 Preface, quote and inscription of Work, a story of experience. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or how to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Work, a story of experience by Louisa M. Alcott, author of Little Women, Little Men, an old-fashioned girl, hospital sketches, etc. An endless significance lies in work, and idleness alone is their perpetual despair. Carlisle, Boston, 1901. To my mother, whose life has been a long labor of love this book is gratefully inscribed by her daughter. End of Preface, quote and inscription. This recording by Aaron Elliott, St. Louis, Missouri. Chapter 1 of Work, a story of experience. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Andy Yu. Work, a story of experience by Louisa M. Alcott, chapter 1. And Bessie, there's going to be a new declaration of independence. Breasts and sabers, what do you mean child? And the startled old lady precipitated a pie into the oven with destructive haste. I mean that being of age, I'm going to take care of myself and not bear burden any longer. Uncle wishes me out of the way. Things I ought to go and sooner or later will tell me so. I don't intend to wait for that, but like the people in fairy tales, travel away into the world and seek my fortune. I know I can find it. Christie emphasized her speech by energetic demonstrations in the bread dough, kneading the dough as if it was her destiny, and she was shaping it to suit herself. While Aunt Bessie stood listening with uplifted pie fork and as much astonishment as her placid face was capable of expressing, as the girl paused with a decided thumb the old lady exclaimed. What crazy idea you got into your head now? A very sane and sensible one that's got to be worked out. So please listen to it, ma'am. I've had it a good while. I thought it over thoroughly, and I'm sure it's the right thing for me to do. I'm old enough to take care of myself, and if I've been a boy, I should have been told to do it long ago. I have to be dependent, and now there's no need of it. I can't bear it any longer. If you were poor, I wouldn't leave you, for I never forget how kind you have been to me. But uncle doesn't love or understand me. I am a burden to him, and I must go where I can take care of myself. I can't be happy till I do, for there's nothing here for me. I'm sick of this dull town where the one idea is eat, drink, and get rich. I don't find any friends to help me as I want to be helped, or any work that I can do well. So let me go, Auntie, and find my place wherever it is. But I do need your theory, and you mustn't think uncle don't like you. He does, only he don't show it, and when you always fret him, he ain't pleasant. I know, I don't see why you can't be contented. I've lived here all my days, and never found the peace lonesome, or the folks unneighboring, and Aunt Bessie looked perplexed by the new idea. You and I are very different, ma'am. There was more yeast put into my composition, I guess. And after standing quiet in a warm corner so long, I began to ferment, and ought to be kneaded up in time so that I may turn out a wholesome loaf. You can't do this, so let me go where it can be done. Else I shall turn sour and good for nothing. Does that make the matter any clearer? And Christie's serious face relaxed into a smile as her aunt's eye went from her to the nicely molded loaf offered as an illustration. I see what you mean, kitty, but I never thought on it before. You'll be better risked than me, though. Let me tell you, too much amptons makes bread poor stuff, like baker's trash, and too much working up makes it hard and dry. Now, fry round for the big oven is most net, and this cake takes a sight of time in the mixing. You haven't said I might go, auntie, began the girl, and after a long pause devoted by the old lady to the preparation of some compound, which seemed to require great nicety of measurement in its ingredients, for when she replied, aunt Bessie curiously interlaced her speech with audible directions to herself from the recipe book before her, and Bessie's interlaced speech. I ain't no right to keep you, dear, if you choose to take in brackets a pinch of salt. I'm sorry you ain't happy and think you might be if you only, in brackets, beat six eggs, yolks, and whites together. But if you can and feel that you need, in brackets, two cups of soup, only speak to uncle, and if he says, in brackets, a squeeze of fresh lemon, go, my dear, and take my breath in with, in brackets, not forgetting to cover with a piece of paper. Christy's laugh echoed through the kitchen, and the old lady smiled benignly, quite unconscious of the cause of the girl's merriment. I shall ask uncle tonight, and I know he won't object. Then I shall write to see if Mrs. Frint has a room for me where I can stay till I get something to do. There's plenty of work in the world, and I'm not afraid of it. So soon you'll hear good news of me. Don't look sad, for you know I never could forget you, even if I should become the greatest lady in the land. And Christy left two flowery but affectionate hands on the old lady's shoulder as she kissed the wrinkled face that had never worn frown to her. Full of hopeful fancies, Christy salted the pants and buttered the dough in present forgetfulness of all mundane affairs, and the ludicrous dismay of Aunt Betsy, who followed her about rectifying her mistakes and watching over her as if this sudden absence of mine had roused suspicions of her sanity. Uncle, I wanted to go away and get my own living, if you please, was Christy's abrupt beginning as they sat round the evening fire. Hey, what's that? said Uncle Enos, rousing from the dose he was enjoying, with a candle in perilous proximity to his newspaper and his nose. Christy repeated her request, and was much relieved when, after meditative stare, the old man briefly answered, well, go ahead. I was afraid you might think it rash or silly, sir. I think it's the best thing you could do, and I like your good sense in proposing on it. Then I may really go. Soon as ever you'll like, don't pester me about it till you're ready. Then I'll give you a little something to start all with, and Uncle Enos returned to the farmer's friend as if cattle were more interesting than kindred. Christy's was accustomed to this curt speech and careless manner, had expected nothing more cordial and turning to her end said rather briefly. Didn't I tell you he'd be glad to have me go? No matter, when I've done something to be proud of, he will be as glad to see me back again. Then her voice changed, her eyes kindled, and the firm lips softened with a smile. Yes, I'll try my experiment, then I'll get rich, found a home of girls like myself, or better still be a Mrs. Fry, a Florence Nightingale, or... How are you honoured for stalking, dear? Christy's castles in the air vanished at the prosaic question, but after a blank look she answered pleasantly. Thank you for bringing me down to my feet again. When I was soaring away too far and too fast, I'm poorly off, ma'am, but if you're knitting these for me, I still certainly start on a firm foundation. And leaning on Anne Bessie's knee, she patiently discussed the wardrobe question from hose to headgear. Don't you think you could be contented anyway, Christy? If I make the work lighter and leave you more time for your books and things, asked the old lady, love to lose the one useful element in her quiet life. No, ma'am, for I can't find what I want here, as was the decided answer. What do you want, child? Look in the fire, and I'll try to show you. The old lady obediently turned her spectacles that way, and Christy said in a tone half serious, half playful. Do you see those two logs? Well, that one, smothering dismally away in the corner, is what my life is now. The other brazing and singing is what I want in my life to be. Bless me, what an idea. They are both a burning, where they are put, and both will be ashes tomorrow. So what difference does it make? Christy smiled at the literal old lady, but following the fancy that preached her, she added earnestly. I know the end is the same, but it does make a difference how they turn to ashes and how I spend my life. That log with this one dull spot of life gives neither light nor warmth, but lies sizzling despondently among the cinders. But the other grows from end to end with cheerful little frames that go singing up the chimney with a pleasant sound. Its light fills this room and shines out into the dark, its warmth draws us near, making the heart the coziest place in the house, and we shall all miss the friendly blaze when it dies. Yes, she added as if to herself, I hope my life may be like that, so that whether it be long or short, it will be useful and cheerful while it lasts, will be missed when it ends and leaves something behind besides ashes. Though she only half understood them, the girls were touched the kind old lady and made her look anxiously at the eager young face gazing so wistfully into the fire. A good, smart blowing up with the ballasers will make the green steak burn most as well as the dry one after a spell. I guess contentedness is the best ballas for young folks if they would only think so. I dare say you are right, Auntie, but I want to try for myself, and if I fail, I'll come back and follow your advice. Young folks always have this contented face, you know, didn't you when you were a girl? Shouldn't wonder if I did, but Enos came along and I've forgotten. My Enos has not come along yet and never may, so I'm not going to sit and wait for any man to give me independence if I can earn it for myself. And a quick glance at the rough gray old man in the corner, plainly betrayed that in Christie's opinion, Aunt Bessie made a bad bargain when she exchanged her girlish aspirations for a man whose soul was in his pocket. Just like her mother, full of effulgent notions, discontented