The Republican., 1891-04-24

When that shabby old grandmother Of
feied-almost insisted, in fact-on 60
ing to the Old Peoples home, SO that
our marriage might be more possible,
or so that Bella might find more lucra-
tive employment away from home,
what do you think Bella did? She just
hugged that shabby old grandmother
and told her never to dare to say sue h
thing again. Yes. sir, she did!' And
Mr.. Mortimer, in the violence of his
admiration, stamped his cane down so
hard on the sidewalk that he broke it.
Bella, when she announced that she
must go to work to maintain her grand
mother and herself, found that the
choice of an occupation, to say nothing
of procuring the employment when
the choice was made, was no easy mat
ter.
Il cant typewrite,' thought she. dis
consolately, one morning, soon after
Mr.. Mortimer had taken up his abode
with his aunt; land | hate teaching,
and know | couldn't sew all day long:
and, as to cooking, which seems to be
quite the proper art, nowadays, for
nice but impecuniouS young women
like me, why. that won't do, because
there is such an awful uncertainty
about my culinary performances. |
never can tell until dish is done
whether it will be really good or not.
Well, Ill take peep at the advertise
ments in this mornings paper, and per-
haps III find somebody who stands in
need of such person as ! am. Let's
see, now Chambcrmaids. Mattresses,
sewing, cooks. Clearly, those won't
do. But. ah! now I've got it, or my
name isn't Bella. I'll have to put my
pride in my pocket this time. guess. =
The advertisement read to the effect
that lady wanted Il person of refine
ment TO do up laces and fine lawns
each week. The person of refinement
was to call at No. II Periwinkle place.
and ask for Mrs. Goodman, house
keeper.
And, as true as live" exclaimed
Bella, Il believe that's where Georges S
aunt lives. Well, she can't eat me,
that's certain, and l might rs well do
he should happen to see me, She
wouldn't know me. only hope / shall
get peek at her. if no more than the
end OF her proud nose; one must have
some enjoyment in life if one is poor.
Queer that never thought Of getting
laces to do up. For, really, when
come to think about it. what is called
fine washing is my only accomplish
ment. | suppose when | go there. that
Mrs Goodman, the housekeeper, will
goto the MADAM and say: If you please,
IN, the wash woman has come Well,
guess ] can stand it. I'll ask Mrs
! Cordova and the Montagues on tire ave-
nue. if they have any of that kind of
work to give me. And perhaps they
may know Of others
And 50, Bella. with brave attempt
to make her destiny her choice, -
dressed to go to periwinkle place.
In ten minutes after She had rung the
doorbell the interview was at an end.
She had been politely treated by the
housekccpcr. who, after close scru-
tiny, asked what she could Go and then,
her address, and finally gave her quite
a parcel Of laces, fine handkerchiefs
and some delicate silk underwear to do
up. And the interview had passed and
nothing had happened.
And, pray, what did you eXpcct?"
demanded Bella of herself savagely.
Did you think you would see George $
aunt. and that, stunned BY your charms,
she would Immediately cxclailn: Come
to my arms. you poor, stricken dear.
Don't forget the Van Duzener pride,
Bclla-nor your own"
And so six months passed. Bella had
all the work she could do, and. conse-
quently, was SO busy that she had no
time to waste in wishing that the
patron saint of lovers would turn his
attention to that little affair of hers.
In fact, Just about this time the course
of true love didn't run at all: it stood
stock-still.
1t happened that, during one OF those
rare, brief visits which Bella now per-
mitted Mr.. Mortimer to make her. the
subject of that young lady's employ
ment was brought under discussion.
Bella. with most becoming flush on
her checks, and an extra toss Of her
curly head. explained the sort Of work
she hat found to do.
For Heavens sake, Bella, couldn't
you find anything in this big town to do
but thatf' gasped Mr.. Mortimer. What
if that should come to my aunt's ears?
Why, Bella, it would be the death blow
to all our hopes"
'Humph.'' said Bella, coolly, though
her heart beat angrily. AS for that,
the mischief is done. if it can be called
mischief. marched right into the en-
emy's country the first thing. In fact,
I've been doing up the enemy's laces
and things right along"
Mr.. Mortimer's despair was too deep
for words. He could only gaze blankly
at his companion and wonder if wom
ans boasted tact wasn't an unknown
quantity, after all. Certainly, Bella
hadn't any.
II haven't seen Mrs. Van Duzener
even once said Bella, after awhile,
with view to placating her lover.
OH said Mr.. Mortimer, brighten
ing. In that case, perhaps we are all
right yet. / dare say she wouldn't
know you from hole in the ground"
continued he, inelegantly, but hopeful
! ly.