Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-20
MISS DRAKES ENTERPRISE.

MISS DRAKE'S ENTERPRISE.
DoIothea Drake was by trade a milliner
and dressmaker; aud according to her
either in the goodly city Of Hubbubble or
its surroundings.
1t is one great th ng in life 10 be satisfied
with ones self; and Dorothea's air to a
physiognomist, plainly indicated that she
had already arrived at that aim. Further,
she had imbued others with her own ideas,
not by standardization, for the little millin-
er was modest in regard to words, but she
had way of setting flower, adjusting, a
bow, and plaitinga ribbon, finishing off
with a toss of the head, which said more
effectively than words, "Show me the wo-
man that can do better than that"
Yes, she was satisfied with herself and
her business for the latter was steadily
increasing and she was able to live COM
fortably, pay her help better than others in
the trade, and still add to her bank account
something every month.
"According to newspaper account, you
are to have a rival soon, 10 the new six-sto-
ry building opposite" said Jessie Wilton,
a roguish girl, who liked TO get up what
she called an excitement in the work room.
"a what?" fairly screamed Miss Drake,
thrown quite off her guard by this piece of
astonishing news.
"a rival. The papers are full of his ad-
vertisements. It's the rich Jones, that
made so much by gold speculation in war
time but that doesn't satisfy him he's
going into the women's clothing business
on grand SCALE"
"Thank Providence, none OF my custom
ers will patronize him, from principle, and
besides, they never buy ready-made gar
ments." Miss Drake concluded the speech
with becoming toss of the head. Then
she picked up copy of the morning Spec
ulator, aud glanced over the page of adver-
tisements. For moment only. her heart
sank within her as she read, "Made to or
der, every article pertaining to a lady's
wardrobe, and at reduced prices. Grand
opening the 18TH"
"Well, we shall see about this" said she,
dropping the paper and going into the store
to wait on customer.
No sooner had Miss Drake disappeared
than Jessie said: II didn't tell her out of
spite. But you know, she is always say
ing that she would like to see a rival of the
opposite sex that talent and energy could
not rout; and thought it a good time to
let her know that she will have to practice
what she breaches"
"The wonder to me is that she hasn't
seen their advertisements BEFORE" said Luz
cy Wade.
81 expect We shall see a grand dis
play, on Monday" said third. "I know
some girls that are going into Jones work
room, and they say his dresses and bonnets
are elegant"
"I'd be ashamed to work for Jones, or
any other man, in the millinery or dress
making business" said Lucy Wade, as the
girls were preparing to leave, for ii was
Saturday night, and the six o'clock bell
had just struck.
$50 would 1 but there are plenty of 9TH
ers that would, 1t seems, for he has over a
hundred in his workroom already" said
Jessie Wilton.
On the following Monday, Miss brakes
establishment was, as usual, open to the
public, but the little lady herself seemed
i'll at ease. The girls were left to them
selves in the workroom for the shutters
were drawn up from the highly decorated
front of the monster building opposite, and
Dorothea seated herself where she could
obtain view OF the interior Of the store,
In the centre of the deep show window re-
volved figure dressed from bonnet 10 boot
in the latest Partisan style-at least so said
the placard.
Spectators soon began gathering in
crowds around the window, and before
noon the store was thronged with custom
ers, many Of whom had formerly patron
lied Miss Drake.
Young ladies and misses went there,
chaffering over the various under-garments
which are necessary to a lady's toilet with