and so in her own ideas, poor capital to start a fortune on. Christie's eyes matched at her angle, peering over the top of his paper with an expression that always tried her patience. Now it was a dash of cold water on her enthusiasm, and her face fell as she asked quickly. How do you mean, sir? I mean that you are starting all wrong. Your ridiculous notions about independence and self-culture won't come to nothing in the long run, and you'll make as bad a failure of your life as your mother did of her end. Please don't say that to me. I can bear it, for I shall never think her life a failure because she tried to help herself and married a good man in spite of poverty when she loved him. You call that folly, but I'll do the same if I can, and I'd rather have what my father and mother left me than all the money you are piling up, just for the pleasure of being richer than your neighbors. Never mind, dear. You don't mean no harm, whispered and bestie, fearing a storm. But though Christie's eye had kindled and her color deepened, her voice was low instead, and her indignation was of the inward thought. Uncle likes to try me by saying such things, and this is one reason why I want to go away before I get as sharp and bitter and distrustful as he is. I don't suppose I can make you understand my feeling, but I'd like to try, and then I'll never speak of it again. And carefully controlling voice and face, Christie slowly added with a look that would have been pathetically eloquent to one who could have understood the instincts of a strong nature for light and freedom. You say I'm discontented, proud and ambitious. That's true, and I'm glad of it. I'm discontented because I can't help feeling that there is a better thought of life than this dull one made up of everlasting work with no object but money. I can't starve my soul for the sake of my body, and I mean to get out of the treadmill if I can. I'm proud, as you call it, because I hate pendants, where there isn't any love to make it bearable. You don't say so in words, but I know you'll begrudge me a home. Though you will call me ungrateful when I'm gone, I'm willing to work, but I won't work that I can put my heart into and feel that it does me good, no matter how hard it is. I only ask for a chance to be a useful, happy woman, and I don't think that is a bad ambition. Even if I only do what my dear mother did, earn my living honestly and happily, and leave a beautiful example behind me to help one other woman as hers helped me, I shall be satisfied. Christy's voice faltered over the last words for the thoughts and feelings which had been working within her during the last few days had stirred her deeply, and the resolution to cut loose from the old life had not been lightly made. Mr. Devon had listened behind his paper to his unusual outpouring with a sense of discomfort, which was new to him, but though the words reproached and annoyed, they did not soften him, and when Christy paused with tearful eyes, her uncle rose, saying slowly as he lighted his candle. If I'd refused to let you go before to a degree, I'd agree to it now for your need breaking in, my girl, and you are going where you'll get it, so the sooner you're off the better for all on us. Come, Betsy, we may as well leave for can't understand the wants of her higher net, as Christy calls it, and we've had lecturing enough for one night, and with a grim laugh, the old man quitted the field, worsted but in good order. There, there, dear, have a good cry, and forgot all about it, heard and Betsy, as the heavy footsteps creaked away for the good soul had the most old-fashioned and dutiful awe of her lord and master. I shan't cry but act, for it is high time I was off. I've stayed for your sake, now I'm more troubled than comfort and away I go. Good night, my dear auntie, and don't look troubled for I'll be a lamb while I stay. Having kissed the old lady, Christy swept her work away and sat down to write the letter, which was the first step toward freedom. When it was done, she drew nearer to her friendly countenant the fire, and till late into the night, sat thinking tenderly of the past, bravely of the present, hopefully of the future. Twenty-one tomorrow, and her inheritance ahead, a heart, a pair of hands, also the dowel of most New England girls, intelligence, courage, and common sense, many practical gifts and hidden under the reserves that soon melts in a genial atmosphere, much romance and enthusiasm, and the spirit which can rise to heroism when the great moment comes. Christy was one of that large class of women who moderately endowed with talents, earners, and true-hearted are driven by necessity, temperament, or principle, out into the world to find support, happiness, and homes for themselves. Many turn back discouraged, more accept shadow for substance and discover their mistakes too late. The weakest lose their purpose and themselves, but the strongest struggle on, and after danger and defeat earn, alas, the best success this world can give us. The possession of a brave and cheerful spirit, rich in self-control, self-help. This was the real desire of Christy's heart. This was to be her lesson and reward, and to this happy end she was slowly yet surely brought by the long discipline of life and labor. Sitting alone there in the night, she tried to strengthen herself with all the good and helpful memories she could recall before she went away to find her place in the great unknown world. She thought of her mother so like herself who had borne the commonplace life of home till she could bear it no longer, then had gone away to teach as most country girls are forced to do, had met, loved, and married a poor gentleman, and after a few years of genuine happiness, untroubled, even by much care and poverty, had followed him out of the world, leaving her little child to the protection of her brother. Christy looked back over the long, lovely years she had spent in the old farmhouse plotting to school and church and doing her tasks with kind aunt Betsy while a child, and slowly growing into girlhood with a world of romance locked up in a heart, hungry for love, and a larger noble life. She had tried to appease this hunger in many ways, but found little help. Her father's old books were all she could command, and these she wore out with much reading. Inheriting his refined tastes, she found nothing to attract her in the society of the commonplace and often cause people about her. She tried to light the Buxom girls whose one ambition was to get married, and whose only subjects of conversation were smart boners and nice dresses. She tried to believe that the admiration and regard of the rough young fathers was worth striving for, but when one well-to-do neighbor laid his acres at her feet, she found it impossible to accept for her life's companion a man whose soul was wrapped up in price cattle and big turnips. Uncle Enos never could forgive her for this piece of folly, and Christie plainly saw that one of these things would surely happen if she lived on there with no vent for a full heart and busy mind. She would either marry Joe Butterfield in sheer desperation and become a farmer's household judge, settled into a sour spinster content to make butter, gossip, and lay up money all her days, or do what poor Matty Stone had done, try to crush and curb her knees and aspiration till the struggle grew too hard, and then in a fit of despair and her life and leave a tragic story to haunt the quiet river. To escape this face but one way appeared, to break loose from this narrow life, go out into the world and see what she could do for herself. This idea was full of enchantment to the eager girl, and after much earnest thought, she had resolved to try it. If I fail, I can come back, she said to herself, even while she scorned the thought of failure, for with all her shy pride, she was both brave and ardent, and her dreams were of the rosy assault. I won't marry Joe, I won't wear myself out in a district school for the mean sum they give a woman. I won't delve away here where I'm not wanted, and I won't end my life like a coward because it is dull and hard. I'll try my fate, as mother did, and perhaps I may succeed as well, and Christie's thoughts went wandering away into the dim sweet past when she, a happy child, lived with loving parents in a different world from that. Lost in these tender memories, she sat till the old moon-faced clock behind the door struck twelve, then the visions vanished, leaving the venison behind them. As she glanced backward at the smothering fire, a slender spire of flame shot up from the log that had braced so cheerfully and shone upon her as she went. A good omen gratefully accepted then and remembered often in the years to come. End of Chapter 1, Recording by Andy Yu, Mississauga, Canada. Chapter 2 of Work, A Story of Experience. