Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/99

Rh at and shrink from it, as if it were an impossibility for a working woman to have such a wardrobe. One of them seemed quite horrified at the very idea of my having ten silk dresses with me; but it afforded me a good deal of pleasure to let him know I had as many more at home; but I told him that did not make any difference, as I had to get paid for what they, in their carelessness, burnt up; and it was nothing but carelessness, as I myself was an eye-witness.

I was put off from time to time, as the president was not there. After being nearly wearied out, I one day went and told them I must have my money, or I would go to the hotel, take a private room with plenty of attendants, and a doctor to attend on me too, as I was pretty near sick; when immediately the one next the president gave orders to pay me and let me go; but some of the others determined I should stay there till the president returned, thinking to weary me out and make me go without my money. But they soon found they were greatly mistaken; instead of my being the wearied one, they had to suffer.

Every morning I went down to the office after breakfast, staid there till dinnertime; went to dinner, returned, and staid there till night; and I assure you my tongue never stopped, nor was I tired commenting on all that came under my notice—ladies, gentlemen, servants and business men of all kinds.

I finally determined to see the president myself, and as they said he would not return from New York for a few days, I made up my mind to go on to New York and see him, and there I went. On my arrival, I found the president had just left for Albany. However, though a little discouraged, I determined as I