The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-04-20

Pamela. PA thinks more of his money
than he does of me. Pm going to earn
clothes for myself. I need them, I'm
sure"
''Men are so peculiar sometimes, :"
mean it it will be great comfort to me. !"
Pamela instantly took off her bonnet
and sacque, tucked up her skirt, and
took Kitty out into the kitchen with her
Before night ''the washing" white as
snow, was piled in a great clothes bas-
ket. Mrs. Pease had good bowl of
soup, and all was tidy in the little sitting
room, where Pamela sat mending the bit
of carpet.
81 knew it would bother you until it
was DONE" she said, ''and now I'll go
home and get pas tea"
sob, Miss Pamela, I'm so much
Obliged" said Mrs. Pease, land 1
believe you've only done it to oblige
me-"
"No," said Pamela, 81 did it to earn
money. May l come next Monday?"
"Why, gracious mel if you will" said
Mrs. Pease.
"Been to see Mrs. Pease?" asked
curious Mrs. Chalker, peeping out of
her kitchen door as Pamela passed.
| Give been washing for her." said Pa
mela.
"Why how Christian kind of you, to
be sure" said Mrs. Chalker.
| Nothing of the sort" said Pamela.
81 took my dollar for it. Have you your
wash woman, Mrs. Chalker?"
"No, 1 haven't and I amt able to
wash, said she.
Pamela instantly offered her services.
81 am going to go out washing" she
said. I'm going to do it jnst as other
washwomen do for money. I shan't ex-
plain why. But here am, q splendid
laundress, ready to be hired six days in
the week, from seven to six if any one
wants me-"
| So it began. Before long Pamela had
many employers, and the village was
rife with supposition as to the why and
wherefore; but never was girl prouder
of herself than was Pamela when she
laid down upon the counter of dry
goods store the money for the silk and
fur of her coveted cloak, hard earned
money, but all her very own, not cent
of it coaxed out of any unwilling man
alive.
She wore the cloak and pretty plush
bonnet and new kid gloves to church on
Christmas day. She looked we'll. The
squire stared at her solemnly, but he
knew she had no money.
Il reckon" he thought, ''shes cut up
her poor mas old black silk. 1 won't
ask any questions. So he held his
peace.
Pamela as she looked at him wondered
what he would say if he knew all. That
week she had had some cards printed
professional cards.
The printer brought them home next
morning. They read thus:
''MIss PAMELA CRUMP-Laundress
House cleaning done in the best manner.
| CRUMP HOUSE,
| The cards were circulated through the
| village by boy hired for the purpose,
and on her return at night from her
days work, Pamela found postal card
awaiting her:
''MIss CRUMP, Manifestations call
at Mr.. Bothwell's early to morrow.
G. boutwell,.
Now Mr. Boutwell, was the new minis
ter, widower with two children. He
knew nothing of the Crumps or of the
village as yet. He had preached there
once, and been called in consequence,
on the demise of the excellent Mr.. Dol
orous, who had departed this life at a
ripe old age. Pamela laughed little as
she determined to call and see what
was desired. At seven o'clock she rang
the bell of the pastors very small house
and was answered by the gentleman him
self. He was in evident distress of mind,
and his dressing gown needed mending
sadly.
He looked at Miss Crump for mo-
ment and then requested her to walk in
to his study. 1t was dusty place with
a good deal of manuscript lying about:
and the shrieks of weeping children were
heard in the distance.
"May ask what I can do for you,
MADAME" inquired the gentleman, mo-
tioning to q seat.
"You wrote to me-" said Pamela.
"Miss Crump, laundress."
"Oh, dear me, yes" replied Mr.. Both
we'll, with wide open eyes. II wrote to
you. Thanks for your promptness. The
fact of the matter is, my housekeeper-
an aged colored person. thought most
estimable-is lying terribly intoxicated
on the kitchen floor, and has been for
two days, and things are-are-"
And Mr.. Boutwell,, running short Of
words, spread his hands abroad In o pam
tomime descriptive of chaos.
II understand" said Pamela, calmly.
"Wherc is your kitchenY