The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-04-28
JEANS SITUATION.

"Mornin' Heral'r' shrilly shouted
newsboy's voice at my elbow. "Have
paper, ma'am2 Three cents, ma'am!"
l hesitated. Should 1 spend three
centsT Cents were of considerable i'm
portance to me; but glanced into the
forlorn little face, and, in spite of its
dirt, thought detected something that
reminded me Of the sweet long ago, and
1 recklessly drew forth my attenuated
purse, received the paper, and passed
on,
1 was poor, very poor, and worked
hard for my daily bread. was only the
teach,r of a primary school in great
city, was not one Of those numerous
persons who have known luxury only to
be suddenly precipitated into the depths
of poverty. had never known the
time when every dollar had not been
viewed in several ways, and then very
careful consideration of what could do
without the BEST before could make
up my mind to spend it. Yet we had
been IN better circumstances; for we had
lived in the country, and my father had
owned the little farm and small amount
of stock. But then Jack. poor wayward
Brother Jack, had got into trouble, and
father had to mortgage the farm. That
was three years ago; now the mortgage
would soon run out and my parents
would be homeless, for Jack was dead.
Through my former school-teacher
had secured this position, and for four
years had travelled the same dull round.
1 did not like it. was fond of children
in motherly sort of way, yet without
mothers enduring patience. Ny salary
was not very large; still l managed to
keep myself and my parents respectfully
up on it; but at this time was cogitat-
ing the matter over in my mind, what
could l do to increase it?
l Preached my clearinghouse before 1
had time to open my paper. Tea being
over, and l alone in my room, took it
from my satchel and opened it. In
stincti1ely l glanced at the Wants.
Half way down; this advertisement met
my eyes
"WANTED:-A lady assistant book
keeper; must be good penman and
correct at figures References required.
Hall OF Nn IL kaN he
hours of nine and eleven a. m, for three
days"
Thursday" To-day was Thursday.
would call Saturday. 1 should then
be at liberty. Just for the fun of it,
said to myself, almost forgetting my
staidness and my twenty-six years. II
l could secure that situation, and the
salary was satisfactory, l would resign
my school. 1 had it all planned out
and when Saturday came l dressed my
self as nicely as my slender wardrobe
wosld permit, and sailed out.
AS / paused in front of No. 112 F.
Street. glanced at the sign, Bowler,
Merrill & Co." felt the blood rise in
to my cheeks and then recede, leaving
me faint and giddy.
what an idiot 1 amr' / thought with
severe self-contempt. Such a very
common name as Merrill aRitating me
in this manner! For shamel Jane Morri-
son, one would think you were a senti-
mental sixteen year old miss, rather than
q maiden lady of uncertain age"
l had passed the store in recovering
my eQuanimity, so now retraced my
steps.
81 came in answer to an advertisement
in Thursdays Herald" explained to
the first clerk saw.
He motiOned to boy. who showed me
the way to the farther end of the room.
where he left me after opening a door.
l shall never forget how my heart fiut-
tered as / stood within. wished in
wardly that had not come. turned
and put my hand on the door knob be-
fore saw gentleman sitting at high
desk, regarding me with an amused
twinkle in his fue, gray eyes. l must
have looked ridiculous enough-I with
my twenty-six years!-for blushed like
lobster Then 1 was so angry with
myself to think that had blushed that
drew myself up to my full height, and
returned his look haughtily.
81 beg your pardon, sir" said, and
my voice sounded cold in my own ears.
Il came in answer to an advertisement
in the Herald; but am inclined to
think that will not suit, 80 will bid you
good morning"
The twinkle did not leave bis eyes, al
though his mouth had ceased smiling.