Year: 1871

on account OF family Affections, and | am
keeping the books myself if you know any.
thing about it | would take you for a month,
and if you did WE'LL retain you as an assistant
on his return. ! have to act as assistant my
self in our busiest time"


With a thrill Of Joy, mingled with anxiety,
| replied that had learned the theory but
lacked tho practice did not know as my
mother would consent, but | should be 80
glad to make the attempt


He replied that he would consult his part
ner, and in a day or two would either send
me a note, or do himself the pleasure to call
upon my mother. handed him my address,
and he bowed me graciousy to the door


With new energy and motive in life,
went home to pour over my neglected school
books and furbish up my abilities to fill the
coveted position.


had been in the store several days, and
was beginning to get over the rough and anx.
ious road Of a first attempt with more ease to
myself and to Mr. Holman | hope, who sure
ly could not have borne with my incapacity
had he not been one Of the best Of men, and
felt more than the interest of an ordinary
employer. My eyes were bent upon the jour
nal, and my head was swimming with the con.
fusion Of figures that [ was adding for a
third time. when heard pleasant voice be.
hind mo in conversation with Mr.. Holman,
who presently turned to me- and said


Miss Chase, believe you have not met
Mr., Rogers, the other member of our firm.
He wishes to thank you for the favor Of fnd-
ing his pocket book and furnishing US with
book-koeper who is of course of more value
than book-oser."


That depends somewhat ON what book he
keeps said |, as turned to meet some.
what younger man than Mr.. Holman. had
heard something Of him since my connection


with the store, and was not surprised to see


the signs Of sad experience in his eyes and
about his well formed mouth. But when and


where | seemed to have seen him BEFORE
puzzled me, till one day he said


Did you not get out at Misty Lake station,


one dag last summer ?"


Then | recognized the large brown eyes,


as pair that ! had noticed then because


they had seen me cry with vexation have


seen them laugh since, at the explanation Of


my childish unhappiness.


With all these favorable circumstances, let


no one suppose found it light or easy task


to make living for myself. 1t was at


time when the employment of women as clerks,


was more of an experiment than now Many


predicted failure and discontinue to all con-


cerned, and my pride was involved in doing


my best. | worked hard and perseveringy,


and with indulgent employers, made my way
after while to where could have command
ed a like situation almost anywhere.
And did my friends turn a cold shoulder
because | worked for a living? Did | feel
my chains hang heavily In answer to the
former question, desire to bear testimony
that so far from losing anything in social


position, mine was better than before. True,
| ceased to have as many invitations out, or
visits at home from the young and gay ac-
quaintances whose life ran in different chan.
: mel, but had no time for such, and as my
interest grew in my business | scarcely miss
ed these recreations. With few exceptions, |
saw no change in the estimation in which my


own and my mothers friends seemed to hold
me, or rather | felt an increased regard and
consideration. At first it was trial to 20
7 home some days from the monotonous routine
9 of bills, invoices and ledger, to find polite
o invitation to join picnic party or festival


committee; but knew that doubly precious
d would be the two or three weeks vacation
d by.and-by, when perhaps mother would go
d with me to rusticate somewhere and let me
Q. pay expenses for both.


| wasn't very strong with all my courage,
a and some days grew weary almost to faint
ness sitting on that high stool behind that
it little wire cage One day as sat scribbling
d Mrs Carroton came up to the desk aud en-.
1t quired for Mr.. Holman. He was not in, so
Il got down from my perch and drew an arm
D. chair into the open space near the shaw
n department. and asked her to wait few
ID moments. knew Mrs. Carrolton slightly
le from meeting her frequently at the store


knew her somewhat by reputation, too
it among our acquaintances. A tall and queenly
IN woman, whose amiable countenance, and ex
cr quiste taste in dress would attract attention
ne anywhere. She resided short distance from
er town, in style that approached my ideal o
or an earthly paradise. To me, as to every on
nd else, she had shown herself the perfect lady
nd the wel-bred gentlewoman.


ct 4" Sit down YOURSELF my dear" she said
ny as she took the office chair. d" 1t will d
ng you good to rest awhile you look tired"
Id replied that | had become so used t


my employment as scarcely to know when
ou was tired.


; Nevertheless little rest would improv


your looks at least. 1t would do you goo
'ut to live out OF town, so you would have
at take a breath OF fresh air night and morning
ay whether you would or not. Now, why can
aid you come out to my house some Saturda


afternoon and drive IN when they bring M
ey- Carroton on Monday morning Or stay
3D. TO home with me tonight shall ask NJ
ue- Holman to let you on
70 1t was tempting offer, but had to
rge cline for that day not being prepared tor
on hasty visit.


u.s. All, yes You would have to let yo


mother know she would be worried at yo
on absence. How Is your mother this summer
ag. | have so oiten heard my friend, Mrs. Evt
of cit, speak OF her, that feel almost as II
my knew her.


h. I Mrs Evarait was .Inhnfs tnothar As