The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-06-13

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had descended the steps and was now
walking along the pavement. II am a
stranger in the city, and have no other
friend here -
''From the country, are your said
Miss Harper, superciliously regarding the
young stranger. II thought so You
are as verdant as one of your own cab
bages and it would be best for you to re-
turn and remain among those useful vege-
tables, for you will not find Mrs. Hender-
son here. She removed to the West some
months since
Sybilla's heart sank. What should she
do? Alone in the great city with none
to help befriend her! But she concealed
her anxiety from her companion and only
inquired if the young lady would inform
her where respectable boarding house
was to be found.
Indeed | will not, answered Miss
Harper "a know nothing of you. Why
you may be an imposter or dishonest per-
son of some sort. No, indeed, | will not
be detained any longer" So saying. she
walked hurriedy away.
Sybilla was young, but she possessed a
brave spirit, and although she felt that it
was hard to receive such treatment. she
did not lose courage, but continued to
walk slowly along the street observing the
houses attentively, and was attracted by
large doorplate on one of them, which
conveyed the information that 'Mrs.
Thompson kept boarders.
Sybila lost no time in "applying with
in," and was Immediately told that she
could be accommodated with a small third
story room, for which, board included, she
was to pay the sum of six dollars weekly,
always in advance. Thus settled, Sybilla
earnestly endeavored to secure employment;
examining the daily papers and applying
for numerous situations, but without sue
cess.
Her little fund was almost exhausted,
when one morning as she was listlessly
scanning the columns of "a paper, she per
ceived this singular notice:
"WANTED-A young person who is "a
good walker, who is not good talker, and
| who is willing to accept moderate salary,
for the faithful performance of the duties re-
quired."
A moderate salary! Why, she would
be glad to receive sufficient to supply her
with the barest necessities; and Sybilla
resolved to answer this at once. She had
failed so often, however, that her hopes of
success were very faint; and when she ar
rived at 1921 Linden avenue it proved to
be such an imposing mansion that poor
little Sybilla was tempted to retrace her
steps. But she did not, and in few mo-
ments found herself in a pleasant recep-
tion-room awaiting the master of the house.
He came in immediatel y-an elderly
gentleman with green shade over his
eyes.
Good morning, my dear" he said,
kindly. 1.-The servant said you desired
to see me- What can [ do for you p
II came in answer to your advertise
ment," said Sybilla, timidly.
1.-The advertisement y repeated the old
gentleman, with mellow laugh. Good
idea, WASH it ? Did it on purpose to keep
all the silly, giggling girls away, and would
you believe it, you are the very first to
respondr'
II only saw it this morning" said Sy-
billa. cor | should have been here be-
FORE -
"No doubt-no doubt You re willing
to subscribe to the terms or you wouldn' t
have come at all. How old are you, my
dear?'
"Sixteen, answered Sybilla, her hopes
sinking as she saw the old gentleman s
expression.
"That's young, he said, thoughtfully,
every young. | am afraid"
"Oh, sill" interrupted Sybilla, implor-
ingly, edo not refuse to try me, please. L
am young in years, but 1 have had much
trouble, and that ages one, you know.
sIt does indeed" answered Mr.. Cas-
selbury, gravely ''But let me inform you
what will be required My eyesight is,
as you perceive, extremely weak. and as |
am very fond of walking, need an at
tentive guide. [ am unable to read, and
desire to have the papers, reviews, etc.,
read aloud to me daily. These duties are
monotonous, but not very laborious. Now
let us see if we can agree as to remunere-
ton -
He then named sum which seemed
muniGcent in Sybilla' eyes, and it was fl
nally settled that she should remove that
afternoon to Linden avenue.
The young girl soon became accustomed
to her new position, and it seemed to her
that she had entered at last a beautiful
pathway strewn with flowers. Her duties
were trifiing in comparison to the arduous
labor required of her at Cousin Jemima's,
and the kindness with which she was
treated soon won her guileless heart. Mrs.
Marlowe, distant relative Of Mr.. Cassel-
bury's attended to his household affairs,
and she received Sybilla with motherly af-
fection. The eccentric old gentleman
advertisement having procured him SEN
sibe attendant, nothing more was heard
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