The keen-eyed superintendent looked over her scrutinizingly. 

 He at once saw that she was a girl unaccustomed to drudgery, and that her clothes were of fine materials, although they were fast growing shabby. 

 Her cheeks were rosy from plenty of exercise in the sun and air, her figure was rounded, and her carriage graceful. 

 She did not resemble in the least the sallow-faced specimens of womanhood who swarmed over Denton, Day & Co.'s various departments, but these very differences seemed to influence him against her. He wanted girls with experience, and experience, in their line of business, meant haggard 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 nor inclination to break in green hands, besides, we've got help enough at present; it's almost our dull season." 

 "But I would be a cash girl, anything!" the girl urged, eagerly. "Oh, I need work so badly, and I've been all over the city!" 

 The tears had risen to her eyes and were trembling on her lashes. She clasped her hands entreatingly as the superintendent rudely turned his back upon her. 

 "Can't do it, I tell you, so there's no use taking up any more of my time! Well, what is it, Watkins?" 

 The question was addressed to an employee, a pale, slim young man, who had just entered the office. 

 "Excuse me, Mr. Forbes, but there's three clerks absent to-day. They have 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 superior stopped him before he could finish. 

 "That Miss Jennings is faking! She is no more sick than I am! This is the 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. Gibson that I say to fine her double the regular amount. We must put a stop to this sham sickness among the women clerks; it's getting too frequent!" 

 "But I am sure Miss Jennings is 

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