The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-08-09
A LADY HELP.


Poppipger, had the gunb boat Iris when
his wife presented hi N with little black
proved, dark-eyed daughter. So, against
the dictates of her own taste, which
would have led her to give some more
appropriate name to the olive-skinned,
dark. eyed stranger, Mrs. Poppinger
acceded to her husbands request, and
had the baby baptized Iris, and as Iris
died, and her mother was left to glory in
his memory and--a pension of seventy
pounds a year. Things that were APP
her then by rich relatives. who assumed
the right to criticise and direct her life,
but who never gave her . shilling to help
to make that life respectable one. Iris
went as unpaid drudge to her mothers
rich cousins wife. Every one who knew
little about her, and heard her speak OF
herself said this lady was most estim-
able woman, quite model British ma
iron.
This is an experiment merely, re.
member. about Iris Poppipger," she ex-
planned to her circle when it was settled
that Iris should come to stay at the
Witheringtons' house in Connaught
Place, rs lady help to the wealthy city
merchants wife. This is an expert
ment merely. don't feel myself bound
to keep Miss Poppinger if she proves
useless to me; if she has well-regnlated
mind, she will be so thankful for the
blessing of a much more comfortable
home than she has ever known, that she
will strive to be humble and useful"
Come, come, now" her husband
said, half iocularly. but with feeling
nevertheless; Iris isn't coming here to
be drudge, you know, my dear; You
must remember tho girl has been we'll
brought up, and you-well; you must be
considerate and make allowances for
her."
Mrs. Witherington had the reputation
of being u Tartar in her household
Therefore her husband thought it well
to pour little oil upon the troubled
waters, on which poor Iris would shortly
sail.
Il shall do my duty by your cousins
daughter. Mr.. Witherington; have no
fear OF that" she said, with an air of
overtaxed patience. II do not bring any
one from my side of the house into our
Eden; do not wish the introduction of q
serpent into Paradise"
"Why, bless my soul! iris is but girl,
with no more of the serpent about her
than than you have, my dear" Mr..
Wi.herngton said warmly. And Mrs
Witherngton smiled coolly, and said.
1--WE shall see."
Iris was received very kindly in her
new home. That is. the Witheringtons
we're going out to dinner when she ar.
rived, cold and hungry, at o'clock in
the evening, ut her new home; but Mrs.
Witherington's own maid (who looked
upon lis as "A rivaD gave her some tea
and toast. Her bedroom was large,
healthy, and airily furnished.
If / could get by fire, the poor girl
said pleadingly to Bond. the maid.
well, / don't know what their wishes
are about your going down stairs yet. ="
! the maid said, circumspectly; but Mrs
Witberington wouldn't hear of fire in
your room, that know. When you've
taken off your things you might come
into Mrs. Witherington's dressing-room
with me-"
II think-I am too tired" Iris said,
choking back all semblance Of feeling
hurt as we'll as she could. But the task
was little hard for her. Was she to be
the waiting woman's companion?
"I'll be that, I'll be anything; I'll put
my neck under the yoke to any extent
to help mother, to make things easier
for mother!" the poor child said to her
self that night after her prayers had
been said, and she had crept dispiritedly
INTO bed. And the next morning il
seemed a. though she we're to be imme-
distely rewarded for her brave resolve.
for Mrs, Witheriuyton came to her quite
early and kindly said;
Iris, I hope you slept we'll, and /
hope you have remembered all you owe
Mr.. Withcrington9 We do not ask for
any earthly reward for the good wc do.
but still would not have you migrate
full or careless about the benefits you re.
ceive. You are to stay in bed anu have
your breakfast comfortably this morning.
never expected too much of anyone,
and Your journey may have fatigued you.
When you are dressed como to me in my
dressing room, and Ill appoint you
some OF your duties"
"I'd rather get mp now" Iris cried:
I'm net fatigued. 1 hate breakfast in
bed. I'm ready for my duties
Mrs. Witherington lifted up con-
cientiously kept plump hand, and
shook il warmly.
"You must subdue that unruly tenn
per and tongue. Iris; you must learn "a
be grateful and humble in your de-
meanor toward those who befriend you
a the cost OF much trouble and anxiety