Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1893-08-29
A TYPEWRITER GIRL

There was weeping and wailing and
gnashing of teeth in the st. Clair house
hold
Caroline, the youngest daughter, had
decided to carve her own fortunes, as
those of the family were getting in a
most entangled condition, and ''unbe-
knownst" to her worthy relatives had
sought and secured position as type
writer in one of big, wicked Chicago's
well known business houses.
'It's disgrace to the familyI" Broth
or Bob declared, and he donned his over
coat and repaired to the clubhouse
around the corner. Mamma wept loud
ly; papa fumed family.
John Vandergastf' moaned mamma.
He win never look at you again. A
daughter of mine typewriter!"
Caroline's short upper lip curled slight
ly more than already curled by nature,
although an apprehensive look did come
into her great hazel eyes.
IF you think, my dearest mother, that
am going to starve here in this remote
quarter of the woods, even in the most
genteel style, just for look from Mr..
Vandergast. you are vastly mistaken"
There are other employments for a
woman-such a public positioni And
typewriters are always $3.50 talked
abouti"
I'm the newspapers" !" added Caroline.
But no one will ever talk about mel"
she finished, with stern bravery.
Before it was time for Caroline to
leave for the distant city her father had
altogether ceased his fuming and was
considering the advantages of his daugh-
ter's assistance. OF late years the strug-
gle had been hard one for him. His
wife had always been society woman
and extrayagant; indulged sons and fash
ionable daughters, whose marriages had
each cost him a small fortune, had so re-
duced the estate made in his prime that
now, in his old age, bankruptcy con-
stantly stared him in the face
II regret, daughter" he said as the
train whistled and they were out on the
station platform, ''that you are going so
far from home. But / know how YOU
would feel to begin labor here, and
fully appreciate your efforts in assisting
me. The borden is growing heavier
with every year" and he sighed.
Somebody has to do something,' . re-
turned the daughter sententiously.
"And know you are fully capable of
taking care of yourself. God bless you,
my girl"
And the careworn father was prouder
of his typewriter girl than of his wealth
lest and most beautiful daughter.
But once on the car and steaming Chi
cagoward Caroline was not quite SO
brave, and despite her tall, dignifed self
one or two tears rolled down her aristo-
cratic nose and defed the superior little
curl of her short upper lip.
What If John Yandergast- had
been such friends before he left for Eu-
rope, and although Caroline had not
given her promise, for she was not sure
of herself, she had consented to speak
with him again upon the subject when
he would return.
Now she was sure of herself-but
Jehn7
1T is one more testr' she said sternly
to herself as she brushed away the inn
pertinent tears, land good ons too.
business course at college"
In the excitement of her new life Caro-
line forgot her little thoughts that might
have been called sentiment. She passed
the ordeal of critical examination by the
other typewriters in the office with su-
preme Indifference and SO impressed her
employers with her dignity that they
were half afraid of her
AS typewriter she was invaluable
rapid. correct, distinct. her every sheet
perfection itself, but there was no social
intercourse nor pleasant conversation.
''That girl" declared the junior part !
ner, "actually scares me. She's too pref
ty to be such prude."
''Ye-es," drawled the senior, and that
afternoon the venerable gentleman asked
her how she spent her evenings.
"Sirl' inquired Caroline
fYou-excuse me. but you are young
and not homely, and you will pardon an
old man if he takes an interest in your |
welfare in this great city."
'tAh, yesI" Caroline drew a long, ex-
pressive breath, and close observer
would have said that her nestrfls dilated
something like those Of high strung |
horse. Sunday evening attended serv-
ices at st. James; Monday evening de-
voted to literature, Emerson, Carlyle |
and Renan being my fayorite authors: |
Tuesday evening I attended the musi-
Gales. and Wednesday evening l attend |
prayers; Thursday evening / again de-
vote to reading: Friday evening gepeF-
ally attend the opera OF CONCERT, and !