The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-04-13
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ing a paper, "is what Grace Green
wood has to say on this subject in her
Washington correspondence: In the
present system of competitive exam
nations middle-aged women are
crowded out by young ladies fresh
from school examinations with few
of the latest astronomical discoveries,
the latest geographical boundaries,
and the latest system of photography
afoat on the surface of their care-free,
inexperienced minds. It's pretty
sight to see fresh Young girls in the
department. 1 am glad they can go
to receptions, dress charmingly and
have beaux and bouquets. Mature
women in that department have done
faithful work. [ like better to know
that government is giving employ
ment to widows with children to sup
port and old maids with other peoples
children to support"
Emily, we both remember Belle
Brainard's Independent. sensitive ma
ture in the old days. Doubtless she
has struggled on until at the point OF
starvation before bringing herself to
ask for help. You are confident that
you could easily support yourself. l
would like to see you make the trial,
unknown and in poor apparel. Some
would be civil to you; you little real
ize the rudeness and disappointments
you would encounter"
edwin, l fear you have become
misanthropic during your illness"
81 hope / have become more SYM
pathetic and thoughtful" he an
swered.
"Well, if | were at liberty, I'm sure
I could prove my case to you. would
personate a needy woman seeking
employment"
"Estelle," he said, should give you
the liberty. Let her occasionally take
your place. Some responsibility will
benefit her now her school days are
over. She must not lead the life of
a fashionable butterfly. I wish her to
be thoug htful and self reliant, which
will add to her real enjoyment. In
endeavoring to make up to her the
loss of our parents we have SO far an
ticipated nearly every wish of her
life.i We should take her into our
confidence if you decide to take these
lessons in life" Going to the foot of
the broad hall stairway, Emily called,
"Estelle, come down please" "Oui,"
answered musical voice. There was
a swish of skirts and slim girl,
bright as a May morning, danced
down the marble steps.
blue were her eyes as the fairy flax
Her cheeks like the dawn of day."
Escaped from its fastenings, her hair
rippled over the shoulders cleaned
golden in the sunshine.
As she stood demurely before her
brother, he said, care you willing to
supervise the affairs of the household
occasionally, entertain guests and
callers; also your crippled brother at
times, and allow your sister to COM
bine theory with practice in accord
ance with her brothers views" "Yes,
but is Emily going aways" She
asked, look of wonder in the blue
eyes.
eyes, among the poor and suffering
to learn their trials and temptations
and how to aid the soul as we'll as the
body"
liam to go disguised as one of
them in order to learn my lesson"
said Emily. "You can aid in my trans
formation;you've had some experience
in masquerading." "I'll be your
waiting maid," said the girl, with a
merry laugh. "What lark for my
elderly sister"
1t was not without misgivings that
Emily stood prepared for her Sex
plorations in the lower regions" as
Estelle denominated the undertak-
ing. "No one can recognize Miss
Dupont, with your darkened eye
brows and changed complexion, with
your hair tucked under that cheap
cap, your rusty black dress and shawl
and cotton Gloves Descending the
back stairs and gaining the street by
an alley way she soon left the broad
thoroughfare and elegant residences,
directing her steps to narrow, pleas
ant street she had noticed when out
riding.
Seeing among the plain houses a
neat cottage with "rooms to rent" on
front window, she entered, engaged
the rooms; also person to repair and
furnish them.
Resolving that her first venture
would be a call on a person who