The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1873-10-31
EUEIOE OGDEN.

go! for higher sphere of usefulness !
feel such an unnatural longing to do
something and be something that is
worthy Of more than a passing notice;
something that will give my name
place among the gifted ones of our ma
tion and win for me bright crown in
heaven. Surely am capable of better
things. What 1 daily accomplish
cooking, washing dishes, and chamber
work-are all well enough, and very es-
sential no doubt; but I have nobler
aims and higher aspirations. 1 grant
that it is pleasant duty, and one that
do not mean to neglect, to train our
two little olive branches in q way that
will be an honor to their parents, but
ought my own household to claim all
my attention? Are there not others to
whom I owe something? Have l no
talent hidden in a napkin? But still,
what time have for any more than
already do I am altogether Overtasked
with that kind of work, too, against
which my feelings rebel. II 1 were rich
now, might hire that done, and en-
ploy my time in-what? What am I
capable of doing? Alas! my education
has been sadly neglected, and / fear
am unfit for anything but mere house
keeper; and am too old, if had the
means, TO fit myself for anything more
useful than my present occupation. But
am I really too old? Let me see.
was twenty-five last birthday. Old |?
why, what might not yet accomplish
if l We're not married, and did not have
these two blessed babies But husband
and babies need be no drawback. These
are a still greater incentive to my work
will try by the aid of the kind Father
in heaven to be content with my lot.
And should there be no path open for
me to earthly fame, Lord, grant that thy
erring child may, by quiet deeds of love
in her own little world, win for herself
q bright crown in heaven"
Thus soliloquised Mrs. Ogden one
bright summer morning, as she cleared
away the breakfast things, and put her
little sitting room IN order.
This same Eunice Ogden was no ordi.
nary woman. Being naturally very
sensitive from childhood, she had evel
been yearning for love and sympathy
Her mother died when she was only
eleven years old-just old enough to ap
preciate her loss. For while she LIVED
with a married sister, who was bringing
up family of small children of her own
and consequently did not have mucl
surplus petting for lonely little Eunice
After a few years her father married ;
widow with several small children, anC
then OF course she was placed under th'
care OF a step-mother, who, although s
very kind, good woman, had no very
exalted idea Of rearing girls.
Eunice passed her time as most girl:
do in the country. She was sent regu.
larly TO the district school, where she
acquired tolerable knowledge of tht
ordinary branches Of the English Ian.
guage. This and nothing more. Hav.
ing natural taste for reading, and ther,
being no one who was sufficiently in.
terested in her welfare, aud, at the sam,
time capable Of selecting reading mos
suitable for her, she fed her taste on fie
tion and romance. She often felt ;
strong desire TO live a better life. Sb,
lOnged to be famous Of in the world O
literature. But here the lack of sufii
cient education stood in her way. He