The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-08-09
DIRTY LIzE," THE POOR HOUSE BRAT.

The poor or county house Of Dover
county is situated near the central part
of the city of Logansport
Among the inmates Of the poor house
was a small mulatto girl of some eight
or nine years, with curly hair and black
dancing eyes. Her real name was Eliza
Vandyke. but her dirty, careless ways
won for her the name Of Dirty Lie.
the poor-house brat and by this name
she was called by all who knew her
Her father and mother were dead and
she had no near relation except a grand
mother, who resided in a distant state.
Liza attended the public school, where
she was hated by all her schoolmates.
for she was very mischievous child and
was always playing pranks on them.
She neglected all her studies except
writing. but for writing she showed a
very marked taste
If told to perform a duty she would
sally forth and begin TO work as if her
very life depended upon It. but perhaps
in a few minutes she might have been
seen perched in the top Of an apple tree
or sitting on the hay in the barn loft.
deviSing some plan by which she could
get into mischief
One day Mr.. Carver. a wealthy mer-
chant, living in LOgansport, called at the
poor house in quest of a small girl to
aid his servants and do the light work
about the house. The poor master ire
Joicing at the thought of getting her
away told him that Liza would answer
the purpose very well, as she was large
and strong for her age.
So Liza was taken much against her
will 10 the magnificent house of Mr.
In this beautiful house she found Mrs
Carver a very precise. elderly lady and
her two stylish daughters. Evylin and
Myrtle. who were somewhat older than
herself.
There were also many servants, who
had been in the Carver family for years.
and Dirty Lie, with her dirty face and
faded calico frock, upon which a good
sized grease spot now and then was seen,
was locked upon with contempt from all
sides.
Directly after Eliza arrived at the Car
Yer homestead she was set to washing
dishes, but in short time there was
crash heard in the kitchen. which brought
in the servants, who found the floor al
most covered with broken china. and
Eliza standing with her hands thrown
up and her mouth wide open while the
dishwater dripped from her dirty dress
You good-for-nOt porper," yelled
the cook. "breakin' up the missus china,
now you'll ketch it,
In few days Eliza was set to work
90 clear out a choice flower bed. the
property OF Miss Evylin. the eldest
daughter She worked diligently for a
few minutes, but suddenly the thought
came 70 her that a pretty wreath could
be made Of the flowers. so she immedi-
ateIy proceeded to make one. nor did she
stop until she had taken the last flower
then carefully placing the wreath upon
her woody head she walked proudly into
the kitchen to make a display among he
servants, but she was not to enjoy his
Measure long. for Miss E,vyIin was soon
Informed Of ELIAS conduct. and rushing
into the kitchen moment later. gave her
a sound shaking while Mrs. Carver stood
by excIaiming in sharp angry tones:
You disobedient child. what will ever
become OF you / should like to know.
You are always into mischief. can't
see what such a child as you was ever
born for; you viii never amount to any
thing in the world. ="
At this Eliza put her dirty apron to her
face to wipe away the tears and she
did so she received a ringing slap from
Miss Evylin-
Eliza really tried TO be good for while
after this. but she was easy 20 yield TO