The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1869-08-07
A WOMAN Halter.

Aauatn6 1dVatie s, NO. III Gearl street.
A pair of slender hands turned the pa.
per over, a pair of brown eyes wandered
up and down the long column of " Wants,
until they rested upon this
The very place. mamma" said Viola
Burnett And forthwith tho little hat aud
neat mantle were donned land soon she
was walking in the direction of Pearl
street.
81 dare say that there have been many
before me-" she Thought But. surely,
there is no harm in trying, when mamma
aud need money so much aud its COM
ing all depends upon me-"
Il did not take long to bring her to No.
III Pearl street, and she paused before
the glass door to collect herself. There
was but one lady within, aud she felt
much relieved, for she expected to see
crowd of eager applicants, among whom
her chance would be but slight; aud, to
find It all quiet. and no one to face except
the aforesaid lady engaged in looking over
some boxes in the pear, was pleasure
unexpected
She entered and the lady came forward
She was not very young, perhaps thirty.
with pretty, kindly face; and when Vi
ola madO known her Orrand she gave q
little laugh, and said, dear me am
delighted! Such n string of applicants as
have had, and all of them sour-looking
old maids. We should not have Eve Gus
toners in week. Are you experienced ?"
" Yes; have worked for year in the
establishment of Mrs. Latouehc."
"A All her name Is well known and her
work much admired am sure you will
suit me- When will you begin ?"
" Now, if you wish am anxious to
begin as soon as you can find work for
me-"
"Do begin at once; and, to give us
q specimen of your work, take this hat,
and trim it. You must know, my dear
Miss
"Buruett."
" All, yes, Miss Burnett, that have
brother, who is, in fact, the owner of this
establishment, and it is to him that you
must look for directions for to tell the
truth. am soon to be married %
Viola nodded, aud allowed the French
woman to 60 on.
"I am a widow, and have lived two
long years in a state of single wretched-
ness, and have now resolved to again mar
~. This fact, you must understand,
brings you directly under the attention
of NJ. Paul Layalle, who, by the way, l
must inform you, is q thorough woman
hat.r"
/" Is he old ?" asked Viola.
t' No, be is young; but he so utterly
despises women that verify believe he
would discharge yoa were you to ask a
question beyond your business. He is po-
lite, for al that, aad uaay offer you the at
stention due TO a lady; but beg you to
refnse every offer; for if you do not, you
will net long remain here"
The reqEest was strange one, but, new
ertheless, easily granted and she prom
ised to do all within her power TO retain
her situation.
It was late in the afternoon before the
gentleman arrived, and Viola only caught
glimpse of a tall handsome man then
bent her eyes resolutely upon her work.
q My brother, Miss Burnett :"
Miss Burnett raised her beautiful eyes
for moment, and then went on with her
work.
"Do you fancy this work, Miss Bur
nett?" he asked
Yes, sir"
Il am glad, for Adele is hard to please.
Do you think you will be content to re.
main 90
Yes, sir"
The gentleman turned away, evidently
thinking iC useless to try to engage her
In conversation, and she went soberly on
with her work.
It rained when the hour came for Vic.
las return home, and she stood moment
at the door, looking out in the dark, wet
streets.
Miss Burnett" said Dir. Lavalle, si al
low me to see you home under my um-
brella"
Viola was surprised. Not only because
he was rich man and she poor mill
ner, and she wondered at his offer
No, thank you" she replied car
go alone"
He had not time to repeat the offer be-
fore she was out and half way down the
street.
1t was darker than she had supposed
and the rain fell in torrents; but she drew
her mantle tightly around her, and Will
bowed head walked swiftly along. BE
fore she reached the end Of the street
there came sound of sharp, quick sic D.
upon the pavement, and Paul Lavalle cam,
up beside her.
OF course you think me very bold
but prefer to run the risk of incurrine
your displeasure rather than see you en-
danger your health by exposing yourself
on such Eight as this"
He drew her hand within his arm, anC
together they went to Mrs. Burnettl
door. Viola allowed him to carry on tbt
conversation, answering only when direct
ly questioned, and then In monosylabIes
She could not help thinking, however
what pleasant, agreeable gentleman b,
was, and half repented her promise Il
madame; but she managed to keep it, anC
bade him formal good night, with coo
little speech Of thanks for his kindness
She had no desire to lose her situation
but she was almost inclined to disbeliay,
madame's story. Well, it might be trde
and if so, woman haters were .certainl
agreeable creatures.
The work became pleasure since dali
the establishment was frightened witt
the owners presence; but Viola neve
forgot madame's warning. It was all i
vain that he brought fruits and flower.