Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1881-02-04

81 might sell stencil plates, she
thought dreamily, to herself, or turn
book agent, or look for II place in the
wooden factories. But ] am not 90
very strong; and | am afraid have
not courage and enterprise enough to
make my living MS n genteel peddler.
Oh, dear--oh, dear, | don't see what
was put into this world for"
And quiet tear or two trckled
down her cheek, and dropped noise
lessly into bowl of hot water where
with she was assisting Mrs. Mills to
wash thu supper dishes.
At sunset tne young farmer himself
came home--a stalwart, hearty black
bearded specimen of humanity.
"Well, Polly" he said, rs he ac-
knowledged the introduction to Essic
Hooper with kindly nod, T'yo en-
gagged n frst-class cook for you--a wo-
man that has had lots Of experience at
Newport hotels, and wants to come UP
among the mountains for change Of
air; but as for waitress and chamber
maids, there wasn't one would con-
sent to leave the city limits, though
! offered 'em ~ high rs two dollars
week.
Mrs. Mills blooming countenance
fell visibly.
ooh, Morris, what am | to do?" she
cried. "The chambcr-work | might
manage myself, but the waiting! And
with twelve people tonight"
At this, Essie Hooper spoke up:
could l do it?' said she, wistfully.
~ am in need of employment of some
kind"
"You?" cried Mrs Mills. "But you
are II lady"
But why can't be n waitress, too?"
said Essic. must do something to earn
my living"
"You are u darling" said Mrs. Nor
ris Mills, with kiss. "And do be-
liove Providence has sent you straight
here to help me out Of my dilemma.
Put on that big apron, and I'll show
you about the china closets at once"
IL was hard work but after ALL rs
Essie confessed to herself, il was not
unpleasant. Miss Earle the Boston
beauty, turned up her Grecian nose ut
her, and old Mrs. IInllowell was per
petually finding fault because Esther
didn't come quickly enough to her
call, while Mr., Miggs, the vegetarian,
haranguod her on the proper prepare
ton of salads, and Mrs. Jetsam and
her daughters treated her MS if she
wcro the dust beneath their dainty
Fronch-booted feet. The iirst-cMss
cook, who had been imported, was
found senscless beneath the wash tubs,
one day, with II black bottle clasped
tcndcrly in her arms, and Mrs. Mills
was compelled. pcrforcc, To take her
place, while Essie assumed the double
duties Of chambermaid md waitress.
"WIat very remarkable specimen
of the New England young person that
waitress woman isl said Miss Earle,
ono day, with gigglc, to Mr.. Gerald
the young thcologinn, whom she had
incidentally discovered to be rich and
Of u fine old family.
Yes, snid Mr.. Gerald. 81 think she
il rather remarkable"
Roads lliawathn on the back door
step when the dishes are washed, )" sud
Miss Earle. Has collection of rare
dried ferns on the kitchen dresser, and
trimmed II hat for Mrs. Mills rs If
Madame Navarro herself hnd trimmed
IL. Arc all the farm house Mattresses
like this2"
II don't think they are said Mrs,
Gerald.
When the summer was over Mrs.
Mills counted up her gains glcefully.
"Wo'vo made success of it, my
dear" said she to Esse. "And Pm
quito willing to divide the profits with
you-that is, if you'll promise to stay
here md help mo through the winter.
The Thompsons are going To stay, and
old Mrs. lIallowell, and"
"l-l ann afraid | cannot stay" said
Elsie coloring and looking down.
"You are not going back to dress
said Mrs. Mills.
mo, said Elsie in u low voice.
Have YOU any other place in yicw2'
urged the farmers wife.
Nothnt is, yes" confessed Essic.
ITO tell you the truth, | am going to
be married.
Wcll, declare T. cried Mrs. Mills,
u sudden blaze of light breaking in
upon her brain mot to old Mr.
Miggs2'
"Of course not.
Mr.. Pepper, the clerk in the bank ?"
'Do you think | would marry HIM"
almost Indignantly retortcd Essie.
"rhen it isit must be Mr. Gerald"
And lssic could only hide her face
on her friends shoulder, and shed ~
few happy tears.
But, my dear, he's rich,' said Mrs.
Mills.
Eyes, know it," said Essie.
And he belongs to ono Of the best
families in the state.
YES
"And Miss Earle has been laying
steady siege to his heart ever since he
came into the house. added Mrs. Mills
II don't know anything about that"
said Essic. Il only know that he loves
me-"
And 50 our courageous little heroine
passed out Of the world Of trials and
troubles into woman's truest element
that of beloved wife.
And Miss Earle thought il was very
strange-She believed that society was
NIL upside down nowadays.