The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1880-04-15
happy might-have-been. How she had
misiudge him! and he was gone.

happy might-have-been. How she had
misiudge him! and he was gone.
Three hundred and thirty-one girls
and women presented themselves at her
room during the next four days. Ten
per cent. of whom knew their business
fairly well ninety per cent. were totally
ignorant of the whole subject. After
much discussion girl who had first
class talent for doing exactly as she was
told was selected, and in a room on West
Fourteenth street the two set up larger
and more convenient establishment. The
girl kept the books and the mistress
shopped for profession. The weeks
grew to months, and the winter came.
Mademoiselle Isolena constantly spread
her advertisement before the rural pub
lie, and the fame of her bargains filled
the feminine mind with admiration.
The slowly and surely prospered, and
tried to think herself happy-but failed.
La all this neither father or sisters
nor brothers ever visited her. She
worked for living. They never could
forgive that. Madison Square concluded
she must have died, and nobody ever
contradicted the rumor. Mademoiselle
Isolena was often useful to Madison
Square, but none knew her, none recog-
nized her. She had changed somewhat,
grown more placid and quiet, and her
face had put on a womanly beauty by
the Isolena of Madison Square had never
known. g.
Suddenly the clerk gave notice that
she must leave. Aw, yes! going to be
married. That was it. Her work was
onlv a makeshift till a man could be
found to support her. After some delay
Isolena found her father, and he called
to see her. Would he keep her books
for her? Never She was an ungrate-
full girl thus to blast the family name.
Julia never did, nor Edward, nor
Thomas" Could he support her? Well,
no, not very conveniently. He was
busy on the street, and it took all he
could pick up to pay his board and the
boys board. By-the-way, he was just
little short. Could she lend him twenty
dollars for day or two? In silence she
gave him ten dollars, and he went away
without even thanking her. !
She sat down indignant and heart
sore, and would have cried for shame
and misery had not visitor knocked.
"Patty Van Stupen."
"Isolena! Can l believe myself"
ayes, Patty, it is I. Can 1 be of SER
vicew
"Service! Isolena Van Rensselaer,
One would think you were mademoi-
sellep
$50 am"
"Great heavensl has it come to
this?'
Il do not know what you mean, Miss
Van Stupen. Shopping is my profes-
sion. This is my office, and am neither
ashamed nor afraid. explained it to
you once, by letter. Oh, pardon me
you are married, Mrs. -, Mrs.
johnson, 1solena. l never received
your letter, and am truly grieved and
shocked"
az do not know why you need be. I
have good name in my business, and
owe no man anything"
"Does my brother know of this-this
great misfortuneT
"He once knew that worked for a
living; but that was a long time ago. ]
have not seen him for year or more" f"
"He is in Germany. Did you not
hear how spiteful Amy Ramsay served
him! Poor boy! He lost his money on
the street, and then she left him and
married Courtland. Then poor Van
broke down, and father sent him
abroad; and its cheaper living there,
you know. Father allows"-
There was sudden knock, loud and
Jolly. The mistress said: "Come in,'
and big fellow entered, breathless and
rosy with excitement-and something
more. The two women were for mo-
ment silent with astonishment. Isolena
found her tongue first.
"Vanp ta
"Isolenal Pattyl Dear girls, how
are you bothf"
He offered hand to each.
How you surprised usl When did
you returnT'
zone hour since. 1 bought Herald
and read the dear girls i'd, and here
came" s.F 5Fi
ooh, Van!" said the two, and with
different tone to the Van" and the
"oh."
"I am cured, Isolena. I have cut the
parental apron string, and defied Madi
son Square. / haven't a cent in the
world; but am going to work like a
man. Know anybody who has spare
jobT
Frederick Louberry Van Stupen,
am amazed! l cannot listen to sucl
language. Grandmother Van Stupe,
will never forgive you"
"Bother grandmother" cried Fred
erick. "Say, sister, couldn't you jus
run home and tell 'em I'm retured
You can take the carriage at the door.
81 will at once, for am grieved ant
surprised beyond expression, and mus
consult with my parents"
Do, do. 1t will be kind in you"
"Allow me to wish you a very goo
morning, Mademoiselle Isolena."
This Mrs. Patty johnson said in to-
cradle French, and the shopkeeper n
piled with equal grace and bette
French.
Once more they were alone. For
moment neither spoke. and then with
smile she drew near, and said, quietly
"Are you familiar with bookkeeping
sir?
eyes, marm; and write very goo
hand"
} "I am in want of a bookkeeper, an
shall be pleased to employ you"
:" am deeply grateful, mademoisell,
for your kind offer. You will pardo
me if l ask concerning the prospect {
an interest in the business-if l tried |
be good"
She drew near, and a diviner ligl
filed her eyes, and her lips parted in a
, Unsurpassed smile.
eff you please me, sir, and you al
very, very good, we will go into partne
ship in just six weeks from this day"
"Under the style Of UeI -
Isolena, Van Stupen & Co."
No more honorable and successful fir
can be found in New York than the dl
:. goods and millinery purchasing hou
7 OF Isolena, Van Stupen & Co., in We
1 Fourteenth street. More than this, it
!; a growing house. The company has i
I creased materially. There are two a
d ready-twins.