The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-09-23
Selected Storp.
A Sensible Young Woman.

III was Pheasant room. III BOARD
ing-house to be sure, but though it was
not more than twelve by foul teen feet,
and the articles Of furniture nearly over
Tapped each other all the way round,
the room did not strike one as being
cluttered or anything but bright and
orderly.
Possibly the young lady who sat by
the window had stamped her person
atty on the inanimate objects; at least
an unt expected friend coming in one
day had exclaimed. " Your room looks
Just like you, Alice ~ No wonder,
since for five successive sun mers Miss
Alice Gaylord had occupied the same
room. She had learned what to bring
and what TO leave behind. A few
books, few photographs, two or three
dainty baskets, a pretty scrap or two,
and the deft touch which transformed
"things" so that they became parts of
a home. 1t was one Of those houses
where many strangers gather year after
year. but always with good sprinkling
of the habitues.
Since last year, however, there had
been change in Alice Gayord's cir
Gums tances. She was not very rich be-
fore it; this season it was a quest ion
whe Their she could come at all. In just
one way she could manage it. With
lady-like fondnoss for net de-work she
had often wrought beautiful designs,
only to give them to admiring friends.
Why not turn this accomplishment to
account, secure her coveted outing, and
take the room again which the success
sive seasons had made like second
home to her? Why not indeed?
On this particular day Miss Gaylord
sat by her window humming song,
her needle gancng in and out Of the
pretty work which had always been
such pleasure. A knock at the door,
and the sweet voice stopped the song
to speak the one word "Come," after
the manner of boarding houses.
''Ohl Mrs. Marsden, am glad to see
you again. | had been thinking you
would soon come to welcome me and re-
new Old times. Do sit down. Are you
well? feared not, or you would not
have waited day."
"Quite well, thank YOU" was the
somewhat constrained reply, but Miss
Gaylord continued without noticing the
bit of ice in her guests tone.
DO pardon me if keep on with my
work. This piece must be finished to-
morrow night. Fortunately l can en-
broider and talk, too-you can testify
to that. Only last summer l worked
for love, and this summer it is for love,
and money besides"
All tits with the most cheerful mat
ter-of-fact air.
Was it possible Miss Gaylord did not
realize what difference the last mo-
nd fnI 70
as from pole to pole the last season
from this? Didn't she comprehend that
what was once equality was now con-
Apparently not.
That lady had come in with laud-
able desire to be kind to Miss Gaylord,
to show her that she was not above
recognizing her now she was poor; in
short, to take on that patronizing man
ner which so many good people assume
to those who have been unfortunate
financially; and here was this young
woman actually appearing TO think
they were on the same footing as be-
fore.
How should she enlighten her? She
drew herself up as much as her diminu-
tive figure would allow, and began:
Yes, heard of your reverses, and
felt sorry, very sorry, indeed"
This assertion was made with empha-
sis. =" think my influence may be of
some help, but it will be hard for you"
"Why?" Alice Gaylord looked up
steadfastly. If she thought any thing
more than the simple inquiry suggested,
she didn't let it appear. The eyes were
like chi!d's in their direct, questioning
look.
Mrs. Marsden idgeted and hesitated.
Why can't people understand disa-
greeable things without explanatory"
she mentally queried
Alice went on, apparently not MOTTO
ing:
- can't see why it will be hard for
me. have exactly the same room and
the same comforts | have had every
summer here. l used to do quantities
of fancy work just for the fun of it. |
believe [ like it much better now that |
have an object in view. Isn't this
lovely?" She held up the dainty pattern
for inspection. Tomorrow night |
shall get twenty dollars for it-that
makes it lovelier. The old friends are
coming back" she added. "You are
here already"
Certainly the explanation didn't grow
any easier.
But there is "a sort of prejudice
against woman's earning money.
She loses CASTE" said this conservative
woman of antiquated ideas. 1t was
out now, and no mistake.
you know society must draw the
line somewhere" she continued. 81
wouldn't have my lite Mabel grow
up to earn her living for anything.
Why, you can tell such women as far
as you can see them. Teachers, now
what positive air they all Lave. Look
at your for, finger, it is full of pricks
already-you'll be taken for seam
stress. You'll find out soon enough"
Mrs. Marsden paused breathlessly,
and it must be confessed little fright
ened. The Princess, as they used to
call Miss Gaylord, was not exactly the
person whom it was easy to address in
this way.
Involuntarily Alice glanced at the
ttAly II xxhit 10 a.. "a