The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1869-05-18
MAY IS, 1869

lishment of William Winsor, with the
bundle of shirts under her arm.
She went to the counter, and laid them
down.
What have you got there demanded
a pert young clerk.
Some work, SIR said Miss Vernon
humbly.
We'll, why don't you open the bun
dle2' said the young man, picking his
teeth with his knife.
Miss Vernon did so.
The young man deigned to tumble
over the shirts, glancing at them care
lessly.
Shocking, shocking! he said
Whats the matter, sir?'
They are wretchedly sewed. That's
what's the matter. How do you expect
we are going to sell such shirts as
these?'
Il am sure thought they were we'll
DONE said Miss Vernon.
You thought you did, did you? re-
peated the clerk, mocking her. well
I think differently, and that's all about
it. We shan't pay you for these shirts.
They will have to be sold at loss.
But what shall dol! asked Miss
Vernon in seeming distress.
These are done WE'LL said Miss Yer
non snatching the bundle from the coun-
ter, 'and I will show them to your en-
ployer
That's your business, not mine. We
will try you once more, and give you an
other half dozen shirts. If they are
done better, you will be paid for them
To the Indignation of the clerk, who
was not used to such independence in
the poor women who worked for the es
tablishm ent, Miss Vernon.took the shirts
to another part Of the counter where she
saw William Winsor himself.
MIR. Winsor,' she said, your clerk
will not pay me for these shirts. He
SAYS they are not we'll DONE
Mr. Winsor took up one and preten-
ded to examine it.
No it is poorly done. We can't pay
you for these. but you may have another
bundle, and, if they are satisfactory,
you will then be paid
Didn't tel! you so,' said the clerk
triumphantly. Now, young woman,
how much did you make by that oper
ation?'
More than you think, perhaps said
Miss Vernon, quietly.
DO you want any more work?'
No, don't wish any, she said.
sOh! you are on your high horse are
you? Well, you will be glad to get
work some day when you can't have it. ,
That evening was the one which Will
liam Winsor usually spent with his be-
trothed. When he was introduced, he
went forward warmly, as usual, to greet
Miss. Vernon.
She drew back coldly, and did not Of
Ger her hand to grasp his.
What is the matter, Margaret2' he
asked, surprised and startled. What
have done to entitle me to such a re-
ception2'
My hand has taken yours for the last
time, Mr.. Winsor,' said Margaret.
Good Heavens! What is the mean
ing of all this? Margaret, explain your
self, I cannot understand it,
i cannot take the hand of one who
grows rich by defrauding poor women
out of their scanty earnings
who says this of me2 Some one has
been slandering me. Confront me with
nv accuser. There is some mistake
here
4 will do as you desire. Wait five
minutes
Miss Vernon left the room, and soon
returned in her disguise.
The young man strobe up to her an
grily.
Are you the one that has slandered
m to Miss Vernon?' he demanded.
L told her the truth!
The young man reflected. Violent
contradiction he saw would not avail
him; he would try another course.
'Hark, you, young woman he said,
in low voice, there is some mistake.
/ will make it up to you richly. | will
give ten dollars on the spot, and all the
work you want at double rates if you will
tell Miss Vernon it was all mistake.
Too late, Mr. Winsor, said the yelled
figure throwing up her veil and showing
the contemptuous face of Margaret Yer.
non. Your bribe is offered in vain. =
Good evening, sir
Confused and astonished, William
Winsor found his way to the door and
has never ventured to enter the house
of the heiress since. He was paid for
his meanness in his own coin.