The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-07-19
WILLING TO WORK.
BY MRS. sALLlE A. RAMAGE.

"The season is getting dull now and we
do not need any more clerks; perhaps
about September we might employ you"
said the proprietor, for the poor girl await
ing his words looked weary and out OF
heart, and he spoke as kindly as he could.
To her inquiry the milliner in the beauti-
full shop, all bright with flowers and rib
bons and rich in lace curtains, mirrors
and Brussels carpet, only replied, mo, no
need for help now; 1 am too busy to talk
to you," and this was repeated, with but
few variations as to language and manner,
at dozen stores where she applied, and
night found her still searching for work.
1t was the old story; she was dependent
upon herself for support, and must have
employment-beg, steal, stsrve or sink.
She had been a clerk, hut the store was
sold out, and the new firm did not en-
ploy women clerks TO handle its cslicoes
aud neckties. but preferred young men
who were gcod-looking and genteel to
stand behind the counter, and che
was sdrift in a large city. She had q
small back room, close under the tin
roof OF her boarding house, whose one
tiny window looked out on the narrow
alley and the shed kitchens Fellow. How
she sweltered and suffered all the long
evening, for she was not invited into tn
parlor, and she knew no where else to 90
but the street, and from that ner modestv
kept her. But now she was entirely out
OF money, her weeks board was due, her
wsshwoman had presented her bill, and
she was too poor to ask or receive credit
from either. She had advertised for a
week for position as clerk, oopyist or
seamstress, and received no answer, and
now she was utterly bsffi ed. Where to
go or what to do she could not tell. Size
had no friends who could help her, no
place to seek as home when she should
be turned ont OF her little room, and now
that she was about to lose Ii, how precfousi
what a verita0le paradise it seemed,
though the sun beat down upon the roof
until 1t was 81 sultry she nearly died, and
her one window would only raise foot or
40 to let in whatever breath OF air might
float that way. She knew that on
the morrow she must go for her
lsndlady had warned her three DAYS
before, aud now she was hunting with
complete despair any place she could call
bone. Was she not tempted to do wronp7
Can youDg.pretty girl hunt work up and
down the streets without some fiend in
human shape presenting the alluriug life
that may be theirs tor a step aside from
the right wsy7 But she would die rather
than say or do any evil, and II worst
comes to worst she could lie down and
sleep, never to awaken.
ali l could get irl who would DO kind
to my children and whom could trust,
\ n -
but IL seems impossible. Aud yet / pay
promptly good wages, my girls have q
clean, airy room and are well treated. Iu
fact, the children idolize servant who will
pet tnem," and the ladies paused to wait
for the car Mary had heard one of them
say this much. and in a moment she
caught the bone, "Msybe 1 could get toe
place. I'Il ~. Hove children dearly
but do bate Co be called q servant, though
even that Ia bet er than starving"
"Do you want q girl, madam
L am looking for place, and
thought perhaps 1 might suit you, will
try so hsrd.p The lady gave one look st
the neat dress. the plsiD, inexpensive hat
and gloves. but more trsD all to the bright
brave young lac s.Yes, I'll try you; can
you come to-day ?" "Io an hour, ms'sm,
II you will tell me where.v The number
aud street were soon given, and In q little
while Mary commenced b, r life as q SER
want. Hard work, sometimes ell day, but
often only Tor three or four hours. Plenty
to eat, good bed and clean room ct
night: the protection of q home. and, more
than all, the Increasing respect of her en-
ployes, and the boundless love of the
children were herr. Plenty OF time to sew,
to keep her ct tnes in order, encouraged Co
be honest srd honorable, sympathy when
she was sick or In trouble, all were given
freely: and then out OF her wages she was
putting by sometbi" tor rsioy day.
There are such bomp all over this city
waitir g Tor girls who are willing 10 do the
work Eecessary TO secure and retain tbem