Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1892-07-20
CHAPTER XIm-CoNrrNurn

And l resolved to seek work immedi-
ately, and, if possible to avoid it, not
spend night under my relatives roof.
Having come to this sensible conclusion
! arose, smartened myself up us well as
could, and descended to my cousins
room. She was still reading when l
entered. and only stopped long enough
TO east glance in my direction.
Can speak few words with you.
Mrs. Bernardo l asked stopping just
inside the room.
She closed her book, fixed her eyes
on the ceiling, and apparently resigninr
herself 10 an infliction, said:
''Wen?"
was momcntarily disconnected bv
her nonchalant mir. but / recovered my
courage directly, and proceeded with
the business had in hand.
Mrs. Bernard" | began. II am vc~v
anxious to have employment, and am
not particular what kind it is so long rs
II Is honorable and win bring me n liv-
ing. Would it DC presuning too much
on your kindness if asked you to assist
me in obtaining Il position?"
Certainly not" she replied. with her
Characteristic calmncss and indifFcr-
ence. Il am very glad to devote my
life 70 the poor and needy"
y flush of resentment swept over me,
and felt strongly inclined to say some
thing not ut all complimentary 10 my
relative Why need she continually
twit me on my poverty and add insult
to injury by making such uucallcd-for
references?
wen" / remarked, keeping my feel
ings in check. III You can make any
suggestion calculated 70 aid me shall
be very much Obliged 20 you for the
Kindness
Il should be very glnd to aid You.
indeed would. She replied. but I am
sure don't know how could do so. |
know nothing nj all about employment.
1or do | know who has any to give.
That is quite outside my sphere"
Perhaps | suggested. you may be
able TO refer me 10 some one for in
formation
Il am sure l cannot, " she answered.
with the same studied Indifference. II
know nothing at all about such things.
on might speak to MIR. Bernard about
1t. He VIII be ut home within an hour"
She brought her eyes from the ceiling
and reopened the book so | knew She
had ended the conversation and that IL
was time for me TO withdraw / went
back to my room, and for au hour wait
cd with such patience rs could for the
return Of Mr.. Bernard. At last heard
him enter the house, and every moment
after that expected my cousin to send
for me 70 meet him. But she did noth-
ing of the kind, and finally descended
to her room once more, ct the risk Of in
curing her displeasure, determined To
speak to Mr.. Bernard before nc went
out.
lie was sitting ut thc window oppo-
site his wife reading newspaper when
came IN, but he glanced up quickly.
then arose. and for moment stood
casting inquiring glanccs first atNl-s.
Bernard, then Mt myself Mrs. Bernard
continued TO read, never dci-uinr t.
look up for an instant
"L1ura. Mr.. Bernard Gually r.
marked, here is n lady"
She gave n just perceptiblc nod of
her head 10 signify that she heard. but
offered no other reply The gentleman
was rather puzzled TO account for such
strange conduct. | think. for his face
cvinced some surprise as nc continued
10 stare at his wife. saw that must
speak, FOR the situation was becoming
extremely embarrassing. so. advancing
step or two nearer Mr.. Bernard. said
You are Mr.. Bernard, presume"
y cs. G'am. he replied. And voua"
My name is Owens. l ana seeking
employment, and as my mother, who is
now dead. was once an acquaintance OF
your wife, have taken the liberty OF
coming here TO ask for assistance. Mrs.
bernard Thought perhaps ven might be
able 20 give me some information as to
whcre or how employment could be OBJ
lined"
Tie seated. Miss Ovens" ne said. NJ
W l'e lapse Of moment. IF can
aa,lso-ou / shall willingly do so.
ms Tanner was so different from his
Whe'S, s. frank and open WHOM CON
tras'cd win her cold reserve. that IL
quite put IA as ease with him dtr,rti,.