Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-08-17

nothing of the law aad caring less
as woman generally does, | went
through no formality of administration,
but sold The household effects for wha'
they would bring. paid OF The few debts
my father had left, deposited one-halG The
Loney with the rector of the parish, iol
my brother Victor. if he ever came Ia
claim it, and with hundred and nine
dollars in my pocket and my fare paid,
went TO New York TO seek some kind OF
employment.
had notion of becoming a teacher.
4 woman in need always tries TO teach
professionally. and her desire in that
direction is in exact ratio TO her inability.
! could draw tolcrably well, and though
had little knowledge OF thorough bass
or counterpoint, could sing OF play music
at sight, and was a dexterors performer
on the piano forte. If could get schol-
arS in music or drawing or situation In
some school could do very well SO |
found n cheap boarding house. with the
rector'S recommendation. put q modest
advertisement In the Herald and waited
But no note came requesting my ser
vices and no pupils inquired for Miss
Norman. My lull name WAS Florence
Elizabeth Norman Grey; but had
dropped the first and last part of it. Nor.
man was tie name OF an old college mate
Of my D'.her. and Florence had been
given a.,er his sister, whose christening
gilt-a silver mug-I still retained. |
waited. however, patiently until was
reduced 10 my last ten dollar bill, aGd
then 1 sat down diligently to study the
Advertisements in the Herald. thinking if
the mountain would not come to me, it
was about time should 80 lo the noun
tain.
l skipped the shop girl list. Not that
| had the slightest objection to remain
AL day and >imper, and look insolently at
customers. and throw back my head. and
tap the counter with my pencil and cry
out Ike kaial' at tho proper intervals
but knew should have TO stand on my
feet all day. D:y task master not caring
that he is Staying his unhappy slaves in
Insisting on that weary ing position. L1ud
anum would furnish a cheaper mode oil
taking ones lie and would be less pain.
lul. Companion to an elderly lady was
more en,icing, bu, 10 be snarled at and
naggcd by my employer, and suspected
10y tribe of nephews and neices of vague
designs on the family estate. was not n
pleasant thing to think of. much less to
endure. But ran through all the adyef
tisemcnts without seeing anything. /
turned to the servants columns, euphuis.
tically headed, "Help wanted Females.
and amused myself with the lyle used 10
express the wants and desires of employ.
ers. The following arrested my atten.
tiop:
"WANrED. in family Of enc with q
chambermaid employed, young woman
for general housework. An American
gil, even if inexperienced, preferred.
Wages ample. and treatment according
to conduct"
Then followed the address.
Tread it twice over. Should apply
Tor the situation-a house maid Why
not2 | had experience enough. wages
ample" 10 say nothing of good food.
comfortable lodgings, and no care for the
"ways and means" OF The house. At all
events determined to Try it.
| dressed myself in the plainest of my
few gowns smoothed down as much as
possible my rebelliodsly curly hair. sub
stiluted plaiu linen collar aud cuffs for
lace adorumenS, part OF poor mothers
well preserved iinery, carefully removed
Il couple of rosebuds from my shred OF u
bonnet, and set out for 324 North-
street. When arrived there hesiiated
about ringing the bell. The house
though not very large, had an air of style
calling Tor several servants. The name
was on the door. | picked up courage.
aud gave the bell pull timid jerk. No
one answering for bit, | made up my
mind TO go; but just then The door sud
denly opened. and girl Whitman i'll fitting
dr. IS hanging loosely from her body, ,and
a very ill-humored expression OF counte-
nance, stood in the aperture.
We'll p she asked. sharply.
"Is Mrs. DArtnell at home p
al s'pose she be-" was the answer.
Come in and I'll see. What's the
uame?"
"E!iz4beth Norman"
Sac at first lett me standing in the hall,
but presently returned and showed me
into the parlor.
The room was handsomely furnished,
but looked to be but little cared ior.-
There was large and fine piano in the
room covered by a crimson cloth, dulled
in color by the dust. There was dust on
the chairs. on the mantel ornaments, on
the 6ric.a 6rac trash here and there CON
fusion and unlidiuess everywhere. l had
merely time TO note this when an old lady
in black alpaca gown, so neat in her
person as to show a marked contrast to
her surroundings, entered.