River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1885-05-14

who sent the white grapes that tempt
ed her mothers appetite when nothing
else did, who brought the illustrated
| newspapers to papa, and had so many
| bright ideas and suggestions from the
| outer world to cheer up Kate herself,
when her spirits were at the lowest
ebb.
More than this she had learned from
her mother that he wanted to lend them
money, but the old Selwyn pride had
risen up in arms against that. But she
did not ask his advice. She decided
finally for herself.
Mamma" she said, coming cheer
fully home one day, "yOu must manage
to do without me for little while, now.
have engaged Linda Dartly to help
you, and"
my child, what does this mean, :"
said Mrs. Selwyn.
1T means, mamma" said Kate with a
low curtsy, chat l have taken posi-
ton in the factory"
"You, Kate" gasped the dismayed
mother. "a factory grill"
"Why not, mammal" appealed Kate.
/ only wish you cauld see some of the
girls there. They are as perfect ladies'
as you would meet in any drawing room
in the land And the machines are
worked by steam power, and thu fore
man is so kind and polite; and only
think, mamma. ! shall earn from ten to
fifteen shillipgs a week, if l am skill
full hand"
Mrs. Selwyn burst into tears.
ooh, Kate, my Kate, she faltered,
81 never felt our loss so acutely as do
now"
And l." said Kate brightly, "never
felt so proud as do now. Oh, nam
ma, have spent my first months earn
ings in anticipation already. ''You
don't know what an heiress I feel.
"a new hand" said Mr.. varian,
carelessly, as he glanced over the books
of the steam factory. But really, Mr..
Hardie, L have nothing to do with the
hands you may see fit to engage. 1t
was quite unnecessary to consult me"
For Mr.. Varian, silent partner in
this driving concern, had lounged in as
usual, to glance over the books laid
open for his quarterly examination.
NO sir, know that" said Hardie
respectfully, "but this isn't an ordinary
case, Mr.. Varian; it's old DR.. Selwyn's
daughter"
Miss SelwYn?"
Mr.. Varian was reused into animation
at last.
"She came here, sir" explained the
foreman, "and said she had been learn
ing to work the machine, ard that she
wanted to earn money to help her par
ents. OF course | was a little doubtful
as to her experience. at first, but L find
she is tirst-class operator, and"
What floor is she on?" Mr.. Varian
hurriedly asked.
Number four, Sir"
Mr.. Varian waited until the big bell
changed for the dismissal of the hands,
and then he joined Kate Selwyn as she
came out. Kate colored, but she
smiled as she saw him.
"Inever knew, until to-day, Mr.. Va
rian, " she said, that you were one Of
the proprietors of this factory"
Neither was l." he answered, until
last month, when | fell heir to my I'M
cle's share in it. But [ have always
had more or less charge of his affairs
here"
"Isuppose, said Kate, her long eye
lashes dropping, chat you are recalling
in YOUR secret mind the silly speeches l
made about factory girls, not so very
long ago. But [ am wiser now. There
is no teacher like experience"
ION the contrary" he exclaimed
eagerly, II only await an opportunity
to tell you how infinitely l respect your
spirit and courage. Miss Selwyn,
have admired you for long time, but
now the feeling assumes an entirely
different type. May | dare to say open
ly that love you?"
Mr. Varian, said Kate, with flick
ering color on her cheeks, you are
rich. 1 am only poor working girl.
kate, shall be poor indeed, if you
refuse me the great boon of your love.
And in all respects, dearest, you are a
fit bride for a king" said Mr.. Varian
with enthusiasm. answer me, Kate,
l cannot live on In suspense"
The answer came soft, slow, and in
distinct; but such as it was it entirely
satisfied Mr. Varian And Miss Selwyn
did not long remain factory girl.
But she had learned lesson. The
lesson that a working girl need not
necessarily cease to be lady, and that
a lady might still be a working girl.
That week in my husbands factory"
she often said brightly, taught me
more than all my five years at Madame
D'Orient's fashionableb oardingschool."