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Wendy. Work, A Story of Experience by Louisa May Alcott. Chapter 2, Servant A fortnight later, and Christie was off, Mrs. Flint had briefly answered that she had a room and that work was always to be found in the city. So the girl packed her one trunk, folding away splendid hopes among her plain gowns and filling every corner with happy fancies, utterly impossible plans, and tender little dreams so lovely at the time, so pathetic to remember when contact with the hard realities of life has collapsed our bright bubbles, and the frost of disappointment nipped all our morning glories in their prime. The old red stage stopped at Enos Devon's door, and his niece crossed the threshold after a cool handshake with the master of the house, and a close embrace with the mistress who stood pouring out last words with spectacles too dim for seeing. Fat Ben swung up the trunk, slammed the door, mounted his perch, and the ancient vehicle swayed with premonitory symptoms of departure. Then something smoked Christie's heart. Stop! she cried, and springing out ran back into the dismal room where the old man sat. Straight up to him she went, with outstretched hand, saying steadily though her face was full of feeling. Uncle, I am not satisfied with that good-bye. I don't mean to be sentimental, but I do want to say forgive me. I see now that I might have made you sorry to part with me, if I had tried to make you love me more. It's too late now, but I'm not too proud to confess when I'm wrong. I want to part kindly, and I ask your pardon. I thank you for all you've done for me, and I say good-bye affectionately now. Mr. Devon had a heart somewhere, though it seldom troubled him, but it did make itself felt when the girl looked at him with his dead sister's eyes and spoke in a tone whose unaccustomed tenderness was a reproach. Conscience had pricked him more than once that week, and he was glad to own it now. His rough sense of honour was touched by her frank expression, and as he answered his hand was offered readily. I like that kitty, and I think the better of you for it. Let bygones be bygones. I generally got as good as I give, and I guess I deserve some on it. I wish you well, my girl. I heartily wish you well, and hope you won't forget that the old house ain't never shut against you. Christy astonished him with a cordial kiss, then bestowing another warm hug on Aunt Neoby, as she called the old lady in a tearful joke. She ran into the carriage, taking with her all the sunshine of the place. Christy found Mrs. Flint a dreary woman, with borders written all over her sour face and fated figure. Butcher's bills and house rent seemed to fill her eyes with sleepless anxiety, thriftless cooks and saucy housemaids to sharpen the tones of her shrill voice, and an incapable husband to burden her shoulders like a modern old man of the sea. A little room far up in the tall house was at the girl's disposal for a reasonable sum, and she took possession feeling very rich with the hundred dollars Uncle Enus gave her, and delightfully independent, with no milk-pans to scald, no heavy lover to elude, no humdrum district school to imprison her day after day. For a week she enjoyed her liberty heartily, then set about finding something to do. Her wish was to be a governess, that being the usual refuge for respectable girls who have a living to get. But Christy soon found her want of accomplishments a barrier to success in that line, for the mamas thought less of the solid than of the ornamental branches, and wished their little darlings to learn French before English, music before grammar and drawing before writing. So after several disappointments Christy decided that her education was too old-fashioned for the city, and gave up the idea of teaching. Sewing she resolved not to try till everything else failed, and after a few more attempts to get writing to do, she said to herself in a fit of humility and good sense, I'll begin at the beginning and work my way up, I'll put my pride in my pocket and go out to service. Housework I like and can do well thanks to Aunt Betsy. I never thought at degradation to do it for her, so why should I mind doing it for others if they pay for it? It isn't what I want, but it's better than idleness, so I'll try it. Full of this wise resolution, she took to haunting that purgatory of the poor, an intelligence office. Mrs. Flint gave her a recommendation, and she hopefully took her place among the ranks of buxom German, incapable Irish and smart American women. For in those days foreign help had not driven farmers' daughters out of the field, and made domestic comfort a lost art. At first Christie enjoyed the novelty of the thing, and watched with interest the anxious housewives who flocked in demanding that Rara Avis, an angel at nine shillings a week, and not finding it bewailed the degeneracy of the times. Being too honest to profess herself absolutely perfect in every known branch of housework, it was some time before she suited herself. Meanwhile she was questioned and lectured, half engaged and kept waiting, dismissed for a whim and so worried that she began to regard herself as the incarnation of all human vanities and shortcomings. A desirable place in a small genteel family was at last offered her, and she posted a way to secure it, having reached a state of desperation, and resolved to go as a first-class cook, rather than sit with her hands before her any longer. A well-appointed house, good wages, and light duties, seemed things to be grateful for, and Christie decided that going out to service was not the hardest fate in life, as she stood at the door of a handsome house in a sunny square waiting to be inspected. Mrs. Stewart, having just returned from Italy, affected the artistic, and the new applicant found her with a Roman scarf about her head, a rosary like a string of small cannonballs at her side, and azure draperies which became her as well as they did the sea-green furniture of her marine bourgeois, where unwary walkers tripped over coral and shells, grew seasick looking at pictures of tempestuous billows engulfing every sort of craft, from a man of war to a hencoupe with a ghostly young lady clinging to it with one hand, and had their appetites effectually taken away by a choice collection of water-bugs and snakes in a glass globe that looked like a jar of mixed pickles in a state of agitation. Madam was intent on a water-color copy of Turner's rain, wind, and hail, that pleasing work which was sold upside down, and no one found it out. Motioning Christie to a seat, she finished some delicate sloppy process before speaking. In that little pause, Christie examined her, and the impression then received was afterward confirmed. Mrs. Stewart possessed some beauty, and chose to think herself a queen of society. She assumed majestic manners in public, and could not entirely divest herself of them in private, which often produced comic effects. Xenobia troubled about fish-sauce, or asphazia indignant at the price of eggs will give you some idea of this lady when she condescended to the cares of housekeeping. Presently she looked up, and inspected the girl as if a new servant were no more than a new bonnet, a necessary article to be ordered home for examination. Christie presented her recommendation, made her modest little speech, and awaited her doom. Mrs. Stewart read, listened, and then demanded with queenly brevity, your name? Christie Devon. Too long I should prefer to call you Jane as I am accustomed to the name. As you please, ma'am. Your age? Twenty-one. You are an American. Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Stewart gazed into space a moment, then delivered the following address with impressive solemnity. I wish a capable, intelligent, honest, neat, well-conducted person who knows her place and keeps it. The work is light as there are but two in the family. I am very particular, and so is Mr. Stewart. I pay two dollars and a half, allow one afternoon out, one service on Sunday, and no followers. My table-girl must understand her duties thoroughly, be extremely neat, and always wear white aprons. I think I can suit you, ma'am, when I have learned the ways of the house, meekly replied Christie. Mrs. Stewart looked graciously satisfied, and returned the paper with a gesture that Victoria might have used in restoring a granted petition, though her next words rather marred the effect of the regal act. My cook is black. I have no objection to color, ma'am. An expression of relief dawned upon Mrs. Stewart's countenance, for the black cook had been an insurmountable obstacle to all the Irish ladies who had applied. Thoughtfully tapping her Roman nose with the handle of her brush, madam took another survey of the new applicant, and seeing that she looked neat, intelligent, and respectful, gave a sigh of thankfulness and engaged her on the spot. Much elated, Christie rushed home, selected a bag of necessary articles, bundled the rest of her possessions into an empty closet, lent her rent free, owing to a profusion of cockroaches, paid up her board, and at two o'clock introduced herself to Hepsy Johnson, her fellow servant. Hepsy was a tall, gaunt woman bearing the tragedy of her race written in her face, with its melancholy eyes, subdued expression, and the pathetic patience of a wronged, dumb animal. She received Christie with an air of resignation, and speedily bewildered her, with an account of the duties she would be expected to perform. A long and careful drill enabled Christie to set the table with but few mistakes, and to retain a tolerably clear recollection of the order of performances. She had just assumed her badge of servitude, as she called the White Apron, when the bell rang violently, and Hepsy, who was hurrying away to dish up, said, It's the master. You have to answer the bell, honey, and he likes it done very spry. Christie ran and admitted an impetuous stout gentleman, who appeared to be incensed against the elements, for he burst in as if blown, shook himself like a newfoundland dog, and said all in one breath. You are the new girl, are you? Well, take my umbrella and pull off my rubbers. Sir? Mr. Stewart was struggling with his gloves, and, quite unconscious of the astonishment of his new maid, impatiently repeated his request. Take this wet thing away, and pull off my overshoes. Don't you see it's raining like the very deuce? Christie folded her lips together in a peculiar manner, as she knelt down and removed a pair of muddy overshoes, took the dripping umbrella, and was walking away with her agreeable burden, when Mr. Stewart gave her another shock by calling over the banister. I'm going out again, so clean those rubbers, and see that the boots I sent down this morning are in order. Yes, sir, answered Christie meekly, and immediately afterwards startled Hepsy by casting overshoes