The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-11-26

remember" .r .'.@.* r.
Hiram frowned
"Then I am to understand that
your theory is that to earn ones
living decently and honestly is to be-
not lady!"
Mrs. Dalzell f1uttered her pale, thin
hands as if torn by her conflicting de-
sires to maintain her dignity and yet
not affront this rich brother of hers,
who might do such glorious things if
he only would. .
II really think you should not
blame Miriam, Hiram. You must re-
member she has been educated with a.
view of something better in life than
the drudgery of working for wages; her
manner and appearance protest
against it." .
Hiram gave almost a growl, so en-
phatically he aspirated "humph!"
'Then l am very sure she would not
do at all for the two other positions I
have in mind-neither of which are so
tempting to the average female mind
as waiting in a shop. Lily, my dear,
| think l had better direct my sugges-
tons to you"
Lily laid down a strip of ruffling her
deft fingers were hemming and drew
her low hassock nearer her uncle's
knees and listened for what he should
propose.
He looked down at her kindly, al
most tenderl y-this little neice who
was so like the Wingates that it was
difficult for him to realize she was q
Dalzell, and who had somehow taken
the affections that Miriam had so de-
sired for herself-that Lilly herself had
no idea she had accomplished.
" ."'Well, little gray-eyes, if you are
not ashamed of earning your own
living can give you your choice of
two situations. One is that of as
sistant forewoman in the factory on
Edgehill street, and the other-well, I
suppose your sister and your mother
will regard it as disgracefulIy menial-
but if you would ask my opinion I
should say it was the best offer of the
three. It is that of a sort of compan-
ion and-well-assist ant to an elderly
lady"
Miriam gave little refined cry of
horror, Mrs. Dalzen held up her hands
in dismay, while both spoke stimuli
taneously:
III ho f,, can your"
Lilly kept her bright eyes on his face.
Go on uncle, please. l agree with
you that the latter is the best
position, and if you will tell me fur
Their about it, and I think I could
fill it, will take it,
Hirams face relaxed into a beanline
smile.
Sensible girl SEE there's Wingate
stuff in your"
Mrs. Da;zell sent Mortified glance
across the room to her.
Oily! Is it possible?"
Miriam svoice rose in emphatic indig-
nation, while both spoke simultane-
ouslv.
Lilly Dalzell!"
"Let her alone; she's right. It will
be a good place for her, where her
duties will not be too heavy and her
wages good. know the old lady and
I'll guarantee she'll bekind. Well, Lily
what do you say to it? Shall it be
honest independence or rubbing on as
you've been doing?"
"I'll 90 gladly, uncle: I am not
ashamed to work for my living and
besides, only think how much help my
| wages, will be here at home! I have
enough clothes to last me, mamma,
for several months, at least, and
will send you nearly all I get. Only
think mamma, how nice it will be for
you'll"
Lily's cheeks were glowing and her
gray eyes deepened almost to black.
you're the sort, Lily! Now, can
you be up and off early in the morn
ing? Because, you'll take the same
train with me, I'll see you safe in your
new place and introduce you to Mrs.
Marion-that's her name"
OF course it was all settled that eve
ming that Lily should go-or, rather,
Lilly settled it herself, for Mrs. Dalzell
and Miriam did little else after Hiram
had gone to his hotel but bemoan
Lily's want of pride and berate MIR.
Wingate's disgusting stinginess.
'"To think he should dare offer to
put you in such positions when he
himself rolls in riches, the stingy
curmudgeon, if I must say it!''
And Miriam's beautiful eyes grew
moist with tears as she echoed her
mothers invective.
1.-THE idea of my standing behind
Ferguson's counter!''
But Lily held her peace and packed
her little trunk, and thenext morning,
bright and early, was of to her new
untried position.
It was late in the afternoon when
the carriage Hiram had taken for
them at the station stopped before an
imposing mansion on q wide, aristO..
cratic-looking avenue.
Lilly looked up at the rows of plate
glass windows hung with rich draper
les, at the elegant boxes OF flowers
inside them, at the large square
vestibule paved with blocks OF coIored
marble, at the massive inner doors
of walnut with glass panels draped
with lace and with huge silver knobs,
and q feeling almost Of awe came over