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FOR GOLD OR SOUL?
_THE STORY OF A GREAT DEPARTMENT STORE_
By LURANA W. SHELDON
1900
FOR GOLD OR SOUL
CHAPTER I.
IN THE SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE.
The monster department store of Messrs. Denton, Day & Co. was throngedwith shoppers, although the morning was still young.
Scores of pale-faced women and narrow-chested men stood behind thecounters, while "cash girls," with waxen cheeks and scrawny figures,darted here and there on their ceaseless errands. On the fifth floor ofthe building, where the firm's offices were quartered, a score or moreof anxious girls and women waited eagerly for an opportunity to entertheir applications for service.
At last a private door was opened by an elfish-looking boy, and theearliest applicant was allowed to enter, the boy warning her, as she didso, to "be quick about it."
"So you are looking for work? Well, what can you do? Got any references?Talk fast, for I have no time to waste on applicants."
The speaker was Mr. Duncan Forbes, junior partner, as well as businesssuperintendent of the establishment, and the person spoken to was abeautiful girl, about seventeen years of age, who had called to applyfor a position as saleswoman.
"I have never worked before, sir," said the young girl, trying to obeyand talk as rapidly as possible, "but I am sure I could learn in a veryshort time, if only you will give me a trial as saleswoman. Do pleasegive me a trial!"
The keen-eyed superintendent looked over her scrutinizingly.
He at once saw that she was a girl unaccustomed to drudgery, and thather clothes were of fine materials, although they were fast growingshabby.
Her cheeks were rosy from plenty of exercise in the sun and air, herfigure was rounded, and her carriage graceful.
She did not resemble in the least the sallow-faced specimens ofwomanhood who swarmed over Denton, Day & Co.'s various departments, butthese very differences seemed to influence him against her. He wantedgirls with experience, and experience, in their line of business, meanthaggard expressions and sallow faces.
His answer was as heartless as crisp words could make it.
"Can't do it! The thing would be ridiculous! We have no time norinclination to break in green hands, besides, we've got help enough atpresent; it's almost our dull season."
"But I would be a cash girl, anything!" the girl urged, eagerly. "Oh, Ineed work so badly, and I've been all over the city!"
The tears had risen to her eyes and were trembling on her lashes. Sheclasped her hands entreatingly as the superintendent rudely turned hisback upon her.
"Can't do it, I tell you, so there's no use taking up any more of mytime! Well, what is it, Watkins?"
The question was addressed to an employee, a pale, slim young man, whohad just entered the office.
"Excuse me, Mr. Forbes, but there's three clerks absent to-day. Theyhave sent word that they are sick. Mr. Gibson told me to tell you."
"Who are they, do you know?"
Mr. Forbes spoke sharply, his face flushing with anger.
"Miss Jennings and Miss Brown--" began the young man, but his superiorstopped him before he could finish.
"That Miss Jennings is faking! She is no more sick than I am! This isthe third time this month that she has staid away because of sickness!It's probably an excuse to go on some picnic or other. Tell Mr. Gibsonthat I say to fine her double the regular amount. We must put a stop tothis sham sickness among the women clerks; it's getting too frequent!"
"But I am sure Miss Jennings is sick," began Mr. Watkins, impetuously."You should hear her cough! And I know her mother died of consumption."
"You know too much for your own good, Watkins," broke in thesuperintendent, sharply. "Just keep your knowledge to yourself if youwish to hold your position in this establishment!"
A flush rose quickly to the young man's brow. He bit his lips and lockedhis fingers together nervously.
It was plain that another word would have meant his immediate discharge,and there was an invalid mother depending upon him. He was obliged tohold his peace, though the words almost choked him. "Then I am to tellMr. Gibson to double Miss Jennings' fine."
The superintendent broke in upon him again in his snappiest manner.
He had suddenly turned and caught sight of the timid young applicant,who was standing almost motionless in the centre of the office.
"No!" he roared out, angrily. "Tell him to discharge Miss Jennings atonce! Here is a girl he can take on in her place. She's green, but MissFairbanks, the buyer, can train her."
"Oh! no, sir! Not for the world!"
It was a cry of almost horror that issued from the young girl's lips.Even Mr. Forbes looked startled, and he was not usually startled atanything.
The applicant was standing before him now, with her head held high andher blue eyes flashed like diamonds over his shameful proposition.
"Oh, no, sir! I beg that you will not dream of doing such a thing. Iwould starve before I would deprive that poor girl of her position. Ifyou have no place for me, I will go at once. If I were to take her placeit would be a cruel injustice!"
She looked him fearlessly in the face as she spoke the words. Her wholemanner had changed. She was timid no longer.
Mr. Forbes stared at her curiously for half a minute. He saw that therewas a spirit in her that would make her valuable in business.
In an instant his manner changed to a studied indifference. He rubbedhis hands together gently, toying with a fine ring upon his finger.
"But I shall discharge Miss Jennings any way, so if you do not acceptthe position I will give it to some one else," he said. "You can take itor leave it. Decide quick; which is it?"
For the space of a second the applicant wavered, but in that second sheread something in Mr. Watkins' expression. His look was unmistakable. Hewas waiting to see if she faltered in her decision.
She raised her head and looked Mr. Forbes squarely in the eyes.
"I thank you, sir, for your offer," she said, as calmly as she could,"but I would rather die than do anything I considered wrong, and thisact of yours is both wicked and unjust! God will punish you for yourcruelty to that poor Miss Jennings!"
She turned and walked toward the door, leaving Mr. Forbes and Mr.Watkins both staring after her.