and umbrella upon the kitchen floor, and indignantly demanding. Am I expected to be a bootjack to that man? I expect you is, honey. Am I also expected to clean his boots? Yes, child, Katie did, and the work ain't that hard when he gets used to it. It isn't the work, it's the degradation, and I won't submit to it. Christie looked fiercely determined, but Hepsy shook her head, saying quietly as she went on garnishing a dish. There's more grade in works than that, child, and them that's been obliged to do them finds this sort very easy. Use paid for it, honey, and if you does it well in it won't hurt you more than washing the master's dishes or sweeping his rooms. There ought to be a boy to do this sort of thing. Do you think it's right to ask it of me? Asked Christie, feeling that being a servant was not as pleasant a task as she had thought it. Don't know, child, I sure I'd never ask it of any woman if I was a man, lest I was sick or old. But folks don't seem to remember that we've got feelings, and the best way is not to mind these here little troubles. You just leave these boots to me. Blacken can't do these old hands no hurt, and this ain't no degradation to me now. I as a free woman. Why, Hepsy, were you ever a slave? asked the girl, forgetting her own small injury at this suggestion of the greatest of all wrongs. All my life till I run away five years ago, my old folks and eight brothers and sisters is down there in the pit right now waiting for the Lord to set him free, and he's going to do it soon, soon. As she uttered these last words, a sudden light chased the tragic shadow from Hepsy's face, and the solemn fervor of her voice thrilled Christie's heart. All her anger died out in great pity, and she put her hand on the woman's shoulder, saying earnestly, I hope so, and I wish I could help to bring that happy day at once. For the first time, Hepsy smiled, as she said gratefully, the Lord brush you for that wish, child. Then, dropping suddenly into her old quiet way, she added, turning to her work. Now you toad up the dinner, and I'll be handy by to fresher mind about how these dishes goes, for Mrs. is very particular and don't like no steaks and tendon. Thanks to her own neat-handed ways and Hepsy's prompting through the slide, Christie got on very well, managed her salver dexterously, only upset one glass, clashed one dish cover, and forgot to sugar the pie before putting it on the table. An omission which was majestically pointed out and graciously pardoned as a first offence. By seven o'clock the ceremonial was fairly over, and Christie dropped into a chair quite tired out with frequent pacing's to and fro. In the kitchen she found the table spread for one, and Hepsy busy with the boots. Aren't you coming to your dinner, Mrs. Johnson? She asked, not pleased at the arrangement. When you's done, honey, there's no hurry about me. Katie liked that way best, and I's used to waiting. But I don't like that way, and I won't have it. I suppose Katie thought her white skin gave her a right to be disrespectful to a woman old enough to be her mother, just because she was black. I don't, and while I'm here there must be no difference made. If we can work together, we can eat together, and because you have been a slave is all the more reason I should be good to you now. If Hepsy had been surprised by the new girl's protest against being made a boot check of, she was still more surprised at this sudden kindness, for she had set Christie down in her own mind as one of them top and smart ones that don't stay long no wares. She changed her opinion now, and sat watching the girl with a new expression on her face as Christie took boot and brush from her, and fell to work energetically, saying as she scrubbed. I'm ashamed of complaining about such a little thing as this, and don't mean to feel degraded by it, though I should by letting you do it for me. I never lived out before, that's the reason I made a fuss. There's a polish for you, and I'm in a good humour again, so Mr. Stewart may call for his boots whenever he likes, and we'll go to dinner like fashionable people, as we are. There was something so irresistible in the girl's hearty manner that Hepsy submitted at once with a visible satisfaction, which gave a relish to Christie's dinner, though it was eaten at a kitchen table with a bare-armed cook sitting opposite, and three rows of burnished dish covers reflecting the dreadful spectacle. After this Christie got on excellently, for she did her best and found both pleasure and profit in her new employment. It gave her real satisfaction to keep the handsome rooms in order, to polish plate and spread bountiful meals. There was an atmosphere of ease and comfort about her which contrasted agreeably with the shabbiness of Mrs. Flint's boarding-house and the bare simplicity of the old home. Like most young people, Christie loved luxury, and was sensible enough to see and value the comforts of her situation, and to wonder why more girls placed as she was did not choose a life like this rather than the confinements of a sewing-room or the fatigue and publicity of a shop. She did not learn to love her mistress because Mrs. Stewart evidently considered herself as one belonging to a superior race of beings, and had no desire to establish any of the friendly relations that may become so helpful and pleasant to both mistress and maid. She made a royal progress through her dominions every morning, issued orders, found fault liberally, bestowed praise sparingly, and took no more personal interest in her servants than if they were clocks to be wound up once a day and sent away the moment they got out of repair. Mr. Stewart was absent from morning till night, and all Christie ever knew about him was that he was a kind-hearted, hot-tempered, and very conceited man, fond of his wife, proud of the society they managed to draw about them, and bent on making his way in the world at any cost. If masters and mistresses knew how skillfully they are studied, criticized, and imitated by their servants, they would take more heed to their ways and set better examples. Perhaps Mrs. Stewart never dreamed that her quiet, respectful Jane kept a sharp eye on all her movements, smiled covertly at her affectations, envied her accomplishments and practiced certain little elegancies that struck her fancy. Mr. Stewart would have become apoplectic with indignation if he had known that this two intelligent table-girl often contrasted her master with his guests, and dared to think him wanting in good breeding when he boasted of his money, flattered a great man, or laid plans to lure some lion into his house. When he lost his temper she always wanted to laugh. He bounced and bumbled about so like an angry blue-bottle fly, and when he got himself up elaborately for a party. This disrespectful hussy confided to Hepsy her opinion that master was a fat dandy with nothing to be vain of but his clothes. A sacrilegious remark which would have caused her to be summarily ejected from the house if it had reached the august ears of master or mistress. My father was a gentleman and I shall never forget it, though I do go out to service. I've got no rich friends to help me up, but sooner or later I mean to find a place among cultivated people, and while I'm working and waiting I can be fitting myself to fill that place like a gentlewoman, as I am. With this ambition in her mind Christy took notes of all that went on in the polite world, of which she got frequent glimpses while living out. Mrs. Stewart received one evening of each week, and on these occasions Christy, with an extra frill on her white apron, served the company and enjoyed herself more than they did if the truth had been known. While helping the ladies with their wraps she observed what they wore, how they carried themselves, and what a vast amount of prinking they did, not to mention the flood of gossip they talked while shaking out their flounces and settling their top knots. Later in the evening when she passed cups and glasses, this demure-looking damsel heard much fine discourse, saw many famous beings, and improved her mind with surreptitious studies of the rich and great when on parade. But her best time was after supper, when through the crack of the door of the little room where she was supposed to be clearing away the relics of the feast she looked and listened at her ease, laughed at the wits, stared at the lions, heard the music, and was impressed by the wisdom, and much edified by the gentility of the whole affair. After a time, however, Christy got rather tired of it, for there was an elegant sameness about these evenings that became intensely wearisome to the uninitiated, but she fancied that as each had his part to play he managed to do it with spirit. Night after night the wag told his stories, the poet read his poems, the singers warbled, the pretty women simpered and dressed, the heavy scientific was duly discussed by the elect precious, and Mrs. Stewart in amazing costumes sailed to and fro in her most swan-like manner, while my lords stirred up the lions he had captured till they roared their best, great, and small. Good heavens, why don't they do or say something new and interesting, and not keep twaddling on about art and music and poetry and cosmos? The papers are full of appeals for help for the poor, reforms of all sorts, and splendid work that others are doing. But these people seem to think it isn't genteel enough to be spoken of here. I suppose it is all very elegant to go on like a set of trained canaries, but it's very dull fun to watch them, and Hepsy's stories are a deal more interesting to me. Having come to this conclusion, after studying dilettantism through the crack of the door for some months, Christy left the trained canaries to Twitter and hop about their gilded cage, and devoted herself to Hepsy, who gave her glimpses into