to stop, but hurried back to his lodging house and packed up. Be wondered what -the fellows would say to nee a civil engineer turn moving picture operator, but he counted himself lucky to get that until business was good again. And perhaps she — Jim proved a good operator; and the girl even surprised herself with “show talent,” as she called it. Good luck favored Jim, and he was given a position as chief draughtsman with a good company where his prospects were better than ever before. Jim’s time had come. That night he was going to leave. He Went out of the booth and down the aisle to the orchestra pit where the girl was arranging her music for the next day. Finally she turned around to walk up the aisle. “Oh, Jim, I’ve heard the news! Isn’t it great to think you are going back where you belong? Let me congratulate you,” as she held out a little hand toward Jim. “Good,” said Jim, taking the outstretched hand in his, “but first let me congratulate you.” “On what?” questioned the girl, looking up at him. f “On the fact that to be a good engineer requires music in the house.” "Jim Andrews, what are you talking about?” "Just this,” as he Stepped forward and gathered the little figure in his arms, bent over and kissed the little brown head. “You’ve got to furnish the music for this engineer.” (Copyright, 1912, by Associated Literary Press.)

School Children in U. S.

There are in round numbers 18,000,000 children attending the public schools of the United States. Of this number 17,000,000 are in the primary schools and 1,000,000 in the high schools and academies. In private schools of various sorts there are about 2,000,000 pupils, making a total of 20,000,000 school children and students in the country, an army almost inconceivably vast, and prophetic of tremendous consequences for good to the nation. The idea of a thorough secular education originated with that great man Thomas Jefferson, who claimed that the. only safeguard for the republic lay in intelligence, the kind of intelligence that is afforded in the public schools.

Speaking of Trunks.

**l should think looking after so many trunks would kill you, dear,” said the husband to the traveling wife. ' “Well, to tell the truth, it almost does,” replied the woman. „■ * **l should think you would take example- fropi the elephant, whose average life is one century- An elephant never has to fuss With more than one trunk?* • ' * ’’

About the most practical of summer gowns are those simple affairs made of light-weight silks in colors neither very dark nor very light. Foulards, messalines, chiffons, taffetas and the less expensive crepes are mainly chosen for these, and their success (beside the beauty of the fabrics) lies in good color combinations and in design. The changeable taffetas of the present season have inspired designers to many pretty and very effective new ideas. These designers have had in mind all types of figures; designing for'the slim ones gowns calculated to make them look not too straight, and for the plump ones lines tended to lengthen curves and lend grace. Either style or any style will look well on a figure possessed of the right proportions. That is, one that is neither too thin or too fat. Another advantage of these unpretentious silk go\yns is ttittt* two silks are so often' combined in making them that short lengths may be And for the clever and economIcaPlady who would evolve a new gown out of two old ones any number of good designs are offered in com-

SOME HOME-MADE PRESENTS

Pretty Gifts That Are Far Superior to Those That May Be Purchased Anywhere. ** Cretonne lamp shades with net laid over them. 1 Cake covers made of filet lace on a wire frame. Some one of the numerous delectable little towels. A collar and cuff set of fine linen well made arid embroidered. A pair of new gathered ribbon garters with a posy of satin roses. A set of cretonne or linen cases and cloth to match for her traveling cases. Lingerie pillows of handkerchief linen, Cluny lace and a touch of embroidery. • f A table cover in Monk’s cloth with cross-stitch design all around the square. Tea cloths and tea napkins with embroidered monograms and any individual touch. A set of sachets of different size, not clumsy or overworked, but dainty and well filled.

For the Pongee Costume.

The “natural-colored” girl is again with us, meaning the girl who goes in for a costume wholly in the shade of natural-colored linen or pongee. With her tailored suit or frock of either heavy linen or wash, she wears leather pumps and lisle hoisery of a matching hue, a linen petticoat bordered and banded with coarse unbleached linen lace, a suede belt with self-col-ored buckle and an outing hat of raffia or Panama draped with a naturalcolored Shantung scarf. Finally, in one hand she carries a sunshade of Shantung and natural wood, and/ in the other a handbag of raffia. For country wear this sort of costume is exceedingly knowing-looking and it is a decided relief in a neighborhood where all-white or white and color getupft prevail.

Boudoir Fancies.

