Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1869-10-14

wish to see whether they will be rejected
as poor work
Yes, Miss Vernon, [ will take pains
with them
Three days later the poor woman re-
turned with the work completed Miss
Vernon paid her for them, and requested
her to call the next day.
Nancy said the heiress, after her pro-
tege had departed, L shall wish to bor-
row your old clothes again.
Certainly. Miss, said Nancy, If it is
not ashamed you are to appear in such
miserable rags
No one will know me, Nancy
Sure, Miss, you can take them when
ever you like
/ don't think I shall need them again,
Nancy, but thank you all the same
Not long afterwards Miss Vernon, in
her shabby disguise, entered the estab
lishment of William Winsor, with the
bundle of shirts under her arm.
She walked up to the counter and laid
them down.
What have you got there?' demanded
pert young clerk.
Some work, sir said Miss Vernon
very humb!y.
We'll, why don't you open the bundle ?
said the young man, picking his teeth
with his knife.
Miss Vernon did so
The young man deigned to tumble over
the shirts, and sneeringly glancing at
them carelessly.
Shocking shocking!' he said.
What's the matter, sir ?
They're wretchedly sewed. That's
what's the matter. How 10 you expect
we are going to sell such shirts as these ?
I'm sure | thought they were we'll
done,' said Miss Vernon.
you thought, did your repeated the
clerk hooking her. Well, think diff
ferently, 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 [ do?' asked Miss Yer
non, in seeming distress.
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
These are done WE'LL said Miss YER
non, savagely, snatching the bundle from
the counter, and [ will show them to
your employer
To the Indignation of the clerk, who
was not used to such independence in the
poor woman who worked for the establish
ment, Miss Vernon took the shirts to an
other part of the counter where she saw
William Winsor, himself
Mr.. Winsor,' she said your clerk
will not pay me for these shirts. He says
they are not we'll done
Mr.. Winsor took one up, and pretend
ed 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 I tell you So" said the clerk
triumphantly." Now young woman, how
much did you make by that operation 2
''More than you think, perhaps" said
Miss Vernon, quietly.
''Do you want any more work."
''No l don't wish any MORE" she
answered, coldly.
"Oh you are on your high horse art
you Well you may be glad to get worl
some days, when you can't have it."
That evening was the one which Will
lam Winsor usually spent with his betroth
ed. When he was introduced, he went
forward warmly, as usual, to greet Mis-
| Vernon.
She drew back coldly, and did not Offer
her hand to grasp his.
What is the matter, Margaret ?" he
asked, surprised and startled. Wha
have done to entitle me to such recep
ton 2
My hand has taken yours for the last
time, Mr.. Winsor,' said Margaret.
Good Heavens what is the meaning
of this ? Margaret, explain yourself
cannot understand it.
I cannot take the hand of one wht
grows rich by defrauding poor women gu
Of their scanty earnings
who says this of me ? Some ont
has been slandering me. Confront me-
with my accuser There is some mistake
here
1 will do as you desire. Wait just fv'
minutes
Miss Vernon left the room, and soor
re-entered in her disguise.
The young man strobe up to the woman
angrily.
Are you the one vino has been Sian
dering me to Miss Vernon? he demanded
I told her the truth.
Hank, ye young woman, he said In
low voice. There was mistake. | viii
make it up to you richly. | will Civ
you ten dollars on the spot. and all thu
work you want at double rates, if yot
will tell Miss Vernon it was all mistake.
Too late, Mr.. Winsor, said the veilec
figure, throwing up her veil, and showing
the contemptuous face of Margaret Vernon
Your bride is offered in vain. GooC
evening sir
COMPOUNDED and astonished, William
Winsor found his way to the door, ant
has never ventured to enter the house O
the heiress since. He has paid for hi
meanness ia his own coin.