May I thank the people who responded - I have replied to most of them off-list. I received 25 (yes really!)responses. Most thought it means saleslady (at a counter). Some said accountant or bookkeeper. Some said comptometer operator. Office secretary/business assistant/clerk was what several suggested. Also bar keeper.
As I know nothing about the lady, I can't come to any definite conclusions. Oh well .......
Snip....A 1898 record >from Vienna describes a lady's occupation as 'Comptoiristin'.