Delightfully dainty and cool looking are the new tamboured Swiss shams and scarfs for the boudoir. The plaid Swiss is shown for pillow shams, bureau dress and table scarfs, all with heavy scalloped edge and with stitched braid design. These suggest simple curtains of plaid muslin or Swiss and cushion box and couch covers of gayly ..colored cretonne, with perhaps a colonial rag rug or one of matting in summery lightness. ' The plain Swiss for the shams and covers are decorated with scallops similar to the plaid effect, but solid dots and figures are strewn over the surface of the braid work.

To Protect the Blouse.

The hardest wear on a waist comes on the sides under the arms. Protect this part of the blouse with a strip of oiled silk and there will be less likelihood of the unsightly holes, which often make an otherwise good waist unwearable. This is a trick of the trade practiced by the most fashionable of New York dressmakers.—Good Housekeeping Magazine., . ”

IMER SILKS

binations of two fabrics, which she may model after. Two examples are shown here of models that are easy to make and pleasing to look at. A changeable chiffon taffeta (as. blue or green, shot with black) has an applique of heavy ecru lace and pipings of black satin. Little buttons of black satin and a narrow girdle of the same add a telling finish. For the touches of black are most effective. This model is designed for a slender figure and is made so that it may be worn with a chemisette and collar of lace. There is a small applique of silk passementerie of gold, black and the color of the gown. The second model which has been developed in bing’s blue and white or black and white. The little cbatee is of a plain foulard in the color of the body of the gown, with cuffs to match. Little oblong covered buttons in the plain fabric and pipings of the figured material make a pretty finish. The tie is a vivid green, tut black might be used instead. Lace undersleeves and a chemisette areworn with this model and its straight lines and plain skirt recommend it to the stout figure. "

FROCKS FOR LITTLE GIRL

Simple Styles That Are Always in Favor and That Would Be Unwise to Change. In children’s frocks nowadays style is quite as important as it is in regard to grown-up garments. For a long time there has been comparatively little difference in the outline of clothes for young girls, grown girls and their still girlish mothers, but perhaps this is to no small extent due to the fact that grown-flp lines have been simple enough for children to adopt. No doubt if our. dressmakers succeed in forcing upon us panniers and draperies, general good taste will prevent our defying little girls’ frocks to match, and we shall leave them still straight, slim and simple. Meantime the coat and skirt of simple make, with a plain front panel, large revers and collar and the Inevitable sprinkling of buttons or a long Cossack frock or a pleated skirt and Magyar blouse are each regarded as in their proper place becoming to the school girl or even to the smaller child.

NEW STOCK COLLARS.

The new grandfather’s stock is just another variation on the Robespierre neckwear which is now at the height of fashion. This collar of sheer hemstitched white linen turns over on a high stock of plaited black silk, and is trim and smart with tailored silk blouses for morning wear.

Renovate Crepe.

Skimmed milk and water, with a bit of glue in it, made scalding hot, is excellent to restore old rusty black crepe; if well squeezed and pulled dry like muslin, it will look as well at better, than naw.

GOOD JOKES

A Suggestion. The retailer stopped one of his oldest customers on the street “I want to speak to you,” he began. “Go ahead and see if I care.” “You’ve got to care. This bill of yours has been running a long time now.” "Poor thing! How can you be so cruel as to let it run a long time?” “Well, what are you going to do with ar* - - “I’m going to make you a suggestion. If that bill has been running for as long as you say ft has, give it a rest. Let it stand for a monfh or two.”

Influence of Clothes.

He —Did you ever observe what a difference clothes make on one’s mind? Now, when lam in my riding togs I’m all horse; when I have on my business suit my mind’s full of business; when I get into my evening dress my mind takes a purely social turn." She —And I suppose that when you take a bath your mind’s an utter blank? —Stray Stories.

In No Hurry.

“I’m next,” said the lanky man in the barber shop, “but you can have my turn.” “That’s good of you,” gratefully responded the last comer, “but you will have to wait an hour or more before you get in the chair.” “I wish it was six hours. There’s a chap on the other side of the street with a bill, waiting for me to come out.”

Flirting With Fame.

“Why do you Insist on nibbling around that hook?” said the wise fish. "You know the danger.” “Yes,” replied the little fellow; "but we all have a certain appetite for glory. I am willing to take a chance jfor the sake of being described to that man’s friends as the big fish that got away.”