another sort of life so bitterly real that she could never forget it. Friendship had prospered in the lower regions, for Hepsy had a motherly heart, and Christy soon won her confidence by bestowing her own. Her story was like many another, yet being the first Christy had ever heard and told with the unconscious eloquence of one who had suffered and escaped, it made a deep impression on her, bringing home to her a sense of obligation so forcibly that she began at once to pay a little part of the great debt which the white ray sows the black. Christy loved books, and the attic next to her own was full of them. To this store she found her way by a sort of instinct as sure as that which leads a fly to a honey-pot, and finding many novels she read her fill. This amusement lightened many heavy hours, peopled the silent house with troops of friends, and for a time was the joy of her life. Hepsy used to watch her as she sat buried in her book, when the day's work was done, and once a heavy sigh roused Christy from the most exciting crisis of the abbot. What's the matter? Are you very tired, Auntie? she asked, using the name that came most readily to her lips. No, honey, I was only wishing I could read fast like you does. I was very slow about reading, and I want to learn a heap, answered Hepsy, with such a wistful look in her soft eyes that Christy shut her book, saying briskly. Then I'll teach you. Bring out your primer, and let's begin at once. Dear child, it's awful hard work to put learn into my old head, and I wouldn't set such a thing for me, only I need this sort of help so bad, and I can trust you'd give it to me as I want it. Then in a whisper that went straight to Christy's heart, Hepsy told her plan and showed what help she craved. For five years she had worked hard, and saved her earnings for the purpose of her life. When a considerable sum had been hoarded up, she confided it to one whom she believed to be a friend, and sent him to buy her old mother. But he proved false, and she never saw either mother or money. It was a hard blow, but she took heart, and went to work again, resolving this time to trust no one with the dangerous part of the affair. But when she had scraped together enough to pay her way, she meant to go south, and steal her mother at the risk of her life. I don't want much money, but I must know a little about reading and counting up, else I'll get lost and cheated. You'll help me do this, honey, and I'll bless you all my days, and so will my old mammy if I ever get her safe away. With tears of sympathy shining on her cheeks, and both hands stretched out to the poor soul who implored this small boon of her, Christy promised all the help that in her lay, and kept her word religiously. From that time Hepsy's cause was hers, she laid by a part of her wages for old mammy. She comforted Hepsy with happy prophecies of success, and taught with an energy and skill she had never known before. Novels lost their charm now, for Hepsy could give her a comedy and tragedy surpassing anything she found in them, because truth stamped her tales with a power and pathos the most gifted fancy could but poorly imitate. The select receptions upstairs seemed duller than ever to her now, and her happiest evenings were spent in the tidy kitchen, watching Hepsy laboriously shaping A's and B's, or counting up on her worn fingers the wages they had earned by months of weary work, that she might purchase one treasure, a feeble old woman worn out with seventy years of slavery far away there in Virginia. For a year Christy was a faithful servant to her mistress who appreciated her virtues, but did not encourage them. A true friend to poor Hepsy, who loved her dearly and found in her sympathy and affection a solace for many griefs and wrongs. But Providence had other lessons for Christy, and when this one was well learned, she was sent away to learn another phase of woman's life and labor. While their domestics amused themselves with privy conspiracy and rebellion at home, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart spent their evenings in chasing that bright bubble called social success, and usually came home rather cross because they could not catch it. On one of these occasions they received a warm welcome, for as they approached the house, smoke was seen issuing from an attic window and flames flickering behind the half-drawn curtain. Bursting out of the carriage with his usual impetuosity, Mr. Stewart let himself in and tore upstairs shouting, Fire! like an engine company. In the attic Christy was discovered lying dressed upon her bed, asleep or suffocated by the smoke that filled the room. A book had slipped from her hand, and in falling had upset the candle on a chair beside her. A long wick leaned against the cotton gown hanging on the wall, and a greater part of Christy's wardrobe was burning brilliantly. I forbade her to keep the gas lighted so late, and see what the deceitful creature has done with her private candle cried Mrs. Stewart with a shrillness that roused the girl from her heavy sleep more effectually than the anathemas Mr. Stewart was fulminating against the fire. Sitting up she looked dizzily about her. The smoke was clearing fast, a window having been opened, and the tableau was a striking one. Mr. Stewart, with an excited countenance, was dancing frantically on a heap of half-consumed clothes pulled from the wall. He had not only drenched them with water from bull and pitcher, but had also cast those articles upon the pile like extinguishers, and was skipping among the fragments with an agility which contrasted with his stout figure in full evening costume, and his besmirched face made the sight irresistibly ludicrous. Mrs. Stewart, though in her most regal array, seemed to have left her dignity downstairs with her opera-cloak, for with skirts gathered closely about her, Tiara all askew, and faceful of fear and anger she stood upon a chair and scolded like any shrew. The comic overpowered the tragic, and being a little hysterical with the sudden alarm, Christy broke into a peel of laughter that sealed her fate. Look at her! Look at her! cried Mrs. Stewart, gesticulating on her perch as if about to fly. She has been at the wine, or lost her wits. She must go, Horatio, she must go! I cannot have my nerves shattered by such dreadful scenes. She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain. Hepsy can watch her to-night, and at dawn she shall leave the house for ever. Not till after breakfast, my dear, let us have that in comfort I beg, panted Mr. Stewart, sinking into a chair exhausted with the vigorous measures which had quenched the conflagration. Christy checked her untimely mirth, explained the probable cause of the mischief, and penitently promised to be more careful for the future. Mr. Stewart would have pardoned her on the spot, but madam was inexorable, for she had so completely forgotten her dignity that she felt it would be impossible to ever recover it in the eyes of this disrespectful menial. Therefore she dismissed her with a lecture that made both mistress and maid glad to part. She did not appear at breakfast, and after that meal Mr. Stewart paid Christy her wages, with a solemnity which proved that he had taken a curtain lecture to heart. There was a twinkle in his eye, however, as he kindly added a recommendation, and after the door closed behind him Christy was sure that he exploded into a laugh at the recollection of his last night's performance. This lightened her sense of disgrace very much, so, leaving a part of her money to repair damages, she packed up her dilapidated wardrobe, and, making Hepsie promise to report progress from time to time, Christy went back to Mrs. Flint's to compose her mind and be ready a la macabre for something to turn up. Chapter 3 OF WORK A STORY OF EXPERIENCE This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Linda Lee-Piquette, January 2009. WORK A STORY OF EXPERIENCE by Louisa May Elcott, Chapter 3, ACTRESS Feeling that she had all the world before her where to choose, and that her next step ought to take her up at least one round higher on the ladder she was climbing, Christy decided not to try going out to service again. She knew very well that she would never live with Irish mates, and could not expect to find another Hepsie. So she tried to get a place as companion to an invalid, but failed to secure the only situation of the sort that was offered her, because she mildly objected to waiting on a nervous cripple all day, and reading aloud half the night. The old lady called her an impertinent baggage, and Christy retired in great disgust, resolving not to be a slave to anybody. Things seldom turn out as we planned them, and after much waiting and hoping for other work, Christy at last accepted about the only employment which had not entered her mind. Among the borders at Mrs. Flint's were an old lady and her pretty daughter, both actresses at a respectable theatre. Not stars by any means, but good second-rate players, doing their work credibly and earning an honest living. The mother had been kind to Christy in offering advice, and sympathizing with her disappointments. The daughter, a gay little lass, had taken Christy to the theatre several times, there to behold her in all the gauzy glories that surround the nymphs of spectacular romance. To Christy this was a great delight, for though she had poured over her father's Shakespeare till she knew many scenes by heart, she had never seen a play till Lucy led her into what seemed an enchanted world. Her interest and admiration pleased the little actress, and sundry lifts, when she was hurried with her dresses, made her grateful to Christy. The girl's despondent face, as she came in day after day from her unsuccessful quest, told its own story, though she uttered no complaints, and these friendly souls laid their heads