The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1869-04-02
THE DISGUISED HEIREss.

need scarcely be wondered at, Tor the ques-
tion upon which she was pondering affected
her nearly.
She was an heiress, having come into
possession, at her majority, of fifty tlious-
and dollars. She was prepossessing in ap-
pearance, and, as was natural, added to the
report of her wealth, which, as usual, was
considerably exaggerated, brought her
suitors in plenty. Among them she made
choice of William Winsor, and in a few
weeks they were to be married.
William was engaged in the wholesale
clothing business, and had the reputation
of a sharp, active business man. He was of
good appearance, and so far as could be
judged, was good match even for the
heiress. Nothing to his prejudice had
come to the ears of Miss Vernon until the
day before. A poor woman had come to
the door in evident poverty, and asked for
relief. On being questioned, she said
that she had been employed in making
shirts at twelve cents apiece for wholesale
dealers-that after making a dozen and
roughly told that they were spoiled, and
that nothing would be paid her for her work;
but that shs might have some more, if she
would agree to make them better. She ad-
ded that this was one of the small ways in
which the firm made money out of~poor
women, by pretending that work was un-
satisfactorily done, when really no fault
could be reasonably found with it.
The sum, small as it was, of which she
had been defrauded, was all important to
her, as it represented nearly a weeks work.
"Only dollar and forty cents for
weeks work % exclaimed Miss Vernon in
Gismay.
''Tbat's all, said the poor woman.
"HOw, then. do you live %
at can hardly be called living. It's
just rarely keeping body and soul tOgeth-
err" said the woman.
'And who is this extorticner that offers
you starvation wages, and then defrauds
yOd of even them pa
civilian Winsor.''
"Who 90 demanded Miss Vernon.
"Wiliam Winsor.''
81 can hardly believe this know the
gentleman"
''It is true, and if you will investigate
the matter, you will find it to be so.''
81 will investigate this matter. Here is
five dollars for your present needs. Come
here tomorrow at this time and I may
Lovo g., zo,v H.
The poor woman departed, invoking bles-
sings upon the heiress.
81 will look into this" said Margaret
Vernon, resolutely, land if it does prove
true, the engagement between William
Winsor and myself shall be broken.
will not give myself to such man."
Nancy" said Miss Vernon the next
morning to the enambermaid. ''have you an
old dress and shabby cloak and bonnet that
you can lend me 90.
81 have got some that are SO poor that l
am not going to wear them again." said
Nancy, surprised at such an inquiry.
"Will you lend them to me 90
"Of course, Miss; but what would the
likes of you want of such old clothes 2"
ga little fun, that is all" said Miss Yer
non. 81 am going to disguise myself and
see if can't deceive somebody"
With this explanation Nancy was con-
tent and produced the old clothes. Miss
Vernon put them on, and in addition bor-
rowed of another of the servants, thick,
green veil, somewhat the worse for wear,
and then set out on her mission. No one,
in her disguise, would have recognized the
usually elegantly dressed heiress, Miss
Margaret Vernon.
Miss Vernon slipped out of the base
ment door and took her way to large store
on which was inscribed the name of Will.
liam Winsor in large gilt letters.
She entered, and after a while a clerk
spoke to her in q rough voice
''Well, what do you want %
81 want to get some work. she said in
low voice.
''We can give you some shirts
Anything"
''Can you sew well ?"
81 think so.''
eat any rate We will try you.'
A half dozen shirts were given to Miss
Vernon, and she was informed that if sat
.ilasdoae. she would be paid twelve
sss sha-carried home slip