| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 7 |
Page 14 |
There are those who find it easier to be thoughtful of those who are far away than of those who are near at hand. This was never true of Dr. Miller. He was always most considerate and thoughtful of his editorial helpers. When he wished to see one of them, he preferred to go to that one, even if a trip into another room was necessary. If he wished the service of his stenographer, he preferred to say to her, “I have a few letters for you, if you are not too busy,” rather than give her a curt direction to take his dictation. Always his associates in the office looked on him as a father and friend.
He was never too busy to plan for their comfort. On a rainy afternoon, knowing that the cars would be unusually crowded by the rush of men and women going home at five o’clock, he would frequently ask them to leave at ten minutes to five, in order that they might have seats. On an especially warm day in summer he would be apt to send out for a generous quantity of ice cream for “my editorial girls,” as he called them. But his kindly interest went further than this. He entered into their lives. He knew their circumstances, and followed with interest the fortunes of other members of the household.
Although he hardly knew what it was to take a vacation, he always insisted on the period of summer rest and refreshment for the assistants. He would write them a message of good bye as they started, they would be apt to hear from him while absent, and his welcome was sent on their return. During the summer of 1911, although himself under the care of a physician, he wrote from Atlantic City to his secretary these notes:
“I am not writing letters, but I send just this little note to assure you and your mother of loving thought these days. I hope you are both enjoying your stay at Ocean City. You are meeting lots of friends, I think. Stay as long as you can.”
“This is just to welcome you back to the office. I hope you have had a good time and that both you and your mother are well.”
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