together, eager to help her in their own dramatic fashion. I've got it, I've got it, all hail to the Queen! was the cry that one day startled Christy as she sat thinking anxiously while sewing mock pearls on a crown for Mrs. Black. Looking up, she saw Lucy just home from rehearsal, going through a series of pantomimic evolutions suggestive of a warrior doing battle with incredible valor, and a very limited knowledge of the noble art of self-defense. What have you got? Who is the Queen? she asked, laughing, as the breathless hero lowered her umbrella and laid her bonnet at Christy's feet. You are to be the Queen of the Amazons in our new spectacle at half a dollar a night for six or eight weeks if the peace goes well. No! cried Christy with a gasp. Yes! cried Lucy, clapping her hands, and then she proceeded to tell her news with the atrical volubility. Mr. Sharp, the manager, wants a lot of tallish girls, and I told him I knew of a perfect deer. He said, bring her on then, and I flew home to tell you. Now don't look wild and say no. You've only got to sing in one chorus, march in the grand procession, and lead your band in the terrific battle scene. The dress is splendid. Red tunic, tiger skin over shoulder, helmet, shield, lance, fleshings, sandals, hair down, and as much cork to your eyebrows as you like. Christy certainly did look wild, for Lucy had burst into the room like a small hurricane, and her rapid words rattled about the listener's ears, as if a hailstorm had followed the gust. While Christy still sat with her mouth open, too bewildered to reply, Mrs. Black said in her cozy voice, Try it, my dear. It's just what you'll enjoy, and the capital begin in our suree. For if you do well, old Sharp will want you again, and then when someone slips out of the company, you can slip in. And there you are, quite comfortable. Try it, my dear, and if you don't like it, drop it when the piece is over, and there's no harm done. It's much easier and jollier than any of the things you are after. We'll stand by you like bricks, and in a week you'll say it's the best lark you ever had in your life. Don't be prim now, but say yes like a trump as you are, added Lucy, waving a pink satin train temptingly before her friend. I will try it, said Christy with sudden decision, feeling that something entirely new and absorbing was what she needed to expend the vigor, romance, and enthusiasm of her youth upon. With a shriek of delight, Lucy swept her off her chair and twirled her about the room as excitable young ladies are fond of doing when their joyful emotions need a vent. When both were giddy, they subsided into a corner and a breathless discussion of the important step. Though she had consented, Christy had endless doubts and fears, but Lucy removed many of the former, and her own desire for pleasant employment conquered many of the latter. In her most despairing moods, she had never thought of trying this. Uncle Enos considered play-acting as the sum of all iniquity. What would he say if she went calmly to destruction by that road? Sad to relate, this recollection rather strengthened her purpose, for a delicious sense of freedom pervaded her soul, and the old defiant spirit seemed to rise up within her at the memory of her uncle's grim prophecies and narrow views. Lucy is happy, virtuous, and independent. Why can't I be so too if I have any talent? It isn't exactly what I should choose, but anything honest is better than idleness. I'll try it anyway, and get a little fun, even if I don't make much money or glory out of it. So Christy held to her resolution in spite of many secret misgivings, and followed Mrs. Black's advice on all points with a docility which caused that sanguine lady to predict that she would be a star before she knew where she was. Is this the stage? How dusty and dull it is by daylight, said Christy next day, as she stood by Lucy on the very spot where she had seen Hamlet die in great anguish two nights before. Bless you, child, it's in curl papers now, as I am of a morning. Mr. Sharp, here's an Amazon for you. As she spoke, Lucy hurried across the stage, followed by Christy, wearing anything but an Amazonian expression just then. Ever on before, abruptly asked a keen-faced little man, glancing with an experienced eye at the young person who stood before him bathed in blushes. No, sir. Do you sing? A little, sir. Dance, of course. Yes, sir. Just take a turn across the stage, will you? Must walk well to lead a march. As she went, Christy heard Mr. Sharp taking notes audibly. Good tread, capital figure, fine eye. She'll make up well and behave herself, I fancy. A strong desire to make off sees the girl, but remembering that she had presented herself for inspection, she controlled the impulse and returned to him with no demonstration of displeasure, but a little more fire in the fine eye and a more erect carriage of the capital figure. All right, my dear, give your name to Mr. Trip and your mind to the business and consider yourself engaged, with which satisfactory remark the little man vanished like a ghost. Lucy, did you hear that impertinent my dear, asked Christy, whose sense of propriety had received its first shock. Lord child, all managers do that. They don't mean anything. So be resigned and thank your stars. He didn't say love and darling and kiss you as old vining used to. Was all the sympathy she got. Having obeyed orders, Lucy initiated her into the mysteries of the place, and then put her in a corner to look over the scenes in which she was to appear. Christy soon caught the idea of her part. Not a difficult matter, as there were but few ideas in the whole piece, after which she sat watching the arrival of the troop she was to lead. A most forlorn band of warriors, they seemed, huddled together and looking as if afraid to speak, lest they should infringe some rule or to move lest they be swallowed up by some unsuspected trap door. Presently the ballet master appeared. The orchestra struck up, and Christy found herself marching and counter- marching at word of command. At first a most uncomfortable sense of the absurdity of her position oppressed and confused her. Then the ludicrous contrast between the solemn anxiety of the troop and the fantastic evolutions they were performing amused her till the novelty wore off. The martial music excited her. The desire to please sharpened her wits, and natural grace made it easy for her to catch and copy the steps and poses given her to imitate. Soon she forgot herself, entered into the spirit of the thing, and exerted every sense to please so successfully that Mr. Tripp praised her quickness at comprehension, Lucy applauded heartily from a ferry car, and Mr. Sharp popped his head out of a palace window to watch the Amazon's descent from the mountains of the moon. When the regular company arrived, the troop was dismissed till the progress of the play demanded their reappearance. Much interested in the piece, Christy stood aside under a palm tree, the foliage of which was strongly suggestive of a dilapidated green umbrella, enjoying the novel sights and sounds about her. Yellow-faced gentlemen and sleepy-eyed ladies roamed languidly about with much incoherent jabbering of parts, and frequent explosions of laughter. Princes with varnished boots and suppressed cigars fought, bled, and died, without a change of countenance. Damsels of unparalleled beauty, according to the text, gaped in the faces of adoring lovers, and crocheted serenely on the brink of annihilation. Ferries and rubber boots and woolen headgear, disported themselves on flowery barks of canvas, or were suspended aloft with hooks in their backs like young Hindu devotees. Demons, guiltless of hoof or horn, clutch their victims with the inevitable, ha-ha, and vanish darkly, eating peanuts. The ubiquitous Mr. Sharp seemed to pervade the whole theatre, for his voice came shrilly from above or spectrally from below, and his active little figure darted to and fro like critical Willa the Wisp. The grand march and chorus in the closing scene were easily accomplished, for as Lucy bade her, Christie sung with all her might, and kept step as she led her band with the dignity of a boa de silla. No one spoke to her, few observed her, all were intent on their own affairs, and when the final shriek and bang died away without lifting the roof by its din, she could hardly believe that the dreaded first rehearsal was safely over. A visit to the wardrobe room to see her dress came next, and here Christie had a slight skirmish with the mistress of that department, relative to the length of her classical garments. As studies from the nude had not yet become one of the amusements of the elite of Little Babel, Christie was not required to appear in the severe simplicity of a costume consisting of a necklace, sandals, and a bit of gold fringe about the waist, but was allowed an extra inch or two on her tunic, and departed much comforted by the assurance that her dress would not be a shock to modesty, as Lucy expressed it. Now look at yourself, and for my sake prove an honor to your country and a terror to the foe, said Lucy, as she let her protege before the green room mirror on the first night of the demon's daughter, or the Castle of the Sun, the most magnificent spectacle ever produced upon the American stage. Christie looked and saw a warlike figure with glittering helmet, shield and lance, streaming hair and savage cloak. She liked the picture, for there was much of the heroic spirit in the girl, and even this poor counterfeit pleased her eye and filled her fancy with martial memories of Joan of Arc, Zenobia, and Britomart. Go to, cried Lucy, who affected theatrical modes of speech. Don't admire yourself any longer, but tie up your sandals and come on. Be sure you rush down the instant I cry, demon, I defy thee. Don't break your neck, or pick your way like a cat in wet weather, but