The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-25

had been most active in organizing the social boycott against the woman I was talking to. Her social importance more- over had made it possible for her to put it through in exasperatingly thorough fashion.
 "The woman turned crimson when I mentioned that name. After dinner the
 library.
 Mrs. Blanc and r he said have al- ways preferred to have a housekeeper who did not have connections in this city. It was for that reason we went to New York to engage somebody. l am sorry that you have had the inconvenience of making the journey here for such short stay, since it is best that we terminate our bushes relations immediately. shall of course pay your expenses back to New York tomorrow'-how he emphasized that word-'and you will receive your salary for the month";
 T was of course at loss to know what all this meant until I had the chance to see my friend. Then 1t was clear enough But could there have been worse luck?"
 Perhaps these stories of i'll fortune for which none of these women is responsible will help to show that the gentlewoman who needs work is not as impossible as some persons come to think They are typical stories and every one happened just as it was told by the victim. Of somewhat different kind was the story of the red checked clear eyed woman who looked the picture of health and cheerful in spite of the struggles that all these women know.
 T had an answer to an advertisement" she said, which looked as if it would lead to desirable work. A bachelor who lived In an apartment as big as most of the large Fifth avenue establishments wanted a housekeeper to see that his home was kept always in just the condl- ton he would want it if he were there Much of his time was spent in the west and he found when he came home that rooms as he wanted them cared for and it was not always possible for him to let them know long enough in advance just when he would be back So l was to live in the apartment and have it always in good condition.
 You must go and see my sister, how ever. before l engage you definitely he said. as, l always leave the final ar engagements in such matters to her. He started to say he left the final engage ment of servants to her. but changed his mind. He gave her address and l called
 There was building going up next door to her house and a sweep of wind as l stood on her stoop suddenly filled my eye and throat with dust and mortar When entered her hall I was still cough ing and choking. She came to the top of the steps and looked over the banster
 DO you always have that cough? she asked
 q told her as well as I could that the dust had blown into my face and that had never known a sick day in my life. No sooner had I finished my explanation than the dust and mortar in my throat started me to coughing.
 " I am sorry, she called down again, but it won't be worth while for me to come down. My brother likes to have only very healthy people around him. Parker, show the lady out
 Now if she had called me upstairs or come down to see me she would have known that l am as strong as any wom- an could be. But hadn't a chance with this woman, who was too lazy to walk downstairs. Yet I haven't the least doubt that losing that position would be called my fault