the job like this! Send her in to me right now!" I went. I was quite concerned. I didn't want to get fired before I even got in my first day. I wondered if Val could have done this on purpose?

When I got to his office, he closed the door and went back to his desk and sat down. He wink- ed at me and said, "It's just a little window dressing I thought up. Usually Val waits for some one to relieve her before she leaves but she did use the sign once in a while when no one was available and we were not busy. It was just a good time to show that you are not going to be a favored employee around here!" I know I was blushing as a girl might with a bawling out when I left Vittor's office. I took my mascara and straightened up the damage a couple of tears, I man- aged to squeeze out, might have done. I did this as soon as I re- truned to my desk. I soon had everyone on their respective

ways.

Aside from that incident, my first day on the job was unevent- ful. I wondered why Val had put me in a bad light. Why had Vit- tor taken it up. Was it a part of a bigger plot that might even in- clude Vittor. Why would he play both sides against the middle?

When I returned home that night, Mrs. Scarcliff, my landlady could scarcely contain her curi- osity. I made her wait until I had bathed, put on a fresh dress and new make up. I then told her about my new job and even in- vited her to visit me while at work. I liked my job and it seem- ed that no one had by action or deed, shown any doubt about my disguise.

It was not usually my job to answer the phone but one day

about a week later, when no body was at hand, I answered. "Vittor's, Miss Blade speaking. May I help you?" "I wish to speak to Mr. Hardin," the omi- nous voice said. I pushed the button, buzzed Mr. Hardin and listened to be sure he answered. Before I could get off the line, I heard, "Watch that receptionist! I got it first hand she's a plant!" With that the line went dead. I hung up as quietly as I could to keep Mr. Hardin from knowing that I had heard. Who could that have been? Who would squeel on me? The plot was getting thicker quicker.

In a little while, through my mascaraed and curled lashes, I noticed that Mr. Hardin had opened his door where he could watch my desk and also me. I could feel my neck burning where he was watching. I turned around toward his office, pulled out my compact and lipstick, crossed my legs, giving a careless toss of my skirt to tell him, "Go ahead and be suspicious of me!" I then proceeded to repair my make up. He sat and ogled my legs. I enjoyed it. I thought to myself, you dont suspect me a bit more than I suspect you.

Nothing further happened that day. The next day I reported for work in high spirits, also in a bright red empire cut chiffon dress. The color did much for me and I knew that under the bright lights I would have to take a back seat to none of the mo- dels.

Always, it seemed to me that things happen about 10 o'clock. Well, sure enough about 10 a fellow came in who said he want- ed to see Mr. Hardin, and that he was looking for a job. Well, I phoned Mr. Hardin and told him.

. 21.

He inquired who was wanting the interview. The fellow stumbled over his words as he thought of a name. I know it was made up. Mr. Hardin then asked me to tell him to come in.

They sat and talked for a little while. The door stood open. I could occasionally hear words like "her" "she couldn't" and another time I heard what I think was "do away ." Well,

•

I began to wonder just how se- cure I would be in the bright lights even, let alone when I was going to and from Vittors.

I lost interest in the others about the place and tuned in on every phone conversation of Mr. Hardins, I kept time of his going and commings. I did not try to keep it a secret. I once asked him when he was on his way out, "Where can we get in touch with you if you are out?" He said, "You are just getting a little too nosey for a good little girl, I'll tell you what I want you to know!"

About a week later, I was sit- ting at my desk minding my own business, trying to figure out how the fashion patterns were getting out before the completed product was ready for the stores when I was brought back to earth by a voice. It was Mr. Har- din. He said, "I have not been very good to you while you have been here but I wish to make ammends. If you have your short hand up to snuff, I would like you to attend a sales meeting to- night and take notes. I am having a few people in who would like permanent copies of the matters discussed tonight. Will you be here about 6:30?"

This about face almost threw me. My knifepleated skirt almost lost its sharpness. I then told