The Washington herald., 1916-04-09
NONf Of THESE NEW |
in CHILD RAISING for
By PEGGY FoRAE.


good supply Of nerve, brunette,
Kelly blue eyes, adorable
French accent, high school ed
ucation, three months finishing school
how could she be captain and crew of her
own boat from now on?
Why, Of course, be a French govern
ess!
All enthusiasm, ran across the hall to
Msrste's room. She was curling her hair
over an oil lamp In the dim religious light
Of the back bedroom.
Well, I've decided upon my vocation
and IN start out tomorrow to get settled.
No more hall bedroom and 15-cent lunches
for mine! You see. I'll have lovely
home With the family and need never
feel lonely. I'll save car fare, laundry
bills, lunch money Ny salary will be
clear proht; nothing to it! It's the home
atmosphere Gravel"
But my dear, you couldn't get away
with 1t for day. You'll ind at the frst
interview that little willis's or GwendoI
lyn's mamms goes to Paris every year
and rsttles French like q native"
Discouraged? Give up? Not exactly,
when endowed with turned-up nose and
an India rubber disposition.
Trying doesn't hurt anyone and to be
discharged would be the worst thing that
could happen. I'm crazy about children
and Just to fesl like a member of some
ones family would be such a comfort"
The next morning found me at an
Elite" employment agency for select
household employees, my idea of such
employees" being secretaries, governess-
es, tutors, etc. l found myself with a
Strengthening lot There we're cooks
and Mattresses, teachers and chaufeurs,
old ones and young ones in various stages
OF hopelessness. l was greeted without
undue formality by the Irish woman in
charge.
where's your reference?"
1t seemed to me that she fairly shrieked.
though, no doubt that was her ordinary
speaking voice. believed my heart ae-
tually stopped beating. Being utterly at
loss for reply I managed to say that
had never worked before and conse-
quently could furnish no references. She
gave me one look of utter scorn.
l visited seven other places that day
which proved to be equally exclusive and
was greeted with the same cordiality in
all. l must have walked twice the length
OF Manhattan island. trying to comfort
myself that references were Just a matter
OF form but couldn't help wondering If 1
looked anything like a murderess. That
night was the first Of one thousand and
some odd that cried myself to sleep.
Next day, acting on the suggestion Of
a girl had questioned, I bought the morn
Ing paper and found a fine list OF oppor-
tunites. / started out with string OF
addresses and prospects. After seeing
Eve or six prospective employers and wait.
Ing my turn to hear, "oh, you're much too
young" l came to one place that looked
very hopeful. l was beginning to think
was elected when utterly without warn
Ing she asked me what part of France my
father came from.
That night got out the map Of France.
said good-by to Peggy" and became
Marie" for business purposes .Ifter
pulling my hair straight up OF my fore
head. lsngthening my skirt and applying
ten-eent pair OF spectacles toward the
end Of my nose l vas prepared. After
.Wo weeks Of steady persistence / came
across a woman willing to take chance
On stranger without recommendation.
Ny new employer was fine in every
sense of the word, the loveliest woman
had met and one who really seemed to
lake an unusually kind interest I was
delighted at the prospect Of being a men,
Der OF her refined and peaceful household.
Let Us now introduce little Peter, brought
1n according to the latest approved meth
DDS Of child hygiene and culture:
He Is = thin little chap with a face as
EAits as earrars marble, quaint, vistfui