come with effect, for I want that scene to make a hit. Princess Caram fell swept away, and the Amazonian queen climbed to her perch among the painted mountains, where her troop already sat like a flock of pigeons shining in the sun. The gilded breastplate rose and fell with the quick beating of her heart. The spear shook with the trembling of her hand. Her lips were dry, her head dizzy, and more than once, as she waited for her cue, she was sorely tempted to run away and take the consequences. But the thought of Lucy's goodwill and confidence kept her, and when the cry came, she answered with a ringing shout, rushed down the ten-foot precipice, and charged upon the foe with an energy that inspired her followers, and quite satisfied the princess struggling in the demon's grasp. With clashing of arms and shrill war cries, the rescuers of innocence assailed the sooty fiends who fell before their unscientific blows, with a rapidity which inspired in the minds of beholders a suspicion that the goblin's own voluminous tails tripped them up and gallantry kept them prostrate. As the last groan expired, the last agonized squirm subsided. The conquerors performed the intricate dance with which it appears the Amazons were wanting to celebrate their victories. Then the scene closed with a glare of red light and a grand tableau of the martial queen standing in a bower of lances, the rescued princess gracefully fainting in her arms and the vanquished demon scowling fiercely under her foot, while four and twenty disheveled damsels sang a song of exultation to the barbaric music of a tattoo on their shields. All went well that night, and when at last the girls doffed crown and helmet, they confided to one another the firm opinion that the success of the piece was in a great measure owing to their talent, their exertions, and went gaily home predicting for themselves careers as brilliant as those of Sidon's and Rachel. It would be a pleasant task to paint the vicissitudes and victories of a successful actress, but Christy was no dramatic genius born to shine before the world and leave a name behind her. She had no talent except that which may be developed in any girl possessing the lively, fancy, sympathetic nature and ambitious spirit which makes such girls naturally dramatic. This was to be only one of many experiences which were to show her her own weakness and strength, and through effort, pain, and disappointment fit her to play a nobler part on a wider stage. For a few weeks Christy's illusions lasted. Then she discovered that the new life was nearly as humdrum as the old, that her companions were ordinary men and women, and her bright hopes were growing as dim as her tarnished shield. She grew unutterably weary of the castle of the sun and found the demon's daughter an unmitigated bore. She was not tired of the profession, only dissatisfied with the place she held in it, and eager to attempt a part that gave some scope for power and passion. Mrs. Black wisely reminded her that she must learn to use her wings before she tried to fly, and comforted her with stories of celebrities who had begun as she was beginning, yet who had suddenly burst from their grub-like obscurity to adorn the world as splendid butterflies. We'll stand by you, Kit, so keep up your courage and do your best. Be clever to everyone in general, old, sharp in particular, and when a chance comes, have your wits about you and grab it. That's the way to get on, said Lucy, as sagely as if she had been a star for years. If I had beauty, I should stand a better chance, sighed Christie, surveying herself with great disfavor, quite unconscious that to a cultivated eye the soul of beauty was often visible in that face of hers, with its intelligent eyes, sensitive mouth, and fine lines about the forehead, making it a far more significant and attractive countenance than that of her friend, possessing only peaked prettiness. Never mind, child, you've got a lovely figure and an actress's best feature, fine eyes and eyebrows. I heard old Kent say so, and he's a judge, so make the best of what you've got, as I do, answered Lucy, glancing at her own comely little person with an air of perfect resignation. Christie laughed at the advisor, but wisely took the advice, and though she fretted in private, was cheerful and alert in public. Always modest, attentive, and obliging, she soon became a favorite with her mates, and thanks to Lucy's good offices with Mr. Sharp, whose favorite she was, Christie got promoted sooner than she otherwise would have been. A great Christmas spectacle was brought out to the next season, and Christie had a good part in it. When that was over, she thought there was no hope for her, as the regular company was full, and a different sort of performance was to begin. But just then her chance came, and she grabbed it. The first soubrette died suddenly, and in the emergency, Mr. Sharp offered the place to Christie till he could fill it to his mind. Lucy was second soubrette, and had hoped for this promotion, but Lucy did not sing well. Christie had a good voice, had taken lessons, and much improved of late, so she had the preference and resolved to stand the test so well that this temporary elevation should become permanent. She did her best, and though many of the parts were distasteful to her, she got through them successfully, while now and then she had one which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her tilly slow boy was a hit, and a proud girl was Christie when Kent, the comedian, congratulated her on it, and told her he had seldom seen it better done. To find favour in Kent's eyes was an honour indeed, for he belonged to the old school, and rarely condescended to praise modern actors. His own style was so admirable that he was justly considered the first comedian in the country, and was the pride and mainstay of the old theatre where he had played for years. Of course he possessed much influence in that little world, and being a kindly man, used it generously to help up any young aspirant who seemed to him deserving. He had observed Christie, attracted by her intelligent face and modest manners, for in spite of her youth there was a native refinement about her that made it impossible for her to romp and flirt as some of her mates did. But till she played tilly, he had not thought she possessed any talent. That pleased him in seeing how much she valued his praise, and was flattered by his notice, he gave her the wise but unpalatable advice always offered young actors. Finding that she accepted it was willing to study hard, work faithfully, and wait patiently. He predicted that in time she would make a clever actress, never a great one. Of course Christie thought he was mistaken, and secretly resolved to prove him a false prophet by the triumphs of her career. But she meekly bowed to his opinion. This docility pleased him, and he took a paternal sort of interest in her, which, coming from the powerful favourite, did her good service with the higher powers, and helped her on more rapidly than years of meritorious effort. Toward the end of that second season several of Dickens's dramatized novels were played, and Christie earned fresh laurels. She loved those books, and seemed by instinct to understand and personate the humor and pathos of many of those grotesque creations. Believing she had little beauty to sacrifice, she dressed such parts to the life, and played them with a spirit and ease that surprised those who had considered her a dignified and rather dull young person. I'll tell you what it is sharp. That girl is going to make a capital character actress. When her parts suit, she forgets herself entirely and does admirably well. Her megs was nearly the death of me tonight. She's got that one gift, and it's a good one. You'd better give her a chance, for I think she'll be a credit to the old concern. Kent said that. Christie heard it and flew to Lucy, waving makes his cap for joy as she told the news. What did Mr. Sharp say? asked Lucy, turning round with her face half made up. He merely said hum and smiled. Wasn't that a good sign? said Christie anxiously. Kent say, and Lucy touched up her eyebrows as if she took no interest in the affair. Christie's face fell, and her heart sunk at the thought of failure, but she kept up her spirits by working harder than ever, and soon had her reward. Mr. Sharp's hum did mean yes, and the next season she was regularly engaged, with a salary of $30 a week. It was a grand step, and knowing that she owed it to Kent, Christie did her utmost to show that she deserved his good opinion. New trials and temptations beset her now, but hard work and an innocent nature kept her safe and busy. Obstacles only spurred her on to redoubled exertion, and whether she did well or ill was praised or blamed. She found a never-failing excitement in her attempts to reach the standard of perfection she had set up for herself. Kent did not regret his patronage. Mr. Sharp was satisfied with the success of the experiment, and Christie soon became a favorite in a small way, because behind the actress the public always saw a woman who never forgot the modesty of nature. But as she grew prosperous and outward things, Christie found herself burdened with a private cross that tried her very much. Lucy was no longer her friend. Something had come between them, and a steadily increasing coldness took the place of the confidence and affection which had once existed. Lucy was jealous, for Christie had passed her in the race. She knew she could not fill the place Christie had gained by favor, and now held by her own exertions. Still, she was bitterly envious, though ashamed to own it. Christie tried to be just and gentle, to prove her gratitude to her first friend, and to show that her heart was unchanged. But she failed to win Lucy back, and felt herself injured by such unjust