Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1869-10-14
Seteft Story.
The Disguised Heiress.
BY JENNIE LANE.

BY JENNIE LANE.
Miss Vernon sat thoughtfully at her
window plunged in deep thought. This
need be scarcely wondered at, for the
question upon which she was pondering
affected her nearly.
She was an beiress, having come into
possession, at her majority, of fifty thous-
and dollars. She was prepossessing in
her appearance, and this, as was nataral-
ly. as usual, was considerably exaggerated
brought her suitors in plenty. Among
them she made choice of William Winsor
and in few weeks they were to be
married.
William was engaged in the wholesale
clothing business, and had the reputation
of an active, sharp man of business. He
was of good appearance, and so far as
could be judged, was good match fol-
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
she had been employed in making hoop
skirts at twelve cents a piece for whole
sale dealers-that after making dozen
and carrying them to the store, she had
been roughly told that they were spoiled
and that nothing would be paid her fol-
the work but that she might have some
more, if she would agree to make them
better She added that this was one o!
the small ways in which the firm made
money out Of poor women, by pretending
that their work was unsatisfactory done
when really no fault could reasonably be
found
The sum. small as it was, of which she
had been defrauded, was all important te
her, as it represented nearly a weeks
work.
Only a dollar and forty-four cents fol
! weeks work = exclaimed Miss Vernon
in dismay.
That's ALL said the poor woman.
How, then, do you live {?
1T can hardly be called living. I'll
just barely keeping body and soul togeth
err said the poor woman.
And who is this extortioner that frs
offers you starvation wages then defraudl
you of them /? asked Miss Vernon, very
indignantly.
William Winsor'
'Who?' demanded Miss Vernon, firm
ly, quickly.
William Winsor'
L can hardly believe this. 1 know tht
gentleman
1t is true, and if you will investigate
the matter you will find it to be So
L will investigate the matter. Here
is five dollars for your present needs. =
Come here tomorrow at this time and
may have some work for you TO do
The poor woman departed, invoking
blessings upon the heiress.
L will look into this said Margare
Vernon, resolutely, and if it proves true
the engagement between William Winso1
and myself shall be broken. [ will no
give myself to such man.
Nancy said Miss Vernon, the mex
morning to the cham bermaid, have yor
an old dress and shabby cloak and bonnet
you can lend me?'
L have got some that are SO poor tina
| am not going to wear them again. sale
Nancy, surprised at such an inquiry.
will you lend them to me?
of course, Miss; but what would the
likes of you want with such old clothes
"A little fun, that is all, said Mis-;
Vernon. I am going to disguise myself
and see if I can't deceive somebody
With this explanation Nancy was con
tent and produced the clothes.
Miss Vernon put them on and in add
ton, borrowed of another of the servants
a thick green veil, somewhat the wors
for wear, and then set out on her mission
No one. in her disguise would have rec
ognized the usually elegant and richl,
dressed heiress, Miss Margaret Vernon.
Miss Vernon slipped out of the base
ment door and took her way to larg'
store, on which was inscribed the name o
William Winsor in large gilt letters.
She entered, and after a while clerl
spoke to her in rough voice
We'll, what do you want ?
! i want to get some work. she said, il
low voice.
I'VE can give you some shirts
Anything.
Can you sew well?
i think So
AT any rate, we will try you
A half dozen shirts was given to Mis-
Vernon, and she was in formed that if sat
isfactorily done, she would be paid twelv
cents piece. These she carried home
slipping il at the back door,
| About two hours later, the poor woman
called.
Here are some shirts for you to make
said Miss Vernon.
| why, they are the same as | have bee