The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-02-02
THE NURSE-MAID'S PLACE.

he NJ hSE-u AED > ILANEs
"What shall l do?' said Linda Car
roll, folding her white hands together.
''Grandma's fortune has gone up like u
sky-rocket. Grandma does nothing but
cry, and | haven't friend in the
country, or any means of earning dol
lar. They wouldn't take me anywhere
as governess, oras sales-woman in any
store, without experience and refer
ences. Tvepainted "a flower piece and
it hangs in the stationers window as it
has hung for six months.
81 offered TO sew for the dress-maker
and as soon as she saw my needlework
she said: 'Ah. goodness gracious, that
would never do.' My superficial edu-
cation was very well for young heir
ess, but it is OF no use to poor girl
who needs to earn her living; and | be-
gin to be afraid that what Grandma
says about sitting on the corner and
holding out our hands may come true,
absurd as it sounds. Who is that?'
"Me, Miss" said voice in the crack
of the door, and rosy Irish face of
sixty was thrust in. 81 come to see
had you any pieces for the wash to-
day.
i've been obliged to do my own
washing, Mrs. MacLynn," replied
Linda
''Sure. wasn't We suited, Miss?' cried
the woman. 1T was wet weather and
the last was dried indoors, and not so
white as I'd like"
81 was very well suited / am sure,
Mrs. MacLynn, said Linda, ''but we've
been losing money, and my purse was
empty. l couldn't afford to pay for it. -
''Lord help you, Miss. I'm sorry to
hear it," said Mrs. MacLynn; ''but
there's trouble everywhere. Here my
own cousin, Katie Virgins hermother
was my aunt's second husbands wife's
brotherinlaw' S daughter fell down a
flight of stairs and broke her leo, and
she cook in an illigant house at thirty
dollars month. They took her to the
hospital the day. Sure it is a good
place she had, and the sarvent's wages
wonderful. Fourteen dollars q month
for a girl to mind the baby! Well, good
morning, Miss"
81 suppose | could mind the baby, at
least, thought Linda. And then she
remembered the landlady's black looks
at dinner time.
Perhaps | could board grandma in
the country for that sum-" she thought.
''and get the travelling expenses by sell
ing my jewclry. Things are getting
desperate" And she took up the news
paper and looked over the advertise
ments
"' Wanted young, genteel, person
to take charge Of alittle boy she read
Perhaps that might do. if | can swallow
my pride" she sighed. And noting
thenumber, she put on her plainest hat
and mantle and hurried out into the
street.
She found the house after a walk of
an hour-a handsome residence-and.
having been ushered into the reception
room, WAS received by a, neat, elderly
woman.
"Ihe arrangements are all left in my
hands, said this person, smoothing her
black and white bingham apron. "You
would be wanted to take care of a
motherless child. Poor Mrs. Bellamy
died last week and common servant
will not do. Mr.. Bcllamy relies on my
discretion. I'm the housekeeper-
been for ten years. He is broken
hearted man; never looks up or speaks
to anyone. Dear Mrs. Bellamy-now
in heaven had most trying DISPOSE
ton. | believe she generally scolded
him all night; and she got pneumonia
throwing up the window because he
shut it. But that was all her nerves,
and he adored her He'll never recover
her loss. He has hat-band all over
his hat, and her miniature and hair in
locket on his watch chain. You
won't expect much gayety in this
afflicted household, but you'll have
Sunday afternoon-rll take Master
Thomas then and an evening once a
week. What references?"
Linda smiled.
"Would grandma do?" she asked.
And then she told her little story.
Mrs. Possett listened and considered
Finally she agreed to waive reference,
and offered twenty dollars a month.
That sum Linda knew would secure an
upper ballroom in. her present place of
residence for her grandmother, and she
accepted the position thankfully. At
home she spoke of her position Us that
of a goyerness and the old lady wept
afresh, as well she might, when Linda's
modest trunk was carried away.
Master Tommy was an unmanageabc
little boy, who seemingly inherited his
mothers temper A regular battle was
necessary before he could be washed or
clothed He refused to go to bed at
night, and he refused to get up in the
morning. When one took him for u
walk he ran away, He climbed out of