The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-03-20


lady to the educated, self-reliant girls of
New England, who wore glasses and
kne W what''positive philosophy"meant.
For half moment she was inclined to
favor the Judges notion of adopting this
born aristocrat into her family. But the
momentary spasm of generosity passed,
as all such spasms did pass with this
worshipper of self and ease.
''Then, my dear, do not see that our
talk can be of any use. Without edu-
cation what position could you expect
to fill ?''
al have my lands" said Judith. 81
can work"
"Work! Can you make dresses, or
bonnets, or run a sewing-machine ?"
"I never saw a sewing-maehine; and
cannot make dresses or bonnets; but
can learn, if have the opportunity
answered Judith, hopefully.
"Could you cook dinner, or take
care of children? for that about fills
the list of pursuits open TO women who
cannot teach"
Judith shrank little from such close
questioning; though having determined
to know the worst for herself, she an
swered: a-
81 could not compete with your cook.
In fact, 1 know nothing of civilized
housekeeping, this being the first city
house ever was in. / could take care
of children believe, for l love Them"
she said, thinking of Katie.
Mrs. Brazee knit her handsome black
brows in real perplexity. This total in
efficiency was something she had not
been prepared for. To be bored with
having to see the School Superintend-
ent, or hunt up some acquaintance who
wanted a governess, was about what she
had made up her mind to- But child's
nurse! Was that what she had dressed
up her young lady for? Besides, Mrs.
Stewart evidently thought Miss Miles
ought to go into society and marry. A
pretty predicamentI
But Judith, listening for her fate, did
not hear these discouraging thoughts.
She heard, instead, the well-modulated
voice of her hostess saying:
"My dear Miss Miles, yours is the
most peculiar case have ever known,
and requires consideration. / am sorry
I cannot give more time to it. But as
have to go out this morning 1 will see
what can be done,n and with sweeping
movement of her regal garments the
stately lady quilted the apartment bid
ding Judith "amuse herself"
Judith's way of amusing herself was
characteristic. 1t was TO take herself to
task for having suffered herself to be
again moved like puppet by her
friends Why had she been such fool
as to part with her money? Why had
she not seen that S. street acquaint-
ances would be a disadvantage to her,
and gone of her own accord TO some
humble abode where the necessity for
work-any kind of work-would be at
once comprehended, and where her ig-
norance would not have been so notice
able? Yet would these humber peo-
pie, having their own living to make,
be willing to help her? Casting about
in her mind for some possible way out
of her present embarrassment, the
thought occurred to her of Tim Parker's
wife. She would not know of her de-
ficiencies, and would probably let her
come and help her about the cabin, TAX
ing care of the troops of white-headed
young-ones. For moment this idea
seemed a feasible one, and agitated by
an impetuous desire to be up and doing,
she abandoned the great hollow of a
chair, and paced up aud down the room.
In passing the tall pier-glass she
caught her own reflection and paused to
contemplate it. Did that girl look
ing at her from the mirror, with the
exquisite features, the smooth complex
ion, the elegant, silken-clad figure, and
general appearance of fashionable use
lessness, want to go to live with Mrs
Tim Parker? She laughed in her face.
No, that would not do. Besides, she
had no money for the journey, and did
not know where to find the Parkers il
she had. How silly to think of such a
thing! a
But she must not leave off trying to
find something to do. A great, tall,
healthy girl to be good for nothing!
Then it flashed over her to go and seek
work for herself So she ran quickly up
stairs, got her hat and shawl and hast
ened into the street without giving her
self time TO be afraid. However, she
was very much afraid, fancying every
one she met, and who stared at her
beauty, guessed her trouble and her
trepidation. Drawing a veil over her
face to hide her secret, she almost fed
before the scourge of her desperate re-
solve, all down the long street until she
came to Kearney. Here she fell into a
lettering step to take time to think
and observe. The most prominent
places for women, apparently, were the
millinery stores. Passing two or three
before she could make up her mind to
enter, at last she determined to try
the next one she came to. 1T was a
small shop, kept by French Jewess
with sharp features and glittering black
eyes. Judith timidly made her errand
known.
''Non," replied the Madame. ave
sell you ponnet If you wish. We nc
wants any potty to make ponnets," and
Judith turned ouicklv awav