New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-11-27
MIss DRAKE'S ENTERPRISE.

own showing" better was NOT to be found
either in the goodly city Of Hubbubble or
it's surroundings.
It is one great thing in life to be satisfied
with ones self; and Dorothca's air, to
plainly indicated that she
had already arrived at that acme. Fur
ther she had imbued others with her own
ideas, not by selfadulation, for the little
milliner was modest, as regards words, but
she had a way Of setting flower, adjusting
a bow and plating a ribbon, finishing of
with a toss of the head which said more
effectively than words, "Show me the
woman that can do better than that"
Yes, she was satisfied with herself and
her business; for the latter was steadily
increasing, and she was able to live com
fOrtably, pay her help better than others in
the trade, and still add to her bank account
something every month.
According to newspaper accounts, you
arc to have a rival soon, in the new six
story building opposite said Jessy Will
ton-a rOguish girl, who liked to get up
what she called an excitement in the work
room.
"a what - fairly screamed Miss Drake
thrown quite off her guard by this piece Of
astounding news.
"a rival The papers are full Of his ad-
vertisements. It's the rich Jones, that
made so much Ivy gold speculation in war
time; but that doesn't satisfy him; he's
going into the wOmen's clothing business on
a grand SCALE"
"Thank Providence, none Of my custom
ers will patronizc him, from principle; and.
besides, they never buy ready-made gar
ments.' Miss Drake concluded this speech
with becoming toss Of the head. Then
she picked up copy Of the morning Specu-
lator, and glanced over the page Of adver-
tisements. For a moment only, her heart
sank within her as she read, made to or
der, every article pertaining to lady's
wardrobe, and at reduced prices. Grand
opening, the fifteenth"
"WeiL we shall see about this" said she,
dropping the paper and going into the store
to wait on customer.
No sooner had Miss Drake disappeared
than Jessy said: 60 didn't tell her out of
spite. But, YOU know, she is always saying
that she would like to see a rival Of the OPP
posite sex that talent and energy could not
route and thought it a good time to let her
know that she will have to practice what
she breaches. o,o ,.s,,. so.,,
their advertisements BEFORE" said Lucy
Wade.
~ expect we shall see grand display on
Monday said third. 81 know Of some
girls that are going into Jones' work-rOOln,
and they say his dresses and bonnets are
elegant"
I'D be ashamed to work for Jones OF any
otherman in the millinery or dress-making
business" said Lucy Wade" as the girls
were preparing to leave, for it was Saturday
night, and the six o'clock bell had just
struck.
$50 would l; but there are plenty Of others
that would not, it seems, for he has over
hundred in his wOrk-roOm already" said
Jessy Wilton.
On the following Monday, Miss brakes
establishment was, as usual, open to the
public, but the little lady herself seemed i'll
at ease. The girls were left to themselves
in the wOrk-loonl. for the shutters were
drawn up from the highly decorated front
of the monster building opposite, and Do
rOthea seated herself where she could OBJ
tain view of the interior of the store. In
the centre of the deep show window revOlved
figure dressed, from bonnet to boot, in the
latest Partisan style-at least SO said the
placard.
Spectators soon began gathering in
crowds around the window, and before
noon the store was thronged with custom
ers, many Of whom had formerly patron
lied Miss Drake.
Young ladies and misses went there,
chaffering over the various under-garinents
WHICH dTc uCCcsSdlt ~ ltuN . tOACttCs
with snObbish clerks. DorOthea Drake saw
it all, and was astonished and indignant.
To tell the truth, her store might have been
closed all day so far as business was con-
cerned, for they had actually done nothing
s'TIl be mistress of the situation vet"
said the little milliner. as she ordered the
blinds up. Her plan was formed, and she
appealed to Mrs. Wolf. a widowed friend,
who had mint of money lying useless in
the bank, to furnish her with capital.
The widow listened to DOrOthea's project,
but raised her hands in horror at the alb
surdity, and exclaimed: "DOrOthea Drake,
l think you must have lost your senses.
You, woman, to harbor the thought of
erecting six-stoly store. and going against
big company like the Joneses! / should
do wrong to give you a dollar to squander
in such way. You see. times have
changed, and the small milliners must give
in to the big ones"
"That is to say. the seven kline in the
shape of Jones & Co.. and other large firms,
who are dipping into business heretofore
conducted by women, are to devOur us, and
we must submit to the swallowing without
resistance" said DOrOthea.
"Since the world began might has con-
quered right, and, however women may
rant and rave, l don't look for speedy
SuuASC. 4hC UCSt, III AuSt Vic UnIy AOA
you to do in my opinion. is to leave what
money you have in the bank, sell off your
goods, give up your store, and take a posi-
ton under Jones e. Co., or some other man.
milliner, ON salary. You might command
good wages, should judge, from your ex-
perience."
After delivering her opinion, Mrs. Wolf
smoOthed the folds of her Grape robe, and
settled back in her easy chair.
", g. IL L.,
turns. She looked searchingly into the
calm face of the widow, and asked: as that
your advice to me, Mrs. Wolff"
at is; and you will do well to follow it,
child"
..Don't call me child. Iarriyed at years
of discretion long ago. As to your advice,
l would not follow it to save me from the
poor house; for, however may fall short OF
the end to which hope to attain. l know
shall, with Gods help, do good to some poor
struggling woman"
Disappointed, but not disheartened, Do
rothea made second call on wealthy lady,
and with the same result. "One more re.
buff and I'll try the opposite SEX" she said
to herself as she made her third call. Mrs
Amy was at home, aud Dorothea was shown
into the plain parlOr. As the tall gaunt
figure rose to receive her, and DOrOthea look
ed up into the hard gray eyes, she felt the
utter hOpelessness Of the appeal: yet it was
made, and those cold eyes rested as calmly
on Dorothea's face as though she was speak
ing the truth when she said. am sorry
have no money at my disposal. If YOU
scheme is really good one, there are plenty
who will furnish the capital.
For minute Dorothea looked her steadi
ly in the face, then said: ''What if this
night God should require your soul Of you
Would not those who come after YOU find
money lying useless less, in your we well a
light on the dark path from this to the flu
ture " Orld. Remember this Jane Amy; re
member my words"
| Tho oh,