Elizabeth Garver Jordan

“ Matthews uttered a startled ejaculation, but neither Miss Van Dyke nor the editor heard it. The latter had turned quickly, a sudden interest in his cool gray eyes.
"That's good," he said promptly. "Do it by all means. New thing—fresh point of view. Write the best story you ever wrote in your life. You 've got a splendid chance to turn in a good piece of work."
He thought a moment, and added more slowly: "Of course you must have some one with you. I 'll send Henderson along, and you can go from place to place in a carriage. ”

“ Miss Van Dyke turned her head wearily. "How can I?" she asked dismally. I 've got to make a living somehow. The way the men treat me is bad enough, but there's another thing that's worse. I'm in the position of the author of 'The Deceased Wife's Sister.' Everything I write is compared with that wretched Tenderloin story and found wanting. 'Give us another as good as that,' the editors say, and when I turn in the copy they look it over and grumble, 'Well, this is pretty good, but it is n't a patch on your election night special.' It's just as Mr. ”

“ If you don't mind waiting until morning I can give your suggestion more careful consideration."
"I'm afraid it's something that won't wait," the girl persisted. She flushed a little. "I want you," she added, "to let me do the Tenderloin to-night—to describe its celebration of Tammany's victory from a woman's point of view." ”

“ The editor considered his objections gravely.
"That's true, Miss Van Dyke," he said, turning to her with a sudden lapse of interest. "It is n't your kind of a story, you know. Are you quite sure you realize what you 're attempting?"
"I should like to take the assignment," the newspaper woman returned nervously but firmly. "I think I can give you what you want. At least, I 'll do my best."
"Well, all right then," said the young man, briskly. He tapped his bell, and told the office boy who responded to get Henderson and a carriage. ”

“ After all, a woman's place is in a home! She put her hand on the brown ones lying near her, which promptly aught and held it fast. A careful inspection out of the corner of his eye showed Matthews that Henderson was watching the little scene with polite interest. He had to content himself with a very tender pressure of the hand he held in his own.
"I—I think I 'll take the assignment," Miss Van Dyke whispered shyly. ”