Pride and Prudence CHAPTER 8.
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Arriving at the beautiful dwelling of Mrs. Gendreau, Jane timidly pulled the bell, while George waited on the pavement in front of the house, until she should finish her business and return. It was nearly two years since she last stood at that door, and rang that same bell — but with what different feelings! Then, mirthful, thoughtless, happy — now, bowed down in spirit. Then, ready to bound in and meet that mansion's beautiful mistress with a feeling of equality and companionship — now going as a humble work-woman, asking for the wages of her labor. Before her agitated thoughts could take any particular form, the door opened, and to her timid request to see Mrs. Gendreau, she was roughly told to wait in the hall a moment, by the same servant who had often before stood at her carriage and treated her with servile deference.
In a few moments Mrs. Gendreau came out of one of the parlors, and, with a mild, encouraging smile, took her hand and said —
"I am glad to see you, Jane. I have heard of your excellent resolution to try and help yourself, and I approve it with all my heart. Look upon me as a friend, and consult me whenever you are in trouble. But, come in; something more than mere compliments must gratify you tonight. You have brought home your work, and you want your honest earnings."
"Don't speak of it, Mrs. Gendreau. You are — "
"Yes, Jane — these are things to be spoken of. You have rendered me a service, the return is due to you. You, doubtless, have had much with which to contend, in combating your own feelings; but, my dear young friend, the heart-felt consciousness of having done what is our duty — is a higher reward than any that this life can afford. Do not forget thathappiness is nothing but an internal consciousness of having done right, and is never dependent on external circumstances. But let me see your work, Jane," said Mrs. Gendreau, taking the bundle from her hand.
Jane's heart throbbed quickly in her bosom, while Mrs. Gendreau spoke to her so kindly and encouragingly, and her eyes were filled, though they did not run over with tears.
After looking over the articles which Jane had made, and made neatly, too, Mrs. Gendreau left the room a moment, and then returned and handed her three dollars, saying —
"Your work is done so well, Jane, and I like it done well, that I must pay you a little over the ordinary price. I would always prefer paying more, to have my sewing done as I like it. Here is another small bundle of work, which I would like done in a few days. When you get through for me, there are several of my acquaintances who would like to engage you. Do not fear but that you will get plenty of work, and good prices for it."
"Thank you — thank you, Mrs. Gendreau," said Jane, rising. "You don't know how much you have encouraged a weak and fainting heart. I had dreaded nothing so much as the necessity which I knew would arise for bringing back my work. It will now be a pleasure."
"Thus, my dear Jane," said Mrs. Gendreau, taking her hand affectionately, "will you ever find satisfaction to spring from a discharge of your duty. Again, I repeat, look upon me as a friend, and when in doubt or difficulty — come to me, and tell me all your troubles freely."
Jane could but faintly murmur "good night," as she hurried from the house.
When she drew her arm within that of her brother, it trembled, and her feelings so overcame her, that she gave way to a fit of sobbing, so violent as to be almost hysterical.
George, who had waited for Jane with feelings that few can imagine, found them wound up to a pitch of excitement by this indication, to him, that his sister had not received kind treatment, and he said with indignant warmth,
"Jane, has Mrs. Gendreau dared to speak to you unkindly?"
"No — no — no, George! — she received me like a mother," was all that the sister could utter in vindication of her new found friend, before her emotion spent itself in tears.
"God bless her!" fervently ejaculated George, a load in an instant removed from his heart. And more than once did he utter the same expression, as Jane, in a few words, recited the history of her brief interview with Mrs. Gendreau.
"I hope you have had enough of carrying back work," was the first and unfeeling remark of Mrs. Ashton, as the brother and sister entered. I never did like Mrs. Gendreau, and I suppose you are sick of her now."
"O mother!" said Jane, with warmth — "you don't know how much you wrong a good woman and a kind friend. But we must think of something else just now. I have threedollars, more by a dollar, than I expected to receive for my work, and with them we must replenish our exhausted stock of food. It has come to be a question of necessary bread, mother, you know," she said smiling, "and when it comes to that, it is wisest to let things of less vital importance go on as they will."
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