Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1883-09-06
CHAPTER X.


IN WHICH GERTRUDE PROVES HERSELF A
HEROINE INDEED; MAKES FRIENDS, AND
MYsTIFIEs SPY.
The next day Madge Holly, the name of
the new boarder, accompanied Gertrude
Weldon to the mill, and in short inter-
view with one of the overseers, arranged
that Madge should be put at work in the
same department as herself, in fact. as
Madge was a novice, she was given in
charge of Gertrude. AN arrangement which
delighted both of them exceedingly.
The quick eyes and def fingers of the
young girl soon mastered the primary ell
ements of the work she was set TO per-
form, and in few days she gave promise
of becoming an excellent workwoman.
Her initiation among the boarders be-
came so gradual that the promised "ben-
eft" she was TO receive. was forgotten en-
tirely, and in little time she became &C
customed to their careless happy ways,
and began to enjoy herself in the new
sphere of life which fortune had opened
before her.
Malgc HOLLY was very handsome girl
III is 4rc quite Ttttc, with u wealth Of
blonde curly hair, winning blue eyes, and
musical voice. She had been the cher
ished friend of Gertrude Weldon from
early girlhood, though reared in differ
ent walk and rank of life, and the latter
cherished a warm affection for her.
Gertrude had been "mill-han now
for nearly three months, and was already
noted for her skill in labor, though it was
evident when she first entered the factory
that she was unused to manual labor.
The old adage, however, that "blood will
tell" was verified in her case, and the ex-
cellence of her work and her unremitting
industry, as well as her winning lady-like
manners, and superior intelligence, soon
made her a marked character among the
mill-hands, so much so, that she had been
placed in charge Of an important depart
ment of labor, which while it necessitated
stricter attention in superintendent,
gave her much more time TO herself, and
carried with it all the privileges of supe-
rior station.
A few days after the introduction OF
Madge Holly among the mill hands, it be-
came evident to Gertrude that her friend
had achieved conquest, though Madge
herself did not seem to be aware OF the
fact.
AS the days passed on Gertrude became
more fixed IN her opinion that John SAN
born-one of the mill overseers-was
deeply and irrevocably in love with her
little friend and protege.
And it was case OF love ION sight
Young Sanborn was worthy OF any wo-
mans love. He was about twenty-three
years of age, tall and powerfully built.
with frank and handsome face, shaded
by side whiskers, just coming into vigor-
Gus existence, which gave him a singh
| toned, aristocratic appearance" as num-
.x~f4 4, g.. ID <,xIc
Sanborn was very smart workman,
| and very industrious-for so young a man
| he was unusually attentive to business
He had the reputation too, of being kind
and affectonate son, the only support of q
widowed mother, though it was said he
was related quite closely to one of the
wealthiest of the mill-owners.
| When the mill bell rang to announce a
cessation Of the labor for the day, John
Sanborn could always he found lingering
near the loom at which Madge Holly was
engaged, and be ever ready to assist in
any way he could. He would be found
standing at the door when she passed out
and then again could be seen standing
at the main gate, when he would pass m
awkward word or two with her and bid
her good evening. Gertrude noticed al
this, smiling softly to herself and wonder
ing what would come Of IL.
This little love affair continued to grad
ually improve, until at last Madge was In
constant receipt of Magazines and story
papers, and awkward words had length.
ened into little conversations, and "Mr.'
and "Miss" had given place to "Johni land
"Madge," and finally TO little walks to-
gether towards Mrs. Moriarty's boarding
house, in company with Miss Weldon, who
tacitly encouraged this very curious pro
ceeding.
Such was the state of affairs between
these young people when the incidents
am about TO relate occurred.
The mill bell had announced the Close
of the days labor,'and Gertrude Weldon
and her companion, Madge Holly wer'
quietly making their way up Willow
street,-Gertrude with her veil PARTIAL,
drawn over her face-intending TO get In
TO Main street, as she wished to make
purchase at q millinery store in that 10
cality.
"ron the other side Of the street Msdg