Year: 1874

do not think there is any need of my
explaining how it happened, that l, who
when born had expectations of quite a
fortune, should have found myself, when
womanhood came, obliged to earn my
daily bread But so it was; and in one
of the large sewing-machine emporiums
(no matter which one) of leading
American city, I held a position as a
teacher for several years.


My duties were very monotonous; but
/ used to extract considerable amount
of interest and amusement, while en-
gagged in giving instruction, from learn
ing the histories-and they were very
varied-of my scholars. If the proverb-
iaI cup of tea unlocks the female tongue,
I found that a lesson on the machine,
and initiation into the mysteries of set
ting needle, winding bobbin, and reg
ulating a tension, were even more con-
ducive to communication. ! do not wish
to appear egotistical; but must confess
to quite power which seemed to pos
sess of gaining the confidence of my pu-
pills, through my habit of taking an in
terest in them, also that / was very fond
of an "ower true tale;" perhaps some ma
licious critic would call my propensity
by no higher name than female curiosity.


Even now, though time has brought
its changes to me, and no longer haunt
the old familiar places, often find my
self recalling one and another among
the many romances and stories in which
/ figured as an interested and sympathet-
ic listener, and occasionally an unsus-
pected actor.


The present recollection always comes
back to me at the Christmas time; and
therefore when the season rolls around
again, with its merriment and cheer, its
mistletoe and holly, its written and un-
written tragedies and comedies of life, I
feel like recounting it to others.


The position of instructress brought
me almost entirely in contact with my
own sex. Sometimes had male pupil
-one of mildly mechanical turn, who
would wish to become familiar with the
machine, SO as to be able to assist some
wife or sister: but the instruction-room,
as rule, was usually quite free from
frequent visits of the sterner sex.


During the fall of special year be
came conscious, however, that a certain
Mr.. Harry Lee, a gentleman whom
knew to be an intimate acquaintance o.
one of my employers, and whose face
was quite well known to all in the estab
lishment, began to occasionally drop in
to my department and look on during
instruction hours. He was very pleas
ant and gentlemanly in his manners, ant
gave as an excuse for the interest he took
that he was born Yankee and therefor,
very fond of inventions.


Although there were other teachers,
discovered that he fingered most fre
quently irfmy vicinity, and seemed NOR
interested in my conversation than tha
of my companions. was young at tn
time, and no doubt had the usual desir
of my sex to please. felt hattered, per
haps, at his respectful attention, and too
particular pains to make my observa
tions on "whatI knew about sewing-ma
chimes" as intelligent as my limited pow
ers permitted He soon became fre
quent visitor, and sometimes when bus
ness was dull would inger and convers
on other subjects besides the technical
ties of the trade, found that he wa
we'll educated, had travelled considerabl
in his own country, and knew, as the
say, "men and things" His intimat
friendship with one of the firm preven
ed any remarks as to the frequency of h
visits; and he made the additional apo
ogy for possible intrusion, that he wi
very much at his leisure, and sometim,
he would bring me some favorite Doc
about which we had conversed and e,
changed views, or ask my opinion c
some magazine article that was engros
ing public attention. / had never give
thought to his relations in life-whet
er he was married or single: he had sir
ply been to me pleasant episode amoi
my daily labors; and the flash of b
blue eyes and his frank smile, when S
luting me, at first considered as mel
ly among the other usual incidents of n
daily life.