Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-05-05
ny ~ ScoerHesrso eY ASSN. 1881


to some extent. and possibly to change
my lodi gs; brt otherwise had swept
away "a obstacles to the indulgence of
this new piece Of eccentricity.
1t occurred to me on the way down
town that Mr. Prime would doubtless
make some inquiries as to my previous
history and present circumstances, and
that | must go step further and con
coct some rational story in order to carry
ont my deception successfully. was
correct in my surllise. He received me
with kindness. and showing me into his
private Office ASKED few direct ques-
tons, which | answered to his satisfac-
ton seemingly. represented myself as
one OF that much 10 I've pitied class, re-
felred to by Mr.. Chelm, of well educated
but impecunious young people, who only
needed employment to be comfortable
and happy. l hal no parents, nor brothers
and sisters, and up to this time had sup
ported myself 10y teaching and by copy
ing; but the stress Of the times had little
by little cut off the sources of my in
come. and when he met me yesterday |
had sunk down exhausted and in despair
over the prospect Of finding anything to
do. Such was my pitiful tale.
Fortunately my handwriting did not
require to be explained away or dis
gui5ed like the rest of me. 1t spoke for
itself. being leoible and bold. somewhat
resembling a mans in the latter particu-
lar. AIR. Prime looked pleased as he
glanced at the specimen prepared for
his inspection. and felt that the battle
was won. A few minutes later J was
engaged as a confidential clerk at a
modest salary. Alv duties for the time
were to answer letters. and to COPY ont
and a.rant q SETS of figures at his direc-
ton. and he suggested that | should as
soon as po,,inlc learn shorthand.
could scarcely help laughing aloud
as I sat and tried to realize my new
position. MIR. Primes business was as
vet. | soon perceived. laucntablv small
The Office wa, coiumolious, but lnv en-
plCver had besides me oniv Il bookkecuer
to help hiin-a .,uut. with.red looking
man of sixty. This parsonage glanced
at me now and again over his spectacle
suspiciouslv. and would. dare say. have
Joined hands with my enemy the police
officer. as to the probabilities affecting
my moral character. Everything else
was done by M Prime, who | was
pleased to notice was us spruce as ever
in his pcrsoual appearance. His cloves,
his boots. his cravats, and Ike, the
beautifully ugly Ike, were as irreproach-
able as ever.
1t is wonderful how easily one grows
accustomed TO almost any change of
circumstances. Of course the first few
| d,v- OF lnv new life were excessively
/ strange. and | passed through various
stage, OF alarm and modification at INV
own naruinood in entering upon it. But
ai,,r The first week settled down TO NV
wart with interest ana composure. no
longer III .urbed by fear of detection.
For SO +kiilful WAS my disguise that dur
ing thlL time ran the gantlet of the
chances both of Roger Dale and the Hon
orable Ernest without exciting the sus-
picions Of either an not sure that the
former did not feel as if he had seen my
face before, for he stared at me wonder
ingly, rs it seemed to me, and for IA mo-
ment feared that ALI was over; but he
turned careiessly away, and observed to
my employer, loud enough for his words
TO reach my ears:
Nice locking girl that, Prime. II
you don't look out III offer her double
the salary across the street"
TINS observation directed all eyes tC
me, for there We're several men in the