Clemence | Page 8

to for advice. Pride forbade her asking help of those who had
known them in the days of their prosperity, and who should have come
forward at once with offers of assistance. There was no one in the great,
wide city to give her even a word of encouragement. She must rely
solely upon her own judgment. What could she do? She might go out as
a governess. She ran over in her mind her list of accomplishments. She
had a good knowledge of music, could draw and paint creditably, was
able to converse fluently in French, Spanish and Italian, besides
possessing a thorough English education. The girl thought, naturally
enough, for one of her inexperience, that she might earn enough for
their support by teaching. At least, she resolved to make the effort, for
something must be done immediately. Her beloved mother was in need
of comforts that she could not supply from their scanty purse.
Clemence could not bear to see her suffer thus, and, after pondering
long and deeply upon the subject, she resolved upon, what was for her,
a very bold venture.
Dressing herself modestly and tastefully, she started out in the warm
sunshine of a bright spring day, with the design of applying for the
position of governess at some of the elegant private residences which
graced the fine avenues of the great city where so many like herself
toiled and suffered. She walked slowly along, with a throbbing heart,
and tears that she could not repress filling her eyes; but she
remembered her mother waiting at home, and the thought nerved her.
Hastily opening the gate nearest at hand, she ran up the steps and rang
the bell without giving herself time for thought. A stolid looking
servant came to the door, who eyed her suspiciously, and did not seem
disposed to admit her. However, on her decided request to see the lady
of the house, she was shown a seat in the hall, and left to her reflections.
A moment after, there was the rustle of silken robes, the sparkle of

brilliant jewels, and a cold voice said ominously--
"You wished to speak with me, I believe."
Clemence modestly stated her errand.
"A governess? No, I do not wish to employ any such person," replied
the lady, standing and looking as if no more was to be said; and
Clemence could only give a little deprecating bow, and turn away.
She determined, though, not to give up with one effort, for she had
expected rebuffs, and mustering her courage for another trial, and
hoping better success, she rang at the next bell.
This time she was admitted at once, and announced "a lady to see you,
mum," to an elderly lady in black satin and gold spectacles, who was
surrounded by several blooming daughters and a young gentleman
stretched lazily upon the sofa. Clemence again made known her errand.
"N-no," said the lady, hesitatingly, "I guess we don't want a governess."
"Yes we do, ma, for Julia," spoke up one of the young ladies, "the
Burleighs have got one, and I'm bound they shan't go ahead of us. If
they can afford one, we can. Besides, it sounds more aristocratic."
"But your father will never allow it," replied mamma, anxiously, "he
said only this morning that we must retrench."
"Retrench," responded the amiable daughter, scornfully, "don't preach
economy to me. You know you can wheedle him out of anything, if
you want to. Its only your stinginess. Besides, I want some assistance
in my music. You play, of course?" (turning abruptly to Clemence, who
had been an astonished listener to this dialogue,) "will you give me a
specimen of your style?"
Clemence obeyed this request that, savored more of a command, at
once, and sat down tremblingly to the piano. Music with her was
almost a passion. Indeed, in the old happy days, she had been often told

that her voice and execution would win her both fame and wealth if she
were to make her appearance before the public. But the fond father had
said "God forbid! I could not lie quietly in my grave with my little
home nestling the property of strangers." Clemence had not touched the
keys of a piano since her own, a highly valued gift from the lost one,
had been taken from her. She felt nearly overcome by the memories
that came crowding upon her, but the cold eyes of strangers were upon
her, and pride came to her aid. She began the prelude to a song that
required great artistic skill and expression. Her listeners sat in silence,
while her very soul floated away on the waves of melody. When she
had finished, there was astonishment depicted on every face.
"Good enough for the stage; might make