Eaton weekly Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1866-1875, 1872-06-06

| day Tor the last two months had ir
| vain pleaded to be left free; he haG
| tighented the strings, Mrs. Byng keep
ing him up to the mark; he had de
clared should agree to the marriage Oh
leave the house. Well, the bird had
got free a little sooner than they ex
pected, that was all Freel But
whittier next?
At last that night, as every othe,
time, good or evil, must come to an
end. As soon as it was light my com
panion began to prepare for leaving the
train; l looked at his face it was kind
and good. Should 1 confide in him
and beg his help? No; henceforth ii
was for me to act alone. My rash step
| had forfeited the woman prerogative OF
| being taken care of; already punish
ment came in that thought However,
I plucked up courage to ask him to
take me to some place for breakfast
and then, when in cab after he had
hidden me adieu, felt as though my
one rambling friend was gone there
had been a sense of protection even in
his presence.
The need of action, however, recalled
me to myself. After driving a short
distance toward Temple-bar, I ordered
a cabman to take me again north, and
L Y,
from having been near at school, got
out and paid the man, and then taking
my bag in hand sought for some quiet,
inexpensive lodging. Finally, after a
weary walk, succeeded in getting a
cheap bedroom in a respectable street ;
after ordering some necessary things, l
sat down to consider the next step to
take. Certainly a suitable change of
dress would go and buy new things
at once. Then ! went to servants
registry Office, and put my name down
for a lady's maid place. Ny money
would not hold out long; thus might
gain an honest livelihood, thought in
my inexperience. Surely in the vor-
tex of London ones identity could be
lost
That night sleep came, and the whole
of the next day illness kept me pris-
oner. 1t was the reaction the mind,
though still master of the body, which
was weak and tender. At Ia t, shaken
and feeble, L succeeded in dressing.
Horror of horrors! on counting my
small stock of money L found it would
be barely sufficient to pay the expenses
of the past day. Hastily I put on my
bonnet and started in search of situa-
ton. 1, Beatrice Byngl A list was
given me, but at each house where l
applied the place had just been filed
up. Having parted with some of my
jewels, continued my search for a
situation, and at the end OF a few weeks
was sent to see q lady who was looking
out for a maid for her daughters. How
odd it felt to be shown into her pres
strangely, illness had made me ner-
vous after putting few general
questions the lady asked for my char
acter.
81 have not lived out BEFORE" an
swered.
"Then, at all events, young woman,
you can give me some reference ?'
"No, ma'am," said; "I can only
ask you to try me without any one
speaking for me; will do my utmost
to please YOU"
Really, this is most abominable OF
Mrs. Rogers sending me person with.
out any character pray 60 instantly
never have anything to do with such as
YOU"
A burning blush overspread my face
and withdrew; how got out of the
house 1 know not. That was the last
situation 1 would SEEK Utterly hope
less, and worn out in mind and body,
walked up and down the terraces and
squares, dreading to go back to my
lonely room, though fearing to be seen
and recognized even now. One thought
alone brought comfort far better this
life even than that of the betrothed oil
Mr.. Lomax.
1t seemed to my excited Imagination
that people put their heads out of theil
carriage windows to look after me;
wondered to myself if I looked as
strange and unreal as 1 felt. Walking
along caught glimpses of comfortable
kitchens, bright fires, and groups o.
merry servants. 1t was just dusk. Al
one house a carriage load of children
was being put down-one young mother
even came to the door to meet hel
child-there were joyous greetings and
much laughter. How the voices thrilled
And now fugitive, and almost starv
ing, 1 crept along. How good the smell
of dinner being cooked! had tasted
nothing that day. A peal of belll
struck my ear. Christmas Evel So il
was. Choking back my tears 1 hasten
ed on no Christmas greetings for me
no kiss, no presents, no joy. No one tt
take any care whether lived or died
With these thoughts crept back tc
my lodging; they came and told me
they were going out to family gather
ing.
Very WE'LL" 1 responded, "only le
me be-"
The landlady looked at me sorrow
fully, and saying that had best go tt
bed and get warm-I had no fire-anc
that she would send me up some tea
left me to my own sad thoughts.
Bitter tears came to my aid, my braiI
else had been crazed; repentance fo
my rash step began to make itself felt
conscience whisp pered that 1 had no
considered sufficiently its possible effec
upon others. After all, was not tn,
punishment merited? But then the al
ternative-marriage with man 1 des
pissed as well as hated Ah, well
Welcome death before that
The Christmas bells rang all tina
evening and far into the night. l sanl
into sort of trance; cold and hunge
alike were forgotten. 1 saw well-li
room, warmth and plenty prevailed
merry childish figures ran about, m,
father sat at the head of a well-covere'
table, around him were many brigh
faces; little girl dressed to represen
Christmas danced up to him, he tool
her up in his arms and kissed her brow
it was myself tried to sPeak-an