Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-07-15
Select Gales.
From the Olive Branch.
EDNA EFT & RIL!
THE BOSTON SEAMST R ESS.
fC6ntiaued)
by MRS. c. W. DENIsoN
by MRS. C. W. DENIsoN.
FOUNDED ON FACTS.

knowing that she could not possibly earn e.
nough to support her mother and herself She
wandered on, going into every shop, until she
was wealied almost out At last she had made
up her mind to enquire no farther. Just then,
she cast her eyes upward and saw the sign,
twelve hands wanted to make shirts
Turning to the door, she perceived flight of
very narrow STAIRS going up the dark entrance,
she opened small door, and stood Immediately
before some ten or twelve men, mostly lrishmen,
all busy in cutting cotton, and other materials to
be made into clothing,
Edna, despite her old faded bonnet, and un-
graceful cloak, was a sweet looking girl, and
when as now, hope animated her countenance
and lent rich glow to her cheek, she looked
almost handsome.
Instantly two young men came forward, and
looking inquisitvely in Ednas face, asked her
what she wanted,
All had stopped their work. They appeared
flushed and unsteady.
Poor Edna felt some alarm, but gathering
courage from her innocence, replied, that she
saw by the placard some hands were wanted,
and she should like to take some shirts, as she
had sewed on slop work for some time
Il declare, exclaimed one Of them, your too
handsome to wear out on SIop work, I'd give
considerable for a kiss from them pretty lips,
and he stepped forward toperform the insulting
deed.
Edna sprang back.
Touch me if you dare sir, she replied, draw
ing her form proudly up, while her eyes flashed
brighter, and her lips curled with scorn.
A loud laugh of derision filled the apartment,
and the man skunk away among his companions,
not, however, without casting look of defiance
and rage at Edna.
A tall man entered, and inst antly all were
again busy with their work.
He appeared to be the master there, and look
ed with surprise at poor Edna, who stood leaning
against the wall, and now that the excitement
was over, trembed like leaf
She told him of the placard, and of the in
suit offered her, but to her surprise, when she
turned to the window the paper was gone.
Indeed sir repeated Edna, there was sign
there, or should never have come up here
have been searching for work nearly all day
and felt so thankful to see that card; hope
you believe me sir
The man turned sternly round to his work,
men, and ordered Edna to point out the one who
had insuted her, which she did.
'You Can leave your work. SIR he said 20 the
young man, you are discharged, and l hope il
will learn you never to insult an unprotected re
male again.
The journeyman left the shop, almost burst
ing with anger and with revenge burning in his
heart towards Edna.
I'VE really are in no need Of hands, contnu.
ed the master, after hearing her relate the want;
of her family but for the sake of helping you
will let you have some linen jackets, if you
know how to make them
She told him she did; resolving that she would
take them, even at twenty cents apiece, for Sc
kind-heared man.
What was her surprise when he told her that
he generally gave thirty-seven cents if they suit
ed him.
OH was not hers happy, and joyful heart
when she returned home and told the clad news
TO her mother, and sat down contented for the
first time for years, to her taskl
She did not notice that the iournevman had
skulkingly followed her to the door Of her resi-
dence, nor did she hear him mutter,
Hal ha! so the precious birds lives here; anc
this is where Annie Miller lives too I'll teacl
her to pirate about me. I'll make her sufTc
for her insolence if there's mischief to be done
Annie Millers the one to do it, Oh won't
have revenge on the milk and water fooIr
Annie Miller was a gay, dashng girl, who
lived on the first floor, with her mother, weak
foolishly ndulgent woman, who allowed he
daughter to do anything she fancied and en-
couraged her in the broad way to ruin. Edna
had never met her; indeed she knew not such ;
person lived in tine house. She also, worked OF
cheap shirts, but her money did not go toward
supporting fond mother, nor for any gooc
purpose.
Mrs. Miller stood at the wash tub, day afle
day, washing heavy pieces, and taxing he
strength to the utmost, in order that her daugh
ter might, as she expressed it,
Take some pleasure in her Young DAYS
for she would never see any after they wert
gone
Many acquaintance had Miss Annie bu
they were not of the choicest kind, nor the hes
calculated to lead each other examples of vii
tue. The most favored one was Ned Lin
coin, the young man who had followed Edn
home.
Annie Miller was bold, forward girl, wit
considerable share of good looks, and wha
she had not, she made up in Appant talk, an
witty but loose conversation.
She dressed extensively, spent her evening
away from home, either at parties among he
acquantances, or at the ball room and the the
atre.
With this girl, Ned Lincoln concerted pIa
to rum Edna, who, unconscious that she wa
the object OF any particular scrutiny. kent on +
her humble path, selfdenying, and doing ooo
as much as laid within her power
Ned marched into the entry few minu,o
after Edna had gone up stairs and repaired
A nl:-