The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1879-11-28

vain nor 30 dull as TO mistake for imper-
Thence the frank, lively interest de.
picted in the countenance of the small
woman opposite. "She MEANS" was the
straightforward reply, ga dinner that
costs twenty-five cents"
And what kind of q dinner Is that
prsyf" demanded Ruth.
"Ohl very good one II you 90 TO the
right place; meat and vegetables, cup
Of coffee and piece of pie.''
THAT IL q dinner every civilized being
has right TO expect. Do you mean to
say she does not have it every days"
Well, you see that is hardly posi-.
Die" said Juno, calmly argumentative
"Six times twenty five cents is twelve
shillings, and Sunday left out" She
paused, and Ruth bowed as If in appro.
baton of this mathematical exactness
"And twelve shillings," she continued,
ais Just half of three dollars, which is
the sum that this girl and several others
here receive. How many yards did you
sayf taking the scissors from her belt.
Twelve shillings," said Ruth, media.
lively, for breakfasts, and suppers, and
lodging and clothes, including bracelets
and finger-rings. wonder how they
do it."
81 don't know" responded Juno.
81 never had the heart TO ask. But if
the girls appear too fine, you must re-
member that their employers require
them TO make an attractive appearance. |"
Ruth turned then to observe more
closely the lady clerk who was waiting
uEon her. Here were no ribbons or
jewelry; only q dark print dress with
linen collar and cuffs; but there was not
an elegantly attired woman of fashion
in the store whose appearance was more
pleasing-stylish if you will Ruth knew
this At once, and Scrimp and Screw were
probably not less discerning. "Don't
think me rude" she said, as the object
of her scrutiny commenced nervously
lingering her scissors, but do you like
it here" Juno hesitated before re.
spending to this invitation to disclOse
her desires and discontents to q stranger;
but she seemed to find something re-
assuring in Mrs. Ruth's friendly face.
"No," she replied at last, "but
nothing else presented itself. am
hoping for something better, but the
time of waiting must not be spent idly"
"Whst should you like to dor Ruth
asked.
"Almost anything in the generally
useful line, where can remain indoors,
sew, teach children, take charge of ser
vants;-you see can only do what hun
dreds of others can do, and must wait
my time"
Ruth was slightly disappointed: she
had expected her companion to evince a
prerence for painting in oils, or writing
for the magazines. 1t seemed q pity
that such an air and figure should be
content to assume the gsrb of house
keeper. She reflected a moment, and
tnen announced herself.
"Suppose you come down to Brookton
and help me few weeks. My sewing is
away behind-it always is-and you can
teach the children. am quite in earn
est; l must have some one, and / am
sure shall suit each other" ~ don't
want any references" she added, after
some murmurred protests from the won
der.stricken juno. 81 always believe
in gray eyes," she said laughingly, for
getting in her zeal that her last washer
woman who had taken her departure
with pot of black berry ia under her
shawl, had the grayest of eyes.
A few moments eager persuasion on
Ruth's side and not unwilling yielding
on the other, and the question was set
tied. These two woman seemed to un-
derstand each other from the first, and
to have no need of apologies or explans-
tions.
"No," said Ruth, regretfully but con-
scientifically, when the talk had drifted
back to dry goods. al shall buy moth
ing of firm that pay their clerks three
dollars per week."
"But you must, If you please" said
the other, cor l shall be reported to
headquarters for having talked half an
hour with customer and sold nothing"
So Ruth yielded, glad that the purchase
of the dress, which was really very
cheap, was made go clear an act of duty,
Taking her new friends Dame and Civ.
ing hers in return, she said, "Remem'
her, shall expect you the day before
Thanksgiving" tripped out of the store
to the depot, where John was waiting.
While they were rolling home through
|
recital of her adventures by few briei
and fierce denunciations of all mercan
tile firms with underpaid help.
"OhI l don't know" said John, set
Ting himself down more comfortably il
bis sest, "thesa things are Away
regulated by the laws of supply and de
mand, you know. If there were no
plenty of girls to be had for three dol
lars per week, Scrimp & Co., would hay
to pay more"
d don't know anything about suppl.
and demand retorted Ruth, "but l d.
know a little more about justice AM
common sense"
Meaning board and clothes, l sup
pose," said he- brother, superciliously
"You see, you are arguing from tn
wrong standpoint"
"No Pm not" she interrupted, "Pn
arguing from the standpoint of brother
ly love and Christian charity"
John shrugged his shoulders at this
and made no reply, giving his sister tim
to cool her wrath and proceed with he
story.
He listened to her enthusiastic descriE
ton of the wonderful lady-clerk, SO Ia
and handsome, dignifed and intelligent
with skeptical smile playing out hi
moustache; but when she spoke of he
int ntion to receive this new foun
goddess into her new home for a shOr
time, he turned upon her in profoun
amazement. "Going to take a strang
woman into your house in that fashionH
he exclaimed.
Ny dear brother" said Ruth, cali
: and fateful, having been a minister
wife ten years, and taken several strsng
r men into my house, Seedy yOun
divinity students, and broken-dOw
with equanimity.
Z You have been victimized by som
: artful adventures" said John, as he rol
and buttoned his coat.
: "Nousense," said Ruth, with q Ggl
laugh, otis not half so romantic as tina
1 I've simply engaged a sewing-woman.
D al am sure" she added, a. she picked U
e her last bundle, "that Frank will 81
1 that have done just right.
t "Oh, Frank" said JOhn, disgustfull
2 as If there were indeed no KNOWN
o what eccentricity that individual migl
f not be guilty of.
a "To change the subject" he sal
9 when they had left the cars and we
n trudgiug home. "Im of again on Il
a next train. Postpone your account
o your protege and her charms to Frar
e until tomorrow, will you, and pack n
:. valise7 l shall be away q week at lea
VI "Mind you're back by Thanksgiving
). said Ruth.
If "Trust me-" was the ironicsl respons
a. Are the dear Ellis coming?"