High School of Commerce - Annual Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

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going in every direction and a lonely feeling crept over her. She felt lost in the strange crowd. Suddenly a young girl, brightly dressed, stepped up to Bessie. Why, Bess, what are you doing down here this morning? VVell, said Bessie, I intend to start to work this morning at the office of Mr. Robinson. So do I, exclaimed Eleanor, much astonished, for the newcomer proved to be her old school friend. 'Why, Eleanor, I am almost postive that Mr. Robinson needs only one stenographer, but we will go in and ask him. Good morning, Mr. Robinson. Both of the girls spoke. Why, good morning girls, Mr. Robinson spoke cheerily, I think I have some explanation to make, for as you know I haven't work for more than one of you girls. He then told the two that he had hired Bessie, but his son, not knowing this, had hired Eleanor a half hour later. But he told them that since the mistake was on his part he would give both of the girls a trial. First, he said, you may each take dictation. Dictation from a stranger is no easy task, but both of the girls stood the test. Oh, dear, said Bessie, a half hour later, I am glad that first dictation is over, I can get the rest of my work all right, I am sure. But Bessie spoke too soon, for when she sat down to copy her letters she found her machine in a terrible condition. The keys were filled with dust, the spacer didn't work, neither did the carriage. Eleanor immediately began copying the dictated letters. When she finished them she called to Bessie, I am way ahead of you. just think, I am on my seventh letter and you haven't finished one yet. This thoroughly discouraged Bessie, but now she had her machine nearly in order. As she went to Mr. Robinson's desk for a new ribbon, which was the last thing needed to bring the type out clearly, she noticed several letters in the waste basket. These she recognized as the ones that Eleanor had just been copying. I Bessie was no longer discouraged. E1eanor's rapid work had proved to be untidy. She now returned to her desk, greatly encouraged and sure of her success. For she remembered Mr. Curry's last words of warning to her class: Do not hand in an untidy letter. Your manager does not want any- thing but a perfect copyf' After Bessie had copied her letters she took them to the lawyer. He looked them over, then turning to her, said: Those are very neatly done. I can't find a mistake. I am well pleased with the work you have done today. You may return tomorrow at eight-thirty. Bessie felt sorry for Eleanor, but was delighted at her own success and decided then always to remember the old saying: Make haste slowly. 97

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lashing 66 H, I just can't wait until I get to Work. Bessie held her fork suspended and looked at the other girls seated around the table. It was noon at the High School of Commerce, and the girls were busy eating their lunches brought from home, but pieced out by Mr. Bonaparte's famous soup, cocoa and ices. Eleanor, a brightly dressed girl who sat near, said, I dcn't care whether I get a position or not. If I don't get work, Dad'll buy me anything I want anywayf' Well, said Bessie, perhaps your father is rich and doesn't care, but mine cannot afford the luxury of an idle daughter. Besides, I want to put my stenography and typewriting to some use. Bessie was well liked by the rest of the students of the school, in spite of the fact that her parents were poor, for Bessie always had a pleasant word. rl: 3: :Ez Commencement was over. And the boys and girls were seeking positions. Bessie's first day was filled with disappointments. She fairly hated the sight of an office, but she would try one more. With forlorn hope she bought the afternoon News Yes, here was an advertisement: Wanted-A Stenographer. She hurried to the office of Mr. Robinson, the lawyer. Would she be too late? Hopefully she entered. The office was furnished with everything of the best. How she would enjoy working here! A busy man sat at his desk writing. Bessie timidly spoke to him. This is Mr, Robinson, is it not? Certainly, he said, and his kind voice renewed her hope. Did you answer my ad. for a stenographer? In response to his question as to her experience as a stenographer, Bessie explained that she had just graduated from the High School of Commerce. Our vvcrk is very particular, we never send out a faulty letter,', said Mr. Robinson. Fortunately Bessie had her letter of recommendation from Mr. Curry, the particular teacher, as the boys of the school dubbed him. Mr. Robinson's perusal of the letter seemed more than satisfactory. I know Mr. Curry, he said. You may come to-morrow. Ycu may be sure that Bessie va ent hcme that night feeling very happy. The next morning she arose early, determined that her employer should always find her on time. Her effort surpassed itself, for when she reached the office the big clock showed her that she was ten minutes early. She saw hundreds of people .96

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She then got ready to go homeg Eleanor did likewise. As Eleanor passed through the office Mr. Robinson called her to his desk. He gave her two dollars to pay her for her day's work, and told her he hoped she would have better success in the future. WINIFRED HINCKLEY, 1910. at jaaturfs Zlutumn Banff S one wanders through the wildwood at Autumn time he sees her clothed in beauty. Robins and other birds are waiting for Nature's grand festival, then they will Hy south. The sturdy oak king with his red and brown leaves, the elm queen with her slender form drooping to the ground as if she had great sorrow, and the tall erect poplar are all waiting for father Wind to carry their children to the dance. In fact everyone in Autumnsville is getting ready for the annual festival. The robin was asked to sing a solo and of course he did not refuse. The frog orchestra played the accompaniment. The day finally arrived. jack Frost carpeted the earth in White velvet and touched the trees and Howers and made everything smile. The robin and blue birds had their places on the platform and the frogs were trying their instruments. The woodchuck was to play the drum. All was ready and great throngs of people came pouring in. There were little girls and boys dressed in their best dresses, then there were young couples dressed in crimson and yellow, and older members of the families dressed just as gayly as their children. The Hddler started to play, and couple after couple joined in the first dance. They wheeled around, and around and ended the first dance with a merry laugh. After dancing several times refreshments were served, consisting of Jack Frost's ices of various shapes, nuts and fruit. The final dance was started and everybody, young and old, joined in. After that the crowd scattered and Nature with all her splendor and beauty went to sleep for the Winter. MILDRED S. WOODMAN, '13. 96 Jiaume, Sweet Jlaume Mid summer and winter tho' we may roam, Those exams are ever coming. How we Wish to stay at home! A charm from the skies, then adorns the teacher's face, Which seek thro' the world, can be found no other place. Exams, oh exams, sweet exams, There's nothing so sweet to all as exams, b-u-r r exams. 98