Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-08-26

/. had a small order. Total profits, eighty
five cents--the first money she ever earned
in her life. She put on a pretty hood ant
a bright smile, and went out to do the
shopping. At the door her eyes fell or
the walk, and blush, half shame, hal
something else, mounted to her face He
actually said good-mornlng, and offered
his hand. She put out her lefthand. That
was the least-worn glove. She felt crate
full that he should recognize her. Somany
once friends had passed Indifferent on the
street that the thought that Van Stupen
should speak to her gave her unexpected
happiness. ...-
Awful clever idea, Mdlle Isolena."
Oh, Mr.. Van Stupen! how did YOU
know? [ never can forgive myself for
it."
"Gad we all thought it bright idea.
Why, you're a broker-in trade, you
know; same as / am, and Pell and Den
nisen, and all the old set. Oh, by the
way, Sister Patty is to be married, and [
want to do the presenting business in
|
ny's and buy something pretty and suit
able"
Mr.. Van Stupen, what do you mean %
Biz, of course. Now you're offended.
/ beg pardon, Miss Van Rensselaer,. 1
would not hurt your feelings for the world
You know ! would not. I thought l
could help you"
"Vanp'
"That's right, Iso-Miss Rensselaer,,
call me Van if you like. l am your
friend"
LET us speak of this no more I am
poor now Our paths divide I must
earn my living, and Patty would never
forgive me. am truly glad to hear of
her marriage. -
"Look you, Miss Van Rensselaer,, [
want some work done. I'll pay you ten
per cent" ~.
" My terms are five, sir"
"Well, five it is. Here's the money
Spend it all and take out your commits
sion"
With that he thrust roll of bills into
sity Place car just as they reached Broad
way. That night she slept peacefully for
the first time for weeks. She had earned
enough in one day to support her three.
The following day she laid aside 81 from
her earnings, and received seven more let
ters, inclosing $40 in all. These orders
employed her nearly all day, and at night
she sent a letter with each detailing the
business transaction. The next day there
came but one letter and she was a trif1e
discouraged. Then came the Sabbath,
and on the Monday there we're twenty let
tiers, including one that had evil
IDENTIFY wandered about Madison Square
in search of her for some time.
1t was from Patty Johnson, late Van
Stupen. She was charmed with her
brothers beautiful present, and so glad to
hear that Isolena had made the selection.
Would it be too much trouble to do Just
little shopping-only dozen gloves or
so:"
| There was no money inclosed. Per-
| haps Mrs. Johnson was not aware that
Miss Van Rensselaer, was in business
| Without the slightest hesitation she in
closed her advertisement to Mrs. J ohnson,
and explained her position. Mrs. John
son might cut her dead; she probably
would. She might even talk to her
brother, and perhaps say bitter and disa-
greeable things. Then she must
The following day brought more letters,
and loud complaint from her landlady
concerning the trouble Of bringing up so
large a mail. Isolena at once turned all
her available assets into money, and made
one more bold push for her life after
much search she found small Darkroom
on the third story of store on Broadway,
| just below Union Square, and, having sup
piled it with secondhand furniture, set
up for herself, alone in the city. The
room was at once chamber, parlor, kitchen
and business office. A dollar day gave
her all this, and placed her within easy
reach of the best stores, both on Broad
way and Sixth avenue. The removal
gave her chance to advertise again, and
she went into it with seemingly reckless
energy. She believed in advertising, and
she meant to play bold hand in the
game. ." 1
Slowly, day by day, her business in
creased. It kept her upon her feet and in
the stores and streets nearly all day, but
in all her wanderings about the town she
never met Mr.. Van Stupen nor anyone
else who recognized her. Patty Johnson
never answered her letter, and her family
seemed to have utterly fallen out of her
life, Weeks passed, and the warm season
came. Then her business declined, and
she at once spent every dollar she could
spare in new advertisements, and within
ten days her correspondence doubled in
volume. .~
Late one warm afternoon she climbed
the dismal stairs to her room, and found
Mr. Van Stupen waiting at her door She
could do no less than ask him in. He
came into her little room, and then said
slowly:
" Is this your home, Isolena?"
Eyes, Nh. Van Stupen; it is my home
counting-room and all. do up nv mack