The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-10-09
A.sENsIBLE YOUNG WOMAN,

ia1ped each other all the way round, the
room did not strike one as being clut-
re,ed or anything but bright and orderly.
Possibly the young lady who sat by
ih. windown had stamped her personal
itv on the inanimate objects; at least an
uexpected friend coming in one day
had exclaimed: ''Your room looks just
like you, ALICE" No wonder, since for
five successive summers Miss Alice Gay
lord had occupied the same room. She
20 had learned what to bring and
what to leave behind. y few
books, a few photographs, two OF three
dainty baskets, a pretty scrap or two,
AND the deft touch which transformed
things so that they became parts of
home. 1t was one Of those houses where
many strangers gather year after year,
but always with good sprinlling of the
ia6itues.
Since last year, however, there had
been a change in Alice Gaylord's circum-
stances. She was not very rich before
it; this season it was a question whether
she could come at all. In just one way
she could manage it. With lady-like
tupdness for needle-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 successive seasons had
made like a second home to her? Why
not indeed?
On this particular day Miss Gaylord
sat by her window humming song, her
needle glancing 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.
oh! Mrs. Marsden, am glad to see
yoH again. 1 had been thinking YOU
would soon come to welcome me and re-
neY old times. Do sit dowL. 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-
m&row night. Fortunately l can en-
btQider and talk, too-you can testify to
tha5. Only last summer l worked for
love, and this summer it is for love, and
money besides"
All this with the most cheerful matter
OF iact air.
Was it possible Miss Gaylord did not
1eNIRe what a difference the last motive
made, and that it separated as far as
from pole to pole the last season from
this? Didn't she comprehend that what
was once equality was now condescen-
sion on Mrs. Marsden's part? Apparent
ly not
That lady had come in with a laudable
desire to be kind to Miss Gaylord, to
show her, that she was not above recog
nizipg her now she was poor; in short. to
take on that patrOnizing manner which
50 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 rs before.
How should she enlighten her? She
drew herself up as much as her diminu-
rive figure would allow, and began;
Yes, l heard Of your reverses, and |
felt sorry, veay sorry, indeed"
This assertion was made with empha- I.
sis ~ think nv influence may be of |
some help, but it will be hard for you"
'Why?" Alice Gaylord looked up
s;yadfaStly. If she thought anything |.
more than the simple inquiry suggested, |
shs didn't let it appear. The eyes were |
like child's in their direct, questioning |
look.
Hrs. Marsden tidgeted and hesitated.
why can'tpeoph understand disagreed
bic things without explanation?' she
mentally queried.
Alice went on,aprarently not noticing; .
Il can't see why it will be hard for me.
Lave exactly the same room and the
ne comforts | have had every summer
lry used to do quantities of fancy
work just for the fun OF it. | believe | .
like it much better now that 1 have an
OBJECT in view. Isn't this lovely?" She
he'd up the dainty pattern for inspection.
Tomorrow night l shall get twenty
du lars for it-that makes it lovelier.
Tla old friends are coming back" she
added. You are here already"
certainly the explanation didn't grow
any easier.
But there is IA sort of prejudice
-ainst wOman's earning money. She
loses CASTE" said this conservative wo-
loah of antiquated ideas. 1t was out
Vow, and no mistake
You know society must draw the line
somewhere, she continued. wouldn't
have my little Mable grow up to earn her
living for anything. Why you can tell
such women as far as you can see them
Teachers, now--what a positive air they
nil have. Look at your fore finger. it is
full of pricks already-youll be taken
for seamstress. You'll find out soon
enough"
Mrs. Marsden paused breathlessly, and
/ r,,,ct ba pnpfagco1 d, 1ittIo