Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-11-30
4 RIBBON WEAVER OF WILLIMENIIC.
a THANKSGIVING STORY.


A true Eastern winter and an early one
had bound in its icy chains the rivers
and lakes of Connecticut. The hills sur
rounding Willimantic were covered with
snow, and the sleighing was fine. Bells
pealed merrily out on the frosty air;
moonlight nights the sleds loaded with
young people went like meteors down the
steep hills. Double rippers'' filled to re-
pletion shot like arrows from bow, with
the boy behind steering with his toes
well groundin the deep snow. They only
stopped when rise in the ground proved
bar to progress.
The Willimantic Thread and Silk Mills
had on a full number of hands, and the
machines in the ribbon room were throw
ing of yard upon yard of rainbow-hued
ribbon that would probably find place in
the future around the fair necks of society
bellies.
The large granite and freestone build
ings comprising the mills, Offices and ware
rooms were situated in the heart of the
thriving town, and an iron bridge spanned
the river that flowed in a turbulant tide
past the mills A light coat of ice was
over it now, but it would not resist much
weight The long rows of windows in the
building looked like dark eyes in frame
of grey hair, and gave one the idea OF per-
petual espionage. Grey stone has cold,
dreary look outside, but visitor stepping
into the warmth of the work-rooms, with
an array of silk and flashing silk-wound
bobbins before his eyes, is impressed with
warmth and color in a pleasing contrast TO
| cold snow and grey granite.
Sitting before a machine, deity weaving
the bright-hued silks, sat tall girl with
| dark eyes and mass of auburn hair, with
shifting lights OF bronze and gold thread
ing the smooth braids. Dark brows and
iashes accentuated the fairness OF her face.
A pretty mouth, with rows of even white
teeth, that just showed behind the scarlet
lips.
Belle Aiken was an English girl, who
had come 10 Connecticut as a pupil teacher
at Pennington Seminary. Her parents
had come with her, but both had died two
years ago in their new home. Bellies sal
airy was not sufficient to keep her without
home aid, 50 she had sought work in the
silk mills. She had formed no associates
among the mill hands and, keeping TO her
self, had earned the undying hatred Of
many of the girls, who had nicknamed her
in scorn "AIe Lady Belle"
John Waldrop, Superintendent Of the
works and son of one Of the owners, had
been attracted by Bellies face, and stopped
longer and oftener at her stand, on one
pretense and another, but in truth to ad-
| mire her in secret and her quick handi-
work and accurate eye for colors. His
pleasant words and kind glances, from his
| fine, dark eyes, had won unconsciously
Bellies regard. But his attentiveEess to
her increased the jealousy and aroused
the petty malice of her co-workers, for
John Waldron- was wealthy and a good
match, besides being large. fine-looking
fellow, "whose word was as good as his
bond" from one end of the State to the
other.
The Waldrons were wealthy family
and the lovely home surrounded by fine
well-kept grounds was the visitors adj
miration. Built Of stone as the mills were,
but with b1y-windows wreathed in ivy
that took off the gray look, red chimneys,
and red outside shutters gave a cosey
habitable look. From the mill windows
one could see Johns younger sisters and
only brother George coasting on their
small bright sleds down over the terrace.
steps with a jam and jar that elected
screams of delight, ending in loud hur-
rah as they slid swiftly away over the
snow-covered lawns, and out through the
great ga;eways to the sidewalk.
1t was near Thanksgiving Day and the
mill hands were busy filling orders for the
winter months, but luncheon time was
long enough for tongues to wag over many
town scandals and topics.
One speaker remarked maliciously,
| 'Lady Belle had better mind her 'p's and
q's.' John Waldron amt going to marry
her, nor the like of her-stack up thing
weed She's at job-work now, and guess
her wages won't be much, Tor counting and
weaving won't hitch"
"Both takes time, eh, Liz?" said another
girl opening her mouth to bite a cookie.
you bet, and | know" said Liz, giggling.
Now Johns father heard these remarks
over the open transom OF his Office, and
| his black brows knit in an omjnous frown
| that BODIED no good to John and Belle.
'I'll stop his darn philandering round
| that English miss" he muttered. Il be
blamed I'll stop it if he's acting the fool.
Two can play game, and Pll discharge
| her this night. | suspected he was ass
enough to fall in love with her and she's
fool enough, too, he bound. These red
haired girls are terribly stuck after fell
low, but I'll learn him l won't have him
marrying no English pauper. I'll tell her
l don't want her services and she will
| leave. Out of sight out of mind, and |
hope he will have sense enough to forget
her"
So when the o'clock Saturday bell
rang the workers dropped bobbin and
beam and filed into the Office for pay,
which was all done up in neat white
packets for each worker.
| Belle came in last As she came up to
the desk the old man glanced al her
keenly and said, miss Aiken, we won't
need your services from this day"
Belle turned pale as she looked up with
startled eyes and asked, "Haye | caused
dissatisfaction with my work? Done any
of it wrong? | am sure | did my best. "
And her voice broke as she thought of her
need.
"Yes, yes" he replied, "but this will be
dull season and we don't need to run
number thirty-nine" And then, dropping
his eyes on his desk, he said, Il hear you've
been making eyes at my son. don't wish
to make public talk of this, so you can
say nothing about it. Only mind, | don't
wish you to continue your friendship with
him after you leave. You understand me,
| presume ?"
Misunderstood the coarse allusion The
color flooded her neck and brow The
scarlet stain seemed to scorch the fair
skin. She drew herself up haughtily and
leaving her wages on the desk untouched,
walked out, mist, blur Of tears in the
dark frightened eyes.
She did not see John Waldron as he
came up the steps. She never answered
his salutation. He saw in minute some
thing was wrong. On entering his fathers
office his keen eye noticed the money
package.
"Whafs the matter with Miss Aiken ?"
he said.
Dismissed" said his father, briefly,
without glancing up.
a\Vhaf for 2r Oasned John in sunrise