THE LOVE OF A BUSY BUSINESSMAN
(after O'Henry)
Pitcher was the chief clerk in the office of Harvey Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell was a businessman. He bought and sold things. He also helped other businessmen buy and sell things. Pitcher was an important man in Maxwell's office.
This morning Pitcher's face had a look of surprise on it. The clerk did not usually show his feelings, but today his boss came into the office late. It was half past nine. And he had his pretty young secretary with him.
With a quick "Good morning," Maxwell hurried to his desk. Hundreds of papers waited for him there. He started working on them at once. The secretary was beautiful. She did not look or dress like a secretary. Her simple clothes and hair were most pleasant to see. And this morning her face shone with a gentle light. Her eyes were bright and full of dreams.
Pitcher noticed this. He also noticed a difference in her ways this morning. She usually went straight into her office. Today she stayed near Mr. Maxwell's desk. But he did not notice her. As soon as he sat down at the desk, Maxwell became a machine. At last he saw her. "Well, what is it?" he asked sharply. His cold grey eyes looked at her. He wanted to get on with his work.
"Nothing," said the secretary. She moved away with a little smile. "Mr. Pitcher," she said to the clerk. "Did Mr. Maxwell say anything about the agency yesterday?"
"About getting another secretary, Miss Leslie? Yes, he did. He told me to telephone the agency. I did. I told them to send me a secretary this morning. But it's a quarter to ten now, and no one has arrived yet."
"I will just continue my work then," said the secretary. "Just until the new secretary arrives." She went into her office. She hung up her hat and started to work.
Perhaps you have never seen a really busy New York businessman at work. "One crowded hour of busy life," the old song says. Mr. Maxwell's hours were crowded. The minutes and seconds were fighting for a place in them.
This day was one of Harvey Maxwell's busiest days. The telephone rang all the time. He was buying, selling, arranging. Visitors came in, visitors went out. The clerks in the office flew about like leaves in a strong wind. Pitcher's usually calm face still looked very surprised.