The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-07-14
CHAPTER III.

The next evening after our introduction
to Mr.. Gustave de Clinton, as he sat in
his room at his boarding house, indulging
in cigar to settle his supper, he was in
formed that young girl waited below to
see him.
"Well, Show her up here-Pm not 90
ing down." muttering under his breath,
that tiresome washerwoman again, sup
pose"
Soon after hearing timid knock at the
door, he called out Come in" and girl
entered with downcast eyes, apparently
much abashed.
"Tell your mother" sharply observed
the young man, "that she need not keep
troubling me with her bill, for l cannot
settle it now; when am ready I'll let
her know If that does not suit, will get
some other person to do my washing :"
and h. waved his hand for the young wo-
man to leave.
Il am not your washing woman answered
a swet trembling voice, "but have taken
the liberty of calling upon you to ask
charity for my poor mother who is i'll and
dependent upon me for support. l have
heard that YOU are very liberal gentle
man, and hive intruded upon YOU hoping
to obtain assistance for my parent"
beg your pardon, dear, for supposing
you the. .washerwoman," said Gustave ap-
preaching the girl, who remained stand
ing by the open door; want assistance,
heyf what kind of assistance? sit down
here by me and let me know (seating
himself and endeavoring to look under
her bohnet.)
The young CIR! stepped back little
and replied, al hoped YOU might have
some sewing for me, which would assist
me greatly. am not used to begging,
but for my mothers sake | shall be CRATE
fu for the least favor your kindness may
bestow."
" Really, fine spoken girl )" said Gus
tave to himself, and then added aloud, II
am sorry cannot assist you, for your sake,
but unfortunately have had so many
calls Of the kind, that just now | ann quite
drained. Here is trife, however" han
ding her dime, which at first she SEEM
cd diarnsnd 40 ~sjant. hut areepfinp, il. she
thanked him, and was turning to leave
the room, when stepping towards her, he
seized her hand, at the same time attempt
ing to turn her face to his view, whilst she
struggled to free herself.
"You must tell iue where you live. nv
GIRL" observed De Clinton, "and | will
go to see you; perhaps you'll not be so
bashtul about showing your pretty face
then, and l may even get kiss too,-ehl"
With an exclamation Of horror the
girl relased herself from his grasp, and
there was something in the indignant flash
OF her fine eyes, as for an instant She
raised them that caused Gustave to recoil.
Quickly she threw the coin at his feet,
and her countenance betrayed the great
est scorn and contempt, which she seemed
about to pour upon him in words, but
suddenly she stopped, and picking mp the
money, hastily swept from the room with
dignity not at all becoming beggars,
leaving De Clinton standing the picture
of astonishment, wondering where he had
before seen those eyes.
Quickly the young woman left the house,
but look of anguish WAS on her face, and
her breath come heavily as if struggling
with emotion, as she gained the street
and paused as il hesitating which way to
proceed, took few steps, and then turning
hastily about, wended her way through
several streets. She entered small court,
and ringing at n door, inquired for Mr..
George Woods, and vas invited into
neat but plainly-farnished little parlor,
where the wished for gentleman sat read
ing. He Immediately arose aud placing
chair for her, inquired il she wished 10
see his mother. r.. .a.z. .-s..trrr. ..
Ellis visitor responded in the negative,
and then proceeded in faltering voice 10
make the same request that she had few
minutes before solicited of De Clinton.
Mr.. Woods appeared embarrassed, but
expressed much sympathy, and said that
If she would leave her address his mother
would call upon her il able, and if not
would take measures to ascertain what
would most sssis. her parent, and present
her ease 10 benevolent persons whose
means were greater than their own.n as
He continued, sIhaye myself mn inya-
lid motherand yonng bnother entirely
dependent upon my exertions, but will
lingly eontibute my mite" at the same
time handing her n two dollar bill. f,l
The young girl was quite overcome,
but managed ltolerably well 10 express her
gratitude, and at the request Of Mr.
Woods told her residence. r. - ss 5s
r ''If you will call tomorrow" resumed
Woods, ''my mother will furnish you witl,
work, as l wish to have some done which
ain & poA al,Ia A., t,.,rf.,,.. A.. ,,:..k. Il