Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-04-25
THE NURSE MAIDS PLACE.

'What shall [ do ?" said Linda Car.
roll, folding her white hands together.
"Grandma's fortune has gone up like a
sky-rocket. Grandma does nothing but
cry, and haven It friend in the country
or any means Of earning dollar. They
wouldn't take me anywhere as governess,
or as sales-woman in any store. without
experience and reference. I've painted
"a flower piecs' and it hangs in the sta.
TONER'S window as it has hung for six
months.
II offered to sew for the dress maker
and as soon as she saw my needlework she
said "Ah. goodness gracious that would
never dol" My superficial education was
very we'll for young heiress, but it is of
no use to a poor girl who needs to earn
her living; and begin to be afraid that
what Grandma says about sitting on the
corner and holding out her 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. II come to see had you
any pieces for the wash to-day?''
1--WE been obliged to do my own wash
ing. Mrs. MacLynn," replied Linda.
''Sure, wasn't ye suited, Miss % cried
the woman. sit 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. !
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's my own
cousin, Kate Wiggins--her mother was
my aunt's second husbands wife's broth
er-in-law's daughtsr-fell down flight OF
stairs and broke her leg, and she cook in
an illigsnt house at thirty dollars month
They took her to the hospital the same
day. Sure it is good place she had. and
the servants wages wonderful. Four
teen dollars month to mind the baby
Well, good morning, Miss"
II suppose I could mind the baby, at
least" thought Linda. And then she
remembered the landlady's black looks al
dinner time.
perhaps could board grandma in the
country for that sum-" she thought, ''and
pay the travelling expenses by selling m
jewelry. Things are getting desperate. ,
And she took up the newspaper and look.
ed over the advertisements.
"Wanted a young, genteel, person tc
take charge of a little boy" she read
"Perhaps that might do. if I can swal
low my pride." she sighed. And noting
the number, she put on her plainest hal
and mantle and hurried out into the
street.
She found the house after walk of an
hour-a handsome residence-and, hav.
ing been ushered into the reception.room
was received by neat, elderly woman.
1.-The arrangements are all left in my
hands," said this person, smoothing hel
black and white Bingham apron. "Yor
would be wanted to take care of moth
erless child. Poor Mrs. Bellamy died last
week. and common servant will not do
Mr.. Bellamy relies on my discretion. I'm
the housekeeper-haveb been for ten years
He is broken-hearted man never looks
up or speaks to anyone. Dear Mrs. Bel
lamy-now in heaven-had most trying
disposition. believe she generally scold
| ed him all night; and she got pneumonia
throwing up the window because he shu
adored her. He'll never recover her loss
He has hat-band all over his hat, ant
her miniature and hair in a locket on hi
watch chain. You won't expect mucl
gayety in this afflicted household, but 20,
will have Sunday afternoon-IIl TAX
Master Thomas then-and all evening one
a week. What reference ?"
| Linda smiled.
"Would grandma do 2" she asked. An,
then she told her little story.
Mrs Possett listened and considered
FINALLY she agreed to wave reference an
offered twenty dollars month. Tba
sum Linda knew would secure an upper
hall room in her present place of resi-
dence for her grandm other, and she &C
copied the position thankfully. at hom
she spoke of her position as that of gov
erness, and the old lady wept afresh, a
we'll she might. when Linda's modes
trunk was carried away.
Master Tommy was an unmanageabl
little boy, who seemingly inherited hi
mothers temper. A regular battle wa
necessary before he could be washed O
clothed. He refused to 60 to bed at night
and he refused to get up in the morning
When one took him for walk he ra
away. He climbed out of the window
{ and stood upon the sill. He tore thing
for mere mischief's sake. and was as fon
of biting as mad dog. but Linda wa
cool Quiet and good -humored. In wee