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


together with the other articles which
constitute complete outdoor toilet for
the metropolis. Judith had been rather
dismayed at the cost, but was urged
both 10y pride and timidlty to allow
her limited means to be squandered
without protest. Her own judgment
was against it, but since her hostess ap-
peared to think it indispensable that
she should be in the mode, she submit
ted to sinking the largest part of-her
small capital in clothes to compare with
those worn by persons of ample means.
This folly accomplished, and accom-
plished without once referring to that
unsettled business of Judith's future,
Mrs. Brazee one morning introduced the
subject, as the ladies were left to them
selves by the departureoft the male mem
bers of the family to school aud Office.
"What did Mrs. Stewart expect you
could find to do in San Francisco {?
What kind of situation would you pre-
fer-in a school, or as governess 4?
Mrs. Stewart did not say what you pre-
ferred to do"
The question thus suddenly presented
to Judith had a stunning effect. She
had said to herself over and over again
on her journey and since, in the solitude
of her chamber, that she would accept
whatever work could be found for her to
do that promised independence; that she
would not permit herself to have aspi-
rations such as had haunted her imagi-
nation in the days of her absolute ignor-
ance of the world; nor plume herself
upon the fortuitous circumstances OF
having been thrown among people
whose habits were more congenial than
any to which she had belonged in her
original station in life. In a word, she
had declared to herself that she would
not shirk her work in the world, what
ever it might be.
But in Mrs. BraZee's house she seemed
under a spell. There was no necessity
for exertion, almost none for thought,
almost every want being anticipated.
The conversation was always upon sub
jects that ignored the common wants OF
existence, and led the thoughts away
from them. Nothing met the eye but
elegance; she, herself, had been made
elegant. There was nothing in common
between what she was, as Mrs. Braces
guest, and what she should be when
she became simply Judith Miles looking
for work. Therefore, the sudden prefer
ment Of Mrs. Braces question shocked
her unpleasantly and caused her to hes
itate about her answer. She turned
from the window where she was stand
ing and looked toward her hostess with
eyes that betrayed her perplexity.
asst down, my dear. Let us talk over
your affairs this morning while we shall
not be interrupted. 1t tisimportant that
we should begin to consider what shall
be done for you, as / am Obliged to 90
out of town In a week or two, and shall
shut up the house and take the boys
with me-"
Judith sank into ''sleepy hollow" I"
glad of its support. ain week or twop'
To beleft homeless again in a week or
twol And her money all spent on
clothes! What a simpleton she had
been! But then she had not done il
herself, and perhaps it was right, after
all. Resolving at any risk to be perfectly
frank about her unfitness for positions
requiring education, she replied at last;
"I cannot teach-because 1 am myself
untaught."
'rNot the simpler branches-not read.
ing, writing and arithmetic-in pri.
mary school? ?"
''Not anything" persisted Judith
blushing in spite Of her resolves. 81
never saw but one grammar, and ther
L had so much TO do to learn to read thai
had no time to study it,"
Mrs. Brazee laughed 10 hide her own
surprise and consequent confusion
"Yet you speak correctly enough" sh,
said, by way of smoothing over the littl,
awkwardness.
"Thank YOU" returned Judith. 90
owe what little do know to Yanke,
school-master who lived in my father
family year, and was kind enough t.
teach me. have read some books, anC
am naturally initiative besides, wher
anything commends itself to me, lik,
good language. But initiative knowl
edge will not furnish out teacher,
presume" smiling obviously.
''But you surprise mer' exclaimed
Mrs. Brazee. "Why did not your fathe
have you educated, like other girls? 1
you have learned so much without be
ing taught, what an accomplished
scholar you would have made will
proper advantages"
"Ahl if, and if !" returned Judith. 'r
think fortune has had n sort of spit
against me, always. But you ask WHY
my father did not educate me. 1 shal
astonish you, 1 suppose: but my fathe
did not believe in education. He wa
= porn IN Alabama, moved TO Texas ii
has early married days, and went to cat
/ Tie raising. / was born in Texas on tn,
) borders OF the Indian country. Durip,
the late war my father removed to Cali
2 fornia and commenced stock-raisin,
? again. But he was not satisfied. H
} hated Yankees, education and all tn
? improvements which made the Nortl
always different from the South, and Il
nally the Southern Pacific Railroal
/ drove him to return to Texas. Yo
know the rest"