Daily Kennebec journal., 1870-04-11
atliseellanu.
THE DRESSMAKER'S. STORY.

:
her experience in what were called the
first families of New York would surprise
me, and it did.
81 have been out as dressmaker,n she
said, "for fifteen years. The first FIVE
years was imposed upon in every imagin-
able manner; but since then have manag-
ed very we'll got so at last that knew
how to fix women who put me off from
day to day and week TO week about my
money! went TO their husbands. Some
times it would make a fuss; but Lcouldn't
afford to work without compensation, and
was bound to get it somehow. | tell
you, though, | have pitied some women
/ terribly. Many of them, after contriving
all ways to procure a nice dress, cloak, or
some article of wearing apparel, after hav
ing pinched here and there, and, in some
cases, compelled to actually lie in regard
to household expenses, to procure the nec-
essary trimmings, the funds would be
completely exhausted before had finish
ed my work, and the result was no pay
After good many losses and heart-aches
/ finally adopted plan which has worked
very well. Whenever went to a new
family always informed the lady of the
house that my price was so much per day;
and, to save trouble, l insisted, in every
instance. upon being paid each evening.
l made up my mind that woman who
could not make it convenient to pay me
for one days work would naturally find
some difficulty in settling for dozen.
! Goodness" she continued, as l ventured
to remark that | should suppose one could
tell by appearances, and<he acknowledged
social position of the families who employ
ed her, whether they could be relied on or
q III, ~kc c,.o,,
Wilton carpets. full length mirrors, vel
esty. let me tell you. Why" said she,
''you know Mr--, don't you?" men
tioning gentleman extensively known in
political and literary circles.
"Oh, yes; well, replied.
Then you know what kind of an es-
tablishment he keeps. Mrs. - en-
gagged me-or, rather, requested any SER
vices for month. stated my terms be-
fore took my things of. She laughed
in my face.
"Why," said she, show ridiculous |
shouldn't suppose YOU would find any en-
ploynent at all il you are rs suspicious of
everybody as this"
''After long talk agreed to work for
her by the week-that, is to receive my
pay at the end of each week. My break
fast at this establishment consisted of two
slices Of stale bread and a cup of coffee
you could see forty fathoms in at noon,
two more slices of bread, two potatoes,
and sometimes piece of corned beef or
ham; and for supper, what do you think?
"a bowl of oatmeal Cruel and couple
of crackers. My meals were served to
me in the sewing room. had no means
of knowing whether the family lived in
this manner or not. Well, the week
came to an end at last. and waited for
my lady to settle-having made up my
mind, after receiving my money, that /
would inform her that should not come
again, and why. My stomach was SO
faint before night that l was all OF trem-
BILE. Seven O'Clock, eight o'clock, and no
one came near me. l finally rang the bell
and servant informed me that Mr. and
NIrs--had gone to Staten Island. to
remain over the Sabbath. Monday MORN
ing was there at the usual time. Mrs.
--arrived about eight o'clock. She
sailed into the sewing room, where sat
with my bonnet and shawl Oh.
why, what is the matter, that you are
not at work ?" she inquired.
"'You did not settle with me, as You
agreed, Saturday evening" replied and
am waiting for my money!
"'Oh, pshawr she laughed, what u
particular little body you are to be sure.
Why, child, what do you think-that l
mean to cheat you out of your honest
wages?'
81 don't think anything about it, Mad
am answered, beginningto to grow vexed
with the cool impudence of her manner;
Il never speculate on such subjects. You
agreed to pay me Saturday evening for
my weeks work you did not fulfil your
contract, and now hope you will see the
necessity of attending to it at once.'
"'Well, weu,' she replied, go on with
your work, and will make it all right
when Mr.-comes home.
"Now what could l doP If Irefllsed to
comply the probabilities were that she
would never pay me cent; and if l did
rs she desired might get my money
although confess it looked exceedingly
dubious So | seated myself again at
my work, and went on with the old pro-
pramme, or, rather, bill of fare--stale-
bread. potatoes and oatmeal Six O'Clock
arrived; Madam did not make her appear
ance. Madam, | was informed, after
ringing again for servant, had been out
for more than an hour, and would not be
back until late--somebody in upper tendon
havinga reception
There is nothing for you to do she
continued, but to 60 home, and it was y
bitter pill to swallow, can tell YOU for
needed the money badly, on account Of
having sister down sick with the inham-
matory rheumatism, and while l was out
to work was compelled to hire some one
to take care of her. When l went home
that night had not fifty cents in the world.
We were out of coal, out of candles, out
of everything, and my poor little sister
groaning with pain. hadn't single
friend of whom could borrow dollar.
A silver ladle-which was the only rem
nant of past luxury, and which had kept
through all reverses--I hid under my
shawl. so that my sister needn't be the
wiser for it, and marched to the nearest
pawbrokers shop. received five dollars
on it. and yellow ticket, which made
NV hlood tuln cold in my veins tn Look nj