Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1885-04-16
The New Upstairs Girl.

head, Lally,n were the words that Un-
Gle Solon said to me as he put me ON
the cars and handed my little canvas
traveling-bag after me. Remember
that beauty is only skin deep, and
handsome is as handsome does
The idea of saying such things to
me But Uncle Solon always was Pc
cuiar.
My seat-next to pleasant-faced
gentleman with black mustache and
delightful mysterious eyes, just like
those Of Fitzalban Mantalembert, in
the last novel had read-chanced 70
be opposite slit,llke panel of looking
glass, and | could not help seeing the
reflection of my own face.
What was it saw there ?
A round face, all roses and lilies
soft hazel eyes, with fringe of thick
lashes a shade darker than my red
brown hair-a decided dimple in the
chin and trim little figure neatly at
tired in brown debeige.
Yes, was pretty Uncle Solon was
right there. And l meant that my
face should be my fortune. Unfortu
nately, I never had any time for books,
and my public school education had
gone into one ear and out the other, so
couldn't enter the lists with the for
tunate governesses who are always
making great matches-in story books,
at least Neither could be lady's
companion, for my mistress son or
nephew to fall in love with me, for /
could neither play Eor slug, and what
ever | attempted to read about | invar'
iably stumbled over the big words.
But it was necessary for me to earn nv
living in some way, and old Mrs.
Fudgeby had sent oyer a New York
paper, in which she had pencil-marked
an advertisement for an "up-stairs
girl" " no was wanted IN house in
Fifth avenue.
"You may be sure it is an excellent
place." said Mrs. Fudgeby, my niece,
Helen Maria, sews there, and the lady
is most kind and pleasant. And Hell
en- Maria will speak good word fol
you. And if you suit, you'll get good
home and capital pay, take my word
for it,"
Just like Aunt Peris Because she
wasn't young herself, she had no sym
pathy for any one who was. Old people
were so selfish.
But" added Mrs. Fudgeby, "Heler
Maria says any one who comes to Mrs
Marcati's must step very light, ano
speak very low, and be careful not tt
laugh too loud, for fear of her nerves
She's quite. an invalid. She has JUS
discharged all her doctors, aud is ex
| pecting learned American physician
| who has been ten years in Paris, TO take
charge of her case. But la Heller
Maria says it's all fancy, and that i
her missis had to earn her bread at th'
wash-tub or the ironing board it woult
be different, though ii amt hiret
girls place TO express any opinion o
that sort.'
sis the family large p' said /, secret
iy wondering if there was handsom
son to fall in loye with me.
NO." said Mrs. FudgeDy, "a wild
owed daughter, who denotes herself t.
painting, and two sons"
Two sons That settled the matter
for me. determined to apply for th'
place at all hazards. Why shouldn't
succeed as we'll Jane Eyre, who by al
accounts was an insignificant littl
black thing without a word to say TO
herself ?
"There won't be much to do" sal
Mrs. Fudgeby. lyon will be expect
ed to make the beds and tidy up th
rooms and dust the parlors and atten
the door bell. Mrs. Marcati has a des
of company, and, by-the-bY, Helen Ma
ria says all the girls their are eXpecte
to wear caps"
"Oh, don't mind that, "said l, for
had once played Grisette in privat
theatricals, and the little blue -ribbone
cap had been particularly becoming
me.
"The family are quite rich," sal
Mrs. Fudge by, but they don't keep u
men help. Mrs. Marcati was robbie
once by Swiss butler, and hain't ha
no faith in men since. And Hele
Maria says she keeps lot of pearls an
diamonds and fine jewelry locked in til
etegere (which Mrs. Fudgeby pronour
ced 'ettiger') because it's a place nj
body wouldn't suspect. There are s
many burglars around New York, yO
know -
And she went on to relate GOO
many family peculiaIitles of the MAJ
catis, in her prosy, gossipy way, b'
she never thought to tell me what a
I terward, learned to my very great di
appointment, that both of the lady