Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-04-17

sneers, as though it were herself and moi
the accident of Towering land if she wept
that simple minded and narrow thought.
ed girls carried themselves proudly, and
won attention, while she slipped meanly
into by-paths and shrunk from the obser-
vation which was only cold and contemp-
tuous, can we blame her? She was a
woman, with a woman's beauty and a
woman's power. But alas Jennie was
Gagged by circumstances, her jewels Gov
cred by the dust Of labor, her young life
hidden, and dull, and sad.
Besides, an incident in the store had
wounded her severely, and re-awaken
her consciousness of weakness and semi
degradation. 1t was this. She had ta-
ken a bundle Of work to the inspecting
clerk, and thence had been directed to
the cashier with ticket for her pay
On former occasions she had suffered
from curious and wicked gIances while
passing clerks Of different departments,
as well as from peculiar tone in which
the cashier addressed her. To-day she
was either more painfully sensitive, or
the glances of admiration were more dis
gustingly prominent; and the cashier,
after fumbling as long as possible, hand
ed her the silver she had earned, with
careless but insulting remark. Jennie
flushed with indignation, threw the mo-
ney upon the counter, and curling her
lip with seorn, left the desk. A hand
touched her arm, and kind voice said
Wait a moment, Miss DELL in 50 assu-
red and commanding a way that she in
voluntarily paused. The gentleman step
ped up to the cashier, struck him a
smart blow on the side of the face with |
the palm Of his hand tipping him over,
took the vacated stool at his desk, and
by the time the fellow had picked up,
had balanced his account, and was ready |
for him with the residue Of bis wages
Then leading the fellow to the door by |
the arm, he kicked him into the street.
All this was done so coolly, with so much
ease and gentlemanly decision, that Jen-
ME could take no exception TO even the
last act Of the drama.
My store will be safe for you in the
future, Miss Dell, but l will not put you
TO the inconvenience of bringing your
work. will send boy for it, and di-
recting a lad TO take the lady's bundle,
Mr.. Brewer bowed Jennie out of the
store before she had time to cry, or do
anything more than thank him with a
glance, which, breaking from her late in
dignation, was curious in:ermingliDg of
pride and gratitude.
The incident had recalled for the hun
1redth time terrible consciousness of
her unprotected situation, and she felt
more keenly than ever the utter help
Iessness of poverty. Sometimes the blood
Of proud ancestry dashed TO her cheeks
and throbbed to her temples-but the
next moment woman's tears chased each
other down her cheek.
Il am so glad you have come, father,
have been so lonely, and then l was
'earful something had happened
The old man bent little to kiss the
eyes of his daughter-kissiDg the eyes
was the emphasis of his afection-and
his lips were moistened by tear which
Jennie had unwilingIy left there in the
haste of brushing them away to meet his
coming step.
What is this, daughter ? Crying, my
,hild ? You are not sick, dear /? Why, :
thought my brave girl never cried, {
however dark the day might be ;'-and, ,
With a hand on each shoulder, the white
laired man held the bright faced daugh- t
er at arms length before him, gazing |
owing inquiries into her eyes. 5
Not trace of sadness was in the |
face of the daughter now so /
fter meeting his gaze laughingly a mo- '
nent, Jennie slipped to his side, leaned
lose to his shoulder, clasping his arm in S
Ter hand, and said 1
'Oh, nothing Of any moment, father a
We women have little foolish thoughts c
nd troubles of our own when we are t
eff alone all day. But when father re-
nrns Jennie is happy enough, isn't she ? a
I'D the girl looked into his face with so 2
nuch of beauty, and smile, and JOY, that r
he old man forgot the dew drop which il
ad dried on his lips, and went to won
ering what made his daughter so hap
y, alone and hard at work in that sober o
oom all day. a
The father forgot the sadness sooner G
'r jewel Of good things which be was
olding tight in his heart, longing to
i've to his daughter; but wondering h
,hiah rvac tha u,oef No ,r,oe ,rn,x e. -