The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1867-02-21
MRS. JoRDAH'S LESSON.

MRS. J0RDAH'S LESSON.
Mrs. Martin sat In the Office at the
terminus of one of the street railroads.
A car was expected to move off in few
minutes. 1t was a clear, frosty morning
in December, and bitter cold But she
did net mind the cold just then, bundled
up as she was, and the fire burning so
briskly in the Office.
A door, opening into a drinking sa-
loon, was ajar. Two men we're at the bar,
leaning lsziiy against 1t. each with glass
in bis hand One of then was young
man of her acquaintance, Clay Jordan BY
name. He was worthless, dissolute
young fellow. He had broken over the
barriers Of religious training and religious
panioDship, fearing not the threats of
his father, turning deaf ear to the en-
treaties of bis mother, and often bringing
the blush of shame to the checks Of his
lovely, sweet tempered sister. His eyes
were bleared, his face bioated, his clothes
shabby His hair had dropped over his
/ forehead, his beard was tangled, aud his
hands shook nervously.
40, Clay Jordan :" SAL Mrs Martin to
! herself with sigh GA mere wreck in
lite, tossing about upon the pillows of
sensuality and passion no pride, no
shame, no mauliness. How strange il is
that some young mep will thvs throw
| themselves away, sacrificing all the social
and educational advantages of the past,
aud all the brilliant prospects in the fu-
! ture !"
"Say, Clay. how did you make the
raise 7" asked young Jordan's companion.
yesterday you were dead broke"
$50 l was, MuSser ! got hold Of the
old woman's watch and chain, and up the
spout it went. It's at Brasier's, in Ninth
street"
Clay Jordan called for more liquor; the
car Was starting out, and Mrs. Martin took
seat ir it. Z aough not familiar WI :
the slang of the brothel, she cor
surmlSed that TO "put thin - III
spout meant disPosing of it at the pawn
brokers'
When Mrs. Martin reached her home,
she went to her room to lay aside her
bonnet and furs.
"Ma.' said ker little daughter, opening
the door, ga woman is waiting for you in
the kitchen. She came about an hour
ago. She is in search Of place.
II will be down directly" said Mrs
Martin
She found the applicant to be a young
woman, tidily dressed, with ruddy cheeks,
clear eyes, and honest looking face
"What is your name Z" asked Mrs.
Martin.
"Rachel Pierce" answered he girl
'Have you any recoD mendations ?''
"No, ma am"
"Why is that? With whom did YOU
live last?"
"With Mrs. Jordan"
"Why did you leave there ?"
al was dismissed"
"What for 2"
81 was charged with theft.E
The blood foT moment colored the
checks Of the youog girl, and her eyes
moistened
"You are candid, said Mrs Martin
| 81 was always taHght to be"
"And, after such a confession, you ex-
pect me to hire you?
Il did not make any confession. l did
not steal anything"
IhSic III uHt nave DeSu some SToDHuS
for the charge"
"None, beyond the fact that the article
was missed. | did not take il. do not
know who did"
"What was missed ?'' asked Mrs. M.
| "Mrs. Jordau's gold watch aud chain. !"
Sand you do not know where it il 2"
81 do not; indeed, do not Pray,
mrs; Martin, give me place, if but for a
while. Please do. This is the fifth
pace have applied at to-day, each time
telling my story as l have told it TO you,
and each time quietly dismissed"
Inc young girl bravely crushed back
the struggling sobs and tears.
Are you badly in want Of place ?''
asked Mrs. Martin.
81 am. My reputation is to re-estab-
llshed, my character to be restored.-
lime will do that Then We are - dis
tress. Mother is aa invsomptly sttens
winter Is here. It is as
and can do to support