Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1851-12-19


"Why not, dearest mother! 1t is an homes,
employment"
"But you play and sing so beautifully. /
you must do something, why not teach mu
sic 2"
"Who would learn of me, dear mother? To
whom could apply or would apply, for pat,
ronage! All our friends even our relatives.
have shown how little they expect to do for US
or sympathiZe with US. Then, doubt nv own
proficiency too much to put myself before the
world as music teacher. Besides, we have nc
home suitable to bring pupils into"
"But situation IN some school my child 2"
"Would take me from you too much during
the day. No. dearest mother, have thought Of
all, of everything, and can see nothing else for
me to do. Besides, have partially engaged
some work for next week. Aunt WinsloW paid
US another stately visit while you were living
down this afternoon, and without making any off
er OF assistance which, God forgive me if she
had l should not have accepted-she seemed
very DESTROYS to know our plans for the future.
told her my plan, and she remarked, in q very
patronIzng way, that it was a very judcious one,
and that Bertha had several new dresses to be
made, and that might try my hand at one next
week"
The next week found Ruth and her mother
settled in their narrow quarters. Ruth made
the dress, and it was pronounced aft - and
soon she mad more "cnstom" than she could
we'll manage. The very fashionable persons
who had, since her change in fortune, declined
recognizing her as an acquaintance, were glad
10 avail themselves of her undeniable skill
To her taste and ingenuity there seemed no linn
it; and, as she always kept her promises, cost
her what seepless hours they might, she soon
found herself able to place before her mother
many of those little comforts 10 which she had
been accustomed and which her frail health de-
manded
And now, in the elegant mansion ofthe Wins
lows all was hustle and preparation. An un-
looked for piece Of good fortune had befallen
them. The plain Caroline had actually receiv-
ed an offer, notwithstanding the oft-repeated
predictions Of her mother and sister to the con-
trary. 1t was also highly advantageous off
err" as Mrs. Winslow, with much satisfaction,
told her friends.
The happy bridegroom in prospective was
crusty old bachelor, worth his weight in gold
who never ill now had found woman partc u
larly ll-tavored to Justify him in proposing to
her the question matrimonial. He had taken
lifelong prejudice to pretty women. "They are
all vain" he said, "and 1--we themselves and ey-
cry one else better than they do their own law
their lives, they get to think themselves better
able toiudge OF everything than any one else can
for them"
All was preparation. The downstairs was
inhabited with painters and upholsterers, and the
upstairs with as much turmoil with sewing
girls and satlns, linens, laces, and lady friends
for there was to be such grand wedding as had
never been known.
Tired with the confusion, Mr.. Winslow found
fault with everything; but as he had always
found FAULT with everything, he was not much
needed As he lived mostly in his counting
room or at his club, the mother and daughters
had all pretty much their own way.
"ItiS all the time what will be most becoming
to the BRIDE What the bridesmaid is to wear is
not Of the least consequence, said Bertha, in a
pet.
II thought your evenings dress was chosen
and that YOU had decided Ruth Lee should make
it," replied the bride elect.
The carriage is never at my disposal it is
always engaged in the execution of your com
missions. Ruth Lee, you know, never leaves
her home to fit dresses"
"You can have the carriage this afternoon,
BERTHA said Mrs. Winslow, who, if her proud
heart loveda anything it was her naughty, beauti
full Bertha.
"Much as dislike that sanctimonious, patient
little Ruth Lee, she must make my dress for
no one else can give it such graceful fit Us
she"
You have never tried Miss Pinchem," OBJ
served Caroline.
81 have no need Of padding" retorted Bertha
"Nou would be glad TO employ Ruth Lee your
self, only that she processes to be too honest to
interfere with nature"
Il fear this Ruth Lee has little custom them"
remarked lady visitor
"She makes all my dresses, and also those Of
many of my friends" replied Bertha.
dear mamma, let me 90 with Bertha this af-
ternoon," impored Carlce. This once let
Cousin Ruth make MY
Not till you have done with that foolish hab-
it of calling her cousin" replied Mrs. Winslow
in a stern voice.
The lady friend found occasion soon to depart
anxious TO tighten her heart of the news, with
which, until then. she was unscquainted, that
the Winslows had low connections who were
man:uamakcrs, &c, of whom they were asha-
med.
Ruth and her mother had retired so quietly
from the circle in which they had moved, that
but comparatively few either knew or car ed for
their whereabouts.
A stately carriage had just driven from tie
humble home of Ruth Lee.
Standing beside the table IN the same attitude
which she had assumed some moments before.
after she had closed the door upon her naughty
cousin, Ruth Lee seemed struggling with her
self 10 restrain some powerful emotion that was
working wi.hin her. Al the sound of her moth
er's step within, Ruth gathered up the folds Of
the costly fabric that was piled upon the table,
and throwing 1t over her arm, she held it mp as
though admiring It's beautiful texture, but really
10 conceal the heaviness of her own heart.
In a moment or two after, her mother entered
the room, and Ruth tried 10 smile as she showed
her the material for her cousins dress but il
was dim smile, and Mrs. Lee saw that it was
more full of tears than JOY.
Did you tit Bertha this afternoon dear
Ruth ?"
Il have her patterns, dear mother, and she is
to call tomorrow afternoon to try on her dress
But whs; is it, my child, that has gone wrong
with You Il is something more than usual,
know. Do not conceal anything from me
Let me share everything that comes near you"
With that, as though she could no longer re-
strain her feelings, Ruth sank into an armchair
near BY, and gave way to a resistIess passion of
tears Checking herself, after few minutes,
she exclaimed
Forgive me, dearest mother; | am very
wrong to distress you so cruelty. Blu; size was
SO proud, and cold, and imperative she, who
used 10 be nv schoomate-she, who used to be
my cousin! And then it was more q remark
she made
What was II my child? Don't hesitate