HOW SHE ATTRACTED ATTENTION

New Zealand Tablet, 2 August 1906, Page 37

HOW SHE ATTRACTED ATTENTION

This little incident— it is" a true story— occurred some time ago :—: — The owner of a large retail store gave a holiday to a,ll his employees. Cashiers, foremen, salesmen, and women, cash boys an-d porters, all were invited to spend the day on tha grounds of the country seat owned by their employer. Tents were erected, a bountiful dinner and supper were prouded.a band was stationed in the grove, and special trains were chartered to carry the guests to the country and home again. Nothing else was talked of lor weeks before the happy day. The salesgirls, most of whom were young, anxiously planned their dresses, and bought cheap 'and pretty muslins, which they made up in the evening, that they might look fresh and gay. Even the cash boys brought new ties and hats for" the great occasion. But Jane Elroy felt she could not indulge in any pretty bit_ of finery. fc>lie was the only child of a "widowed mother who was paralysed. Jane was quick and industrious, but she ka'd been but a few months in the store, and her wages barely kept her and her mother from want. 'What shall yo i wear?' said the g,irl who stood next her behind the counter. ' I bought such a lovely blue lawn.' ' I have nothing "but this,' said Jane, glancing down at her rusty black merino. ' But that is a winter dress ! You'll melt ! There'll be boating and croquet. You must have a summer gown o~ else don't go.' Girls of fifteen like pretty gowns. Jane said nothing for a few minutes. 'I shall wear this- one," she said, firmly. ' And I think I will go. Mother wishes it" ' But you can't play croquet in that !' "It is always fun to see other people have fun,' said Jane, bra^ ely. The day came bright a nd hot, and Jane went in her heavy, well-brushed dress. She gave up all idea of ' fun ' for herself, and set to work to help the others to find it. On the cars she busied' herself in finding seats for the little girls and helping the servants with the baskets of provisions. On the ground she started games for the children, ran to lay the table, and brought water for the older women, was ready to pin up torn ruffles, or to applaud 'jl good ball ' ; she laughed, and was friendly all the time. She was surrounded by a cheerful, merry group wherever she went. On the way home to town the employer, who was a shrewd business man, beckoned to his superintendent. ' There is one girl here whose friendly, polite manner js very remarkable. She will be valuable to me as a saleswoman. Give her a good position. That young sunshiny girl in black,' and he pointed her out. The next day Jane was promoted, and since that time her success has been steady. The good nature ami kindness of hearf which enabled her to ' find fun in seeing others have fun,' were the best capital for her in her business. She had the courage, too, to disregard poverty and to make the best or me, a courage which rarely fails to meet its reward.

2. Work. The world is not going to pay for nothing. Ninety per cent, of "what men call genius is only talent for hard work. - 3. Enter into that business you like best and for which nature seems to have fitted you, provided it is honorable. - 4. Be independent. Do not lean on others to do your thinking or to conquer difficulties. "" 5. Be conscientious in the discharge of every duty. Do your work thoroughly. No person can rise who slights his work., 6. Don't try to begin at the top. Begin at the bottom and you will have a chance to rise, and will be surer of reaching the top some time. 7. Trust to nothing but God and hard work. Inscribe on your banner, ' Luck is a tool : pluck is a hero.' 8. Be punctual. Keep your appointment. Be there a minute before time, even if you have to lose dinner to do it. S). Be polite. Every smile, every gentle bow is money in your pocket. 10. Be generous. Meanness makes enemies and breeds distrust. «, } lvl v Spend less th an you earn. Do not run into 'debt. Watx-h the little leaks, and you can live on your salary 12. Make all the inonev you can honestly ; do all the good you can with it while you live ; be your own executor.