Year: 1869




Miss Vernon sat thoughtfully at her
window plunged in deep thought. This
need not be scarcely wondered at for
the question upon which she was pom
dering affected her deeply.


She was an heiress, having come into
possession at her majority, of ifty thou
sand dollars. She was prepossessing in
her appearance, and this ,as was natural,
added to the report of her wealth, which
as usual, was considerably exaggerated,
brought her suitors in plenty. Among
them she made choice of William Win
sor, and in 3 few weeks they were to be
married.


William was engaged in the wholesale
clothing business, and had the reputa-
ton of sharp active man Of business.
He was of good appearance, and as far
as conld be judged, was . good match
even for the heiress. Nothing to his
prejudice had come to the ears of Miss
Vernon. until the day before. A poor
woman had come TO the door in e> ident
poverty, and asked for relief. On being
questioned. she said had been employed
making shirts at twelve cents q piece
for wholesale dealers--that after max
ing a dozen and carrying them to the
store; she had been roughly told that
they were spoiled, and nothing would
be paid for her work; but she might
have some more, it she would agree
to make them better. She added that
this was one of the small ways in
which the firm made money out of poor
work women, by pretending that work
was unsatisfactory done, when really
no fault could be reasonably found with
it.


The sum, small as it was, of which
she had been defrauded, was all impor-
tant to her as it repre- sented nearly
weeks work.


Only dollar and forty four cents for
q weeks work. exclaimed Miss Vernon
in dismay.


That's all, said the poor woman.


'How then do you liver


1T can hardly be called living. Its
just barely keeping body aud soul to-
gether, said the poor woman.


And who is this extortioner that first
offers you starvation wages, and then de-
frauds you of even them?' asked Miss
Vernon, Indignantly.


William Winsor.'


sWho?' demanded Miss Vernon quick.
ly.


I can hardly believe this. I know
the gentleman


1t is true, and if you will investi-
gate the matter, you will find it to be
so'


Il will investigate the matter. Here
is five dollars for your present needs
come here tomorrow at this time and I
may have some work for you to do


The poor woman departed, invoking
blessings upon the heiress


4 will look into this said Margaret
Vernon resolutely, 'and if it proves true,
the engagement between William Win
sor and myself shall be broken will
not give myself to such a man.


Nancy, said Miss Vernon the next
morning to the chambermaid, shave you
an old dress and shabby cloak and bon
net that you can lend me?'


Il have got some that are SO poor that
l am not going to wear them again. said
Nancy, surprised at such an inquiry.


will you lend them to me?'


sOf course, Miss; but what would the
likes of you want Of such old clothes?'


"A little fun, that is ALL said Miss
Vernon. Il am going to disguise my
self, and see if l can't deceive some
body


With this explanation Nancy was con-
tent and produced the clothes. Miss Yer
non put them on, and in addition bor-
rowed of another of the servants, q
thick green veil, somewhat the worse for
wear, and then set out On her mission.
No one in her disguise would have rec
ognized the usually elegantly dressed
heiress, Miss Margaret V:rnon.


Miss Vernon slipped out of the base
ment door and took her way to large
store, on which was inscribed the name
William Winsor in large gilt letters


She entered and after awile clerk
spoke to her in rough voice:


We'll what do you want?'


4 want to get some work. she said in
a low voice


'We can give you some shirts


Anything.


Can you sew well?'


i think So


AT any rate we will try you


half dozen shirts were given to
Miss Vernon, and she was informed that
if satisfactorily done, she would be paid
twelve cents piece. These she carri-
ed home, slipping in at the back door.


Two hours later poor woman called.


Here are some shirts for you to make
said Miss Vernon.


why, they are the same as l have
been making said the woman in sur
prise.


That is true and they came from the
same place


Am 10 bring them back there2'


No you will bring them here. 1 will
pay for the work when done, double the
price you have been receiving


Thank you Miss; you are very kind


Sew them as neatly as possible.
wish to see if they will be rejected as
poor work