WELL NAMED.

She —Do you notice that Lord De Broke calls Miss Mllyuns, to whom he’s engaged, “My Subby?" He —Yes; I suppose he means “subtreasury.”

Didn't Live Long.

Day and night He sought fresh air; That’s his grave In the corner there.

The First.

A little boy who was evidently attending Sunday school for the first time, listened with much interest to the questions that were asked by the teacher and answered by the pupils. Finally he was asked: '“Who were the first man and woman?” "Punch and Judy,” he confidently replied.

Anything May Happen.

“What are you sniffling at?” “I see here a report that a child was born with a ful)-set of teeth.” “Well?” “How do such Impossible reports get abroad?” “Do not be too Incredulous. Strange things happen. Seems to me that I have heard a report that a Boston child was once born with eyeglasses.”

A Bit Radical.

'lt seems to me that Mrs. Waggson is inclined to go too far in her demand for woman’s rights.” "She does seem a bit radical.” "I heard say, the other day, that she would never be satisfied until the word ‘patriot* had become obsolete and ‘matriot* had taken its place.”

Doing Something.

"Say, John, our calf isn’t any better. Isn’t their anything we could do till the vet comes?" "Well, there are two powders left that the doctor gave Tommie for the measles. Let's try those." —Fliegende Blaetter.

Well Satisfied.

Buffers—Buncom is a self made man, isn’t he? Witters—Yes. What made you think •of Bliffers—He seems to be so well satisfied with the job - '■ ’

A Preference.

“Mrs. Stougnume says she always sleeps on her front porch.” -• "Does she? I prefer my right aide.” . /

AN EYE ON THE MAIN CHANCE.

"And what, my dear boy,” asked, the minister, "do you intend to dowhen you grow up?” “A farmer, sir.” “Very good indeed —to supply th* natural food—moot good.” “And youT ; turning to the second. "Please, sir, a schoolmaster.” _L “Even better. Filling the mind of the rising generation with mental! food —yes, even better.” “And you?” turning to the thirds . “A preacher, sir.” ~7~ “The best of all, my dear little boy;l for filling the soul with spiritual food! is far worthier than either filling the mind or body. Ahd why do you wish, to become a minister t’ “ ’Cos we always have duck for dinner when the parson comes,” replied the boy.

THOUGHT TOO MUCH.

Tompkins—Your wife seems to be a very thoughtful woman. Thompson—She is. She thinks all kinds of things if I happen to be out late. i

Took Too Much.

A very doleful case, alas—- \ He hoped to 'scape from pain And so he took some laughing gas. But never smiled again.

A Pretext

"Tea,"; said the determined looking woman; “I might manage to hand you a bite to eat if you’ll saw and chop a good pile of stove wood and bring in a few buckets of water and chop the weeds out of the garden and fix up the fence.” “Lady.” replied Meandering Mike, “I’m only a hungry wayfarer; I ain't yer husband.”

How Is This?

“Didn’t you get the place?” "Seems the lady was a suffragist and wanted a maid to look after her children.” “You have had plenty of experience along those lines.” "Yes; I thought I’d cinch the job. Told her I was a suffragist, too." "And then?" , “Then she wouldn’t hire mA”

Deduction.

“I wonder what the slender young woman works at?" says the man with the vibrant ears. “She must be a school teacher,” answered the man with the deep set eyes. "I overheard her say that she tans very quickly.’’—Judge’s Library.

Cruel Insinuation.

"Henry went to get a marriage license, but got a dog license by mistake.” “Oh, he’ll find it wasn’t such a bad mistake when he starts to lead the, married man’s life.”

A New Industry.

“Now that so many automobiles are passing your house,” said the visitor, "I should think you would keep your hens shut up.” “Whit!" said the farmer. "And cuts off my greatest Income?" —Judge’s Library.

SUNBURNED.

She —Oh! Belle’s a shirt waist *frL He —But , she wears a coat of tan.,

Not He.

Who thinks the world all right When fish begin to bite. Will never vex his heart About the money mart

A Lone Occupant

"I have an idea in my head." “Flease be silent for a moment" I “What for?" “1 want to see if I can hear it rabH fling around." ’