The Forrest City times., 1891-07-31

close of October I found the shop door closed, and learned to my dis may that our agent had disappeared, and the machines had all been seized for rent and debts.
 What was to be done?
 All the money l had in the world was about equivalent to 93. What was due to me had left in our agent s hands and l felt sure it was lost. thought of everything in the twenty five minutes which elasped between my art-breaking, when 1 found the shop-door closed, and my rapid walk to my lodgings.
 Fortunately my room had been hired for the month and had been paid for in advance. 1 had at least a roof over my head for 8 few weeks. An idea suddenly struck me. 1 had been making an evening dress on the machine for Russian lady who spoke English. She had some idea of buy ing a machine. In order to hasten the work I had taken to my room the body of her dress and having ma chine there had sewed at it of nights That machine 1 would certainly keep It would go very little toward the payment of the debt the agent owed me.
 I hurried home. Perhaps there was a letter with some money in 1t. There was nothing, must find the lady, but how? She had left no address. She had hardly spoken to me. I thought I had heard her say she would come again, and 1 believed she had fixed on this very day. There was but one chance in a thousand. l must stand on the street and wait until she appeared.
 Ihastened back and lookup my posi- tion near the shop. l scanned every woman passing by. It was bitterly cold and raw and the wind chilled me. I was faint with anxiety. Suddenly a carriage drove up, footman opened the door and alady, elegantly dressed, alighted. tore across the street-it was the Russian lady.
 With my heart in my mouth, I told her my pitiful story and begged her to help me. If she wanted a servant would she only try me? I had 8 sew ing machine, and would make her dresses fcr nothing if Icould only stay with her until I could write to my people at home; they would send me money and 1 could get back to England.
 "And my dress-am to lose it?'' the lady asked impatiently.
 Not all of it. The skirt is in the shop; the body is in my room, almost finished
 It seemed to me dreadful that in my agony she should talk about hel dress.
 "Where do you live?" she inquired abruptly.
 told her.
 "Get into the carriage" she said.
 did so.
 When we were off the main street she stopped the carriage, got out with opened the door. On the table was her dress body. It did not seem to interest her. She picked it up, how ever, glanced at it moment, then threw 1t down on chair and examin- ed the sewing machine.
 How long would it take me to be, come proficient m working this?" she inquired, as she sat down before the machine and tried the pedals.
 1.-Two weeks-perhaps less.
 "Would it disfgure my hands?"
 She took off her gloves, showed her well-cared-for hands, her fingers gilt tering with rings.
 "Your beautiful hands would hardly be spoiled"
 Well, then, give me lesson at once--at once. I will pay you fol your trouble"
 She sat down, and under my instruc tion worked for an hour. She was wonderfully clever with her fingers and seemed to seize the pecullarlties of the machine at once. =
 ''At this rate of progress, madam you would become quite good work woman in ten days" !" Isaid approving ly.
 Shemade no reply, but worked away for another half-hour.
 'It is not so tiresome, after all, she said, "but 1 have had enough fol to-day. Tomorrow I will call, anc then you will take the machine tt pieces, and show me how it must b, put together again. You will oblig' me very particularly by not going ou to-day. have to thank youfo you patience. Keep my visit silent. hope you have learned that in Russi, 1t is better to keep quiet tongue. Do this for my first lesson,' and sh placed on the machine table piece o gold.
 felt very much inclined to kiss her She looked cold and naughty. but m, heart was so full of thankfulness tha overcoming somewhat the awe I felt ventured to take her hand in min and put it to my lips. She did no withdraw it.
 Poor child" she said; "you do no look more than 20, and, at your age to be in such troublel This must be hard experience for you. Good-b, until tomorrow"
 She gazed at me steadfastly, as she would look me through, and thel bowing, left me.
 Next morning early there was loy knock at my door. opened it, an' n woman plainly dressed entered. Sh did not say word. She placed bundle she held in her hand in a chai and at once went to the machine an, commenced sewing.
 "You will kindly forget the lady c yesterday, and know me as Ellis simply, or rather. as Elise is French we will say Eliza. Iwant to learl your trade It is a whim of mine. D' ynn think that in n month couls