The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-12-06
OUR HIRED GIRL.

We were nearly worked to death whel
Ellen informed us that she would stay n,
longer where all the "trundle bed trash ,
took it upon themselves to "boss he
round" So, though l assured her I'd lie
mother do the ordering, she gathered W
her dry goods and her dignity, and de
parted.
What was to become Of us? Grace wa
to be married in just three weeks, ant
such a confusion of silks and muslins, LACE
and flowers, purple and fine linen as there
was in the room up stairs, you never saw.
So much to be done in the way of sew
ing, to say nothing of the baking for the
wedding supper, for Grace had pretty fine
ideas how she wanted things done,) and nc
one to do it but mother and l.
"Well," said brother Willie, 81 sup
pose it'll be my fate to start off in searcl
of another girl, though where to go I've
not the remotest idea. This section OF
country has been pretty we'll secured, and
a girl who is not too 'stuckup to work
out is hard TO be found.''
"lf that is the case, what is the use OF
trying ~ said mamma, 81 guess you and
l can get along, Flora
"No," said I, "you'd be down sick,
and it's bad enough to have Grace 60 and
leave us, without having you kill yourself"
"fm not going to kill myself" said
mamma quickly, "you speak as though
were. But why don't you advertise for a
girlo'
"Capital ~ said I, running for writing
materials. "Here goes - and l hastily
produced the following:
WANTED-A girl to do general house
work in private family in the country.
One who is not too fine to be "bossed,'
preferred. Apply at Gazette Office.
Will and papa had quite laugh when
l asked them to take the advertisement to
town and make arrangements to bring the
girl whom l was sure was in existence
somewhere. and would answer, out to our
house as soon as she called at the office.
lou IL haFo JIG Plodsule VI scelHS
something of your own composition in the
newspaper for your pains, and that is ALL
you may be sure said papa.
But l had great faith in the success of
my venture. This was Monday; the paper
was issued on Friday, and there stood the
advertisement that was to bring us "per-
feet jewel of girl
The next Monday morning, mamma had
a sick headache, and while l was busy
over the washtub in the kitchen, singing
q" Put Me in My Little Bed" (being the
most lackadaisical thing could think Of
a buggy drove to the door, and neatly
dressed young lady came in and informed
me that she had seen our advertisement in
the paper, and would like the situation if
agreeable to US. Her quiet dignity quite
upset me. was not prepared for this.
A tall, slender girl, with delicate pink,
sea-sheli complexion, such masses of gol-
den-blonde hair, and, strange to say, large
black eyes, shaded by lashes and brows
There was the unmistakable air of lady
about her, and wondered if I should ever
want or dare to boss" her.
l concluded her services would be agree
able, SO l showed her to her room, and
Will and the hired man carried UP her
trunk.
In five minutes she came down, attired
in neat brown calico dress, with pretty
cambria ruffie on her neck, and announced
herself ready to begin operations. Won
lered if those slender white hands knew
how to do anything, but was not left very
long in doubt. All that day, Louise Hale
and wo. ked together, now in the kitchen,
now hanging up clothes, now in the dining
room, and finally, in the afternoon toilets,
sewing in the cool north chambers with
Grace. We talked of nothing but our
work, and though she seemed willing to
do anything that was to be done; she made
no pretensions of being over-anxious to
make herself useful. ! was astonished at
he ease and dizziness with which she turn
ed off the work.
I" How do you suppose she could ever be
at such work." said Willie. 81 never
was more taken back than when saw this
handsome creature MASKING potatoes when
came in to dinner.
Well" said Grace, g it is a mystery to
me-"
81 believe I'd lock my door tonight"
said Will teasingly. He was always laugh
ing at our cowardice about strangers in the
house.
We were standing at the garden gate,
Under the weeping willow, Grace and Will
lie and |, feeling little sad at the thought
If being so soon separated.
had been feeling half angry at Leslie
Clare for coming to take away our darling,
out, tonight, as ! saw her 10 .le pale
Moonlight looking SO sweet and pretty, |
should have been more angry with him if
le had not loved her and wanted to carry
ler of.
tnrn.ed from her beauty to 90 to the
house, and there on the upper piazza stood
he "hired girl,'' her arm embracing the
pillar, her side fa2e tarnel 10 us, the sweet
ST smile curled her full red lips and she
eemed thinking of something very pleas
mt and amusing.
" She has never come here from neces- |
ity; she has come from choice, and with
ome deep reason" said Grace, impress
lively.
"For two dollars : Yee4, / imagine"
AID Willie loftily as we stepped into the
louse.
The wedding preparations went on
now. Mamma recovered from
Ter head ache. Louise took entire charge
# the kitchen and dining-roo and invar- |
ably helped us with the sewing III the long |
ttornools. She was an invaluable girl.
One afternoon Leslie came over and |
'rought the d" Innocents Abroad" then
ust out, and read aloud to us as we sewed. |
After tea we returned to our work and !
he book, with which we were delighted.
The sun went down IN ap,snier. The |
'o2I .4iti tpe work were finally laid aside,
nd we found ourselves in one of those !