resentment. Mrs. Black took her daughter's part, and though they preserved the peace outwardly, the old friendliness was quite gone. Hoping to forget this trouble and excitement, Christie gave herself entirely to her profession, finding in it a satisfaction which for a time consoled her. But gradually she underwent the sorrowful change which comes to strong natures, when they wrung themselves through ignorance or willfulness. Pride and native integrity kept her from the worst temptations of such a life, but to the lesser ones she yielded, growing selfish, frivolous and vain, intent on her own advancement, and careless by what means she reached it. She had no thought now beyond her art, no desire beyond the commendation of those whose opinion was serviceable, no care for anyone but herself. Her love of admiration grew by what it fed on, till the sound of applause became the sweetest music to her ear. She rose with this hope, lay down with this satisfaction, and month after month passed in this feverish life with no wish to change it, but a growing appetite for its unsatisfactory delights, an ever-increasing forgetfulness of any higher aspiration than dramatic fame. Give me joy, Lucy, I'm to have a benefit next week. Everybody else has had one, and I've played for them all, so no one seemed to begrudge me my turn when dear old Kent proposed it, said Christie, coming in one night, still flushed and excited with the good news. What shall you have? asked Lucy, trying to look pleased and failing decidedly. Masks and faces. I've always wanted to play Peg, and it has good parts for you and Kent and St. George. I chose it for that reason, for I shall need all the help I can get to pull me through, I daresay. The smile vanished entirely at this speech, and Christie was suddenly seized with a suspicion that Lucy was not only jealous of her as an actress, but as a woman. St. George was a comely young actor who usually played lovers' parts with Christie, and played them very well too, being possessed of much talent and a gentleman. They had never thought of falling in love with each other, though St. George wooed and won Christie night after night in vaudeville and farce. But it was very easy to imagine that so much mock passion had a basis of truth, and Lucy evidently tormented herself with this belief. Why didn't you choose Juliet? St. George would do Romeo so well, said Lucy with a sneer. No, that is beyond me. Kent says Shakespeare will never be my line, and I believe him. I should think you'd be satisfied with masks and faces, for you know Mabel gets her husband safely back in the end, answered Christie, watching the effect of her words. As if I wanted the man. No, thank you. Other people's leavings won't suit me, cried Lucy, tossing her head, though her face belied her words. Not even though he has heavenly eyes, distracting legs, and a melting voice, asked Christie maliciously, quoting Lucy's own rapturous speeches when the new actor came. Come, come, girls, don't quarrel. I won't have it in me room. Lucy's tired to death, and it's not nice of you, Kitty, to come and crow over her this way, said Mama Black, coming to the rescue, for Lucy was in tears and Christie looking dangerous. It's impossible to please you, so I'll say good night. And Christie went to her room with resentment, burning hotly in her heart. As she crossed the chamber, her eye fell on her own figure, reflected in the long glass, and with a sudden impulse she tinned up the gas, wiped the rouge from her cheeks, pushed back her hair, and studied her own face intently for several moments. It was pale and jaded now, and all its freshness seemed gone. Hard lines had come about the mouth, a feverish disquiet filled the eyes, and on the forehead seemed to lie the shadow of a discontent that saddened the whole face. If one could believe the testimony of that countenance, things were not going well with Christie, and she owned it with a regretful sigh, as she asked herself, Am I what I hoped I should be? No, and it is my fault. If three years of this life have made me this, what shall I be in ten? A fine actress, perhaps. But how good a woman! With gloomy eyes fixed on her altered face, she stood a moment struggling with herself. Then the hard look returned, and she spoke out defiantly, as if in answer to some warning voice within herself. No one cares what I am, so why care myself? Why not go on and get as much fame as I can? Success gives me power if it cannot give me happiness, and I must have some reward for my hard work. Yes, a gay life and a short one, then out with the lights and down with the curtain. But in spite of her reckless words, Christie sobbed herself to sleep that night, like a child who knows it is astray, yet cannot see the right path or hear its mother's voice calling it home. On the night of the benefit, Lucy was in a most exasperating mood, Christie in a very indignant one, and as they entered their dressing-room, they looked as if they might have played the rival queens with great effect. Lucy offered no help, and Christie asked none, but putting her vexation resolutely out of sight fixed her mind on the task before her. As the pleasant stir began all about her, actress-like she felt her spirit rise, her courage increase with every curl she fastened up, every gay garment she put on, and soon smiled approvingly at herself, for excitement lent her cheeks a better color than rouge. Her eyes shone with satisfaction, and her heart beat high with the resolve to make a hit or die. Christie needed encouragement that night, and found it in the hearty welcome that greeted her, and the full house which proved how kind a regard was entertained for her by many who knew her only by a fictitious name. She felt this deeply, and it helped her much, for she was vexed with many trials those before the footlights knew nothing of. The other players were full of kindly interest in her success, but Lucy took a naughty satisfaction in harassing her by all the small slights and unanswerable provocations which one actress has it in her power to inflict upon another. Christie was fretted almost beyond endurance, and retaliated by an ominous frown when her position allowed, threatening asides when a moment bi-play favored their delivery, and angry protests whenever she met Lucy off the stage. But in spite of all annoyances, she had never played better in her life. She liked the part and acted the warm-hearted, quick-witted, sharp-tongued peg with a spirit and grace that surprised even those who knew her best. Especially good was she in the scenes with triplet, for Kent played the part admirably, and cheered her on with many an encouraging look and word. Anxious to do honor to her patron and friend, she threw her whole heart into the work. In the scene where she comes like a good angel to the home of the poor play right, she brought tears to the eyes of her audience. And when at her command triplet strikes up a jig to amuse the children, she covered the buckle in gallant style, dancing with all the frolicsome abandonment of the Irish orange girl who for a moment forgot her grandeur and her grief. That scene was her best, for it is full of those touches of nature that need very little art to make them effective. And when a great bouquet fell with a thump at Christy's feet, as she paused about her thanks for an encore, she felt that she had reached the height of earthly bliss. In the studio scene, Lucy seemed suddenly gifted with unsuspected skill. For when Mabel kneels to the picture, praying her rival to give her back her husband's heart, Christy was amazed to see real tears roll down Lucy's cheeks and to hear real love and longing thrill her trembling words with sudden power and passion. That is not acting. She does love St. George and thinks I mean to keep him from her. Poor dear, I'll tell her all about it tonight and set her heart at rest, thought Christy. And when Pig left the frame, her face expressed the genuine pity that she felt, and her voice was beautifully tender as she promised to restore the stolen treasure. Lucy felt comforted without knowing why, and the peace went smoothly on to its last scene. Pig was just relinquishing the repentant husband to his forgiving wife with those brave words of hers when a rending sound above their heads made all look up and start back. All but Lucy who stood bewildered. Christy's quick eye saw the impending danger, and with a sudden spring she caught her friend from it. It was only a second's work, but it cost her much, for in the act down crashed one of the mechanical contrivances used in a late spectacle, and in its fall stretched Christy stunned and senseless on the stage. A swift uprising filled the house with tumult, a crowd of actors hurried forward and the panic-stricken audience caught glimpses of poor Pig lying mute and pallid in Mabel's arms, while Vane wrung his hands and triplet audibly demanded why the devil somebody didn't go for a doctor. Then a brilliant view of Mount Pernassus, with Apollo and the nine muses in full blast, shut the scene from sight, and soon Mr. Sharp appeared to ask their patients till the after-piece was ready, for Miss Douglas was too much injured to appear again. And with an unwanted expression of feeling, the little man alluded to the generous act which perhaps had changed the comedy to a tragedy and robbed the beneficiary of her well-earned reward at their hands. All had seen the impulsive spring toward, not from, the danger, and this unpremeditated action when heartier applause than Christy ever had received for her best rendering of more heroic deeds. But she did not hear the cordial round they gave her. She had said she would make a hit or die, and just then it seemed as if she had done both, for she was deaf and blind to the admiration and the sympathy bestowed upon her, as the curtain fell on the first, last benefit she ever was to have.