New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-08-16
HOW WENT OUT TO SERVICE.
BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.

When I was eighteen / wanted something
to do had tried teaching for two years,
and hated it; had tried sewing, and could
not earn my bread in that way. at the cost
Of health; tried story writing and got i've
dollars for stories which now bring hun
dred; had thought seriously of going upon
the stage, but certain highly respectable
relatives were so shocked at the more idea
that relinquished my dramatic aspira-
1iOns.
"What shall do 2" was still the question
that perplexed me. l was ready to work,
eager to be Independent, and too proud to
endure patronage. But the right task
seemed hard TO find, and my bottled ener-
gies were fermenting in way that threat
ened an explosion before long.
NV hOnOred mother was city mission
ary that winter, and not only served the
clamorous poor, but often found it in her
power to help decayed gentlefOlk quietly
placing them where they could earn their
bread without the entire sacrifice of taste
and talent which makes poverty 80 hard
for such to bear. Knowing her tact and
skill people often came to her for c0mpan
ions, hOusekeepers, and that class OF the
needy who do not make known their wants
through an intelligence office.
One day, as l sat dreaming splendid
dreams, while l made a series of little petit
coats out Of the odds and ends sent in for
peared, in search Of q companion for his
sister. He possessed an impressive nose, a
fine flow of language, and pair of large
hands, encased in black kid gloves. With
much waving of these sOmbre members,
Mr.. X. set forth the delights awaiting the
happy soul who should secure this home.
He described it as a sort of heaven Oh earth.
''There are books, pictures, flowers, piano,
and the best of society,"" he said. ''This
person will be one Of the family in all re-
spects, and only required to help about the
lighter work, which my sister has done her.
self hitherto, but is now a martyr to neu-
ralgia, and needs q gentle friend to assist
her"
My mother, who never lost her faith in
human nature spite of many impOstures,
believed every word, and quite beamed with
benevolent interest as she listened and tried
to recall some needy young woman to whom
this charming home would be blessing. l
also innocently thought:
"That sounds inviting. l like hOusewOrk,
and can do it well. l should have time to
enjoy the books and things l love, and
D. is not far away from home. Suppose
try it,"
So, when my mother turned to me, ask.
ing if could suggest any one, became as
red as poppy and said abruptly:
"Only myself"
"DO you really mean it," cried my aston
ished parent.
~ really do, if Mr.. R. thinks should
suit" was my steady reply, as partially
Obscured my crimson countenance behind
little flannel skirt, still redder.
The Rev. Josephus gazed upon me with
the benign regard which bachelor of five
and thirty may accord a bashtul damsel Of
eighteen. A smile dawned upon his cOun-
tenance, ''sicklied DER with the pale cast of
thought" or dyspepsia; and he softly fold
ed the black gloves, as if about to bestOw q
blessing, as he replied, with emphasis:
II am sure you would, and we should
think ourselves most fortunate if we could
for my poor sister"
'Then I'll try it," responded the impetu-
Ous maid.
1--WE will talk it over little first, and let
You know tomorrow, sir" put in my pru-
dent parent, adding, as Mr.. B. arose:
"What wages do you paya" i
my dear madam, in q case like this let
us not use such words as those. Anything
you may think proper we shall gladly give.
The labor is very light, for there are but
three of us and our habits are of the sim
plest sort. / am a frail reed and may break
at any moment; 20 is my sister, and my
aged father can not long remain; therefore,
money is little to us, and any one VINO
comes to lend her youth and strength to our
the end, assure you" And, with another
pensive smile, q farewell wave of the i'm
pressive gloves, the Reverend Josephus
bowed like well sweep and departed.
my dear, are you in earnestP asked my
mother.
"Of course l amp. Why not try this ex-
perimenta 1t can but fail, like all the
Others"
81 have no objection; only fancied you
were rather too proud for this sort OF
thing"
II am too proud to be idle and depend
emit, ma am. I'll scrub floors and take in
washing first. do Homework at home for
love; why not do it abroad for money! l
ike it better than teaching. 1t is healthier |
han sewing and surer than writing So |
Why not try ita"
at is going out to service, you know,
;hough you are called companion. How
lOes that suitT
II don't care. Every sort Of work that is |
,aid for il service; and don't mind being |
if l can do it well. may find
I Ia nv mission to take care of neuralgia old
adies and lackadaisical clergymen. 1t does
ot sound exciting, but it's better than
othing." / answered, with . sigh; for it
,sa rather sudden downfall to give up
eine a Siddops and become Betcinder.
How INV sisters laughed when they heard
,e new plan! But they SOON resigned them
,lves, sure OF fun, for LUIS advontures wore
,e standing joke of the family. " course,
le highly respectable relatives neia up
leir hands in holy horror ct the ioee OF
,e Of the clan degrading herself ~ gCne