CHAPTER XVI[ToC]
BARBARA CHOOSES A PROFESSION
When Norman came down to the office next morning, the clerk handed him a note. A glance at the smooth, perfect handwriting told him at once it was from Barbara. He opened it with a smile of pleasant surprise and read with increasing astonishment:
"You are to take breakfast with me this morning in the rose bower of the floral court.
"By order of
"Barbara Bozenta,
"Secretary to the General Manager."
Norman found her alone, seated beside a little table in the bower, her face wreathed in mischievous smiles.
She rose and extended her hand:
"Permit me to introduce you to your new secretary."
"I assure you my delight is only equalled by my surprise," he answered, with boyish banter.
"Yes, I thought it best to take you by surprise. Now that it's all settled, I trust we will get on well." She looked at him with demure and charming impudence.