The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1866-04-21

| The answer came. eart the great, use
ful lesson, never again to judge by appear
ances.
| had done some sewing for the family,
and when starvation stared me in the face,
when my limbs ached with the cold, and the
prospect was darkest, summons came from
the great house opposite, Mrs. Mallere wish
ed to speak with me.
/ was ushered into the lady's sitting-room,
and found myself in a paradise Of crimson
and gold, with pictures and flowers, all that
could enchant the eye of taste. Mrs Nal
liere was DIRE sed in some sol chnging,
warm looking material of green, elaborately
trimmed with black velvet. A cap Of fine
lace, with greel streaming ribbons. sat Co
quettishly upon the fair braids scarcely sil
yered hv the passage ef years. There was
pink dush upon. her clear cheeks, her atti-
tude was grace itself Yoa could scarcely
deem her the mother of the tall, graceful
girls had seen, lovely as sylphs, proud as
queens.
Miss Vernon, you have done some sewing
for me very neatly my horsekeeper informs
me that you are almost Qua Of employment
sent for you 10 ask you If would like to
come here"
da kened skies what cared that the lady's
voice was so cold, her manner haughty !?
Shelter, good food, and warmth awaited me-
Ii was ike return to my unforgotten past
answered eagerly: 81 shall be very happy
10 come, ma am; and will do my very best
with your sewing. You have seen samples
Of -"
~ know, know" iWpatiently interrupt
ed the lady; "but do not want you to sew
at least not all the time. want you 10 wait
upon a sick daughter"
"Ideed | did not know there was an in
valid in your family and -"
81 did not suppose you knew anything
about it." she said with a curl of her fine
lip "and if You decide to come, | don't
~ant you to gossip about it out Of DOORS
need some one to smuse Ada, and be sort
Of companion to her, and keep her mind
from dwelling on herself. | have been in
formed that you are person of some educa-
ton and good manners. Poor Ada is out of
all patience with the uncouth nurses we
have had for her Do you feel that you can
give satisfaction as a companion to a very
sensitive young lady, whose every sense is
sharpened by disease that you have suf-
ficient refinement, cheerfulness, and forbear-
ance for the place Z"
! co.ored Indignantly the tears filled my
eyes IL have lived in home as elegant as
yours, madam; have associated with the
wealthy and the intellectual. Ny refinement
has never been called into question; but
may not have strength enough to fil the
situation. have become accustomed to the
drudgery Of the needle; have never been
nurse"
| looked and spoke with conscious Dig
nifty; Mrs. Malliere unbent somewhat II
did not desire to offend you, Miss Vernon
you will have every comfort here if you will
but do your duty to my child" Yet the
words we're coldly said, there was in them
no heart-warmth Of maternal love- Follow
ing up my advantage said: ''Mrs. Mailliere,
it is unfortunately the custom, even in this
Quaker City, to make outward distinctions
only. You class all as menials who serve
you for pay. II | undertake the serious re-
sponsibility you offer me, have two condi-
tons to make" The lady seemed to grow
anxious she replied with evident curiosity
and less hautiness "Name your conditions"
THAT take my meals alone am as
averse to certain kinds Of social contact as
you are yourself, madam and while treat
oFefJ VHe will AeSPcCl, Il CiAlu my OWN
privileges Of intercourse or solitude Then,
# am 20 be a nurse, perhaps TO pass part of
the night in watching, shall need rest and
some recreation. l beg therefore, that may
not be called upon as a seamstress, and that
once day be allowed to take exercise in
the open AIR for half an hour"
Mrs. Mailliere frowned then she smiled !,
your meals shall be sent up to you, and
you can walk out, and read when Ada is
asleep or wants quiet. But you will not OBJ
ject TO occasionally take a few stitches for
meY
Certainly not, madam aud shall do
my best to fulfill my duty" answered
chez fully, as the lady arose and motioned
me to follow.
A room carpeted with tangled moss and
living flowers Of delicate, not brilliant hues,
so ife-like in the imitation Of Nature, |
thought myself in the forests depth. Walls
covered with sunrise flush, and hung with
ldyllian landscapes and ocean views Of calm
and summer Tables and stands Of marble !;
iof precious wood inlaid with rare mosaics
and with cleaning pearl. Vases Of alabastsr,
Iof cri nson flushed Bohemian glass of golden
amber, Of the sea-hlue of the Lapis Lsxuli !;
white and pink, and deep red coral. Cur