Mind Amongst the Spindles. A Miscellany, Wholly Composed by the Factory Girls
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Mind Amongst the Spindles. A Miscellany, Wholly Composed by the Factory Girls
American literature -- Massachusetts -- Lowell; American literature -- Women authors; Working class women -- Literary collections
Bright and unclouded was the morning which witnessed the departure of
the family coach from the door of the Hon. Mr. S. Henry accompanied by
his sister and the beautiful Martha, whose champion he had been at the
birth-night party of George K. Arrived at P., they found that they were
not only welcome, but expected visitors; for Esq. S. had previously
written to his sister-in-law, apprising her of Henry's return, and his
intention of visiting her in company with his sister Susan, and a young
lady whom he could recommend as being just the companion of which she
was in need. In a postscript to his letter he added, "I do not hesitate
to commend this lovely orphan to your kindness, for I know you will
appreciate her worth."
When Henry S. took leave of his aunt and her family, and was about to
start upon his homeward journey, he found that a two days' ride, and a
week spent in the society of Martha, had been at work with his heart. He
requested a private interview, and what was said, or what was concluded
on, I shall leave the reader to imagine, as best suits his fancy. I
shall also leave him to imagine what the many billets-doux contained
which Henry sent to P., and what were the answers he received, and read
with so much pleasure.--As it is no part of my business to enter into
any explanation of that subject, I will leave it and call the reader's
attention to the sequel of my story, hoping to be pardoned if I make it
as short as possible. * * * *
It was a lovely moonlight evening. The Hon. Mr. S. and lady, Mr. and
Mrs. K., and Caroline Lindsay, were seated in the parlor of Mr.
K.--Caroline had called to inquire for Martha, supposing her to be in
Lowell. Caroline's father had been deeply engaged in the eastern land
speculation, the result of which was a total loss of property. This made
it absolutely necessary that his family should labor for their bread;
and Caroline had come to the noble resolution of going to Lowell to work
in a factory, not only to support herself, but to assist her parents in
supporting her little brother and sisters. It was a hard struggle for
Caroline to bring her mind to this; but she had done it, and was now
ready to leave home. Dreading to go where all were strangers, she
requested Mr. K. to give her directions where to find Martha, and to
honor her as the bearer of a letter to his niece. "I know," said she,
"that Martha's goodness of heart will induce her to secure me a place of
work, notwithstanding my former rudeness to her--a rudeness which has
caused me to suffer severely, and of which I heartily repent." Mr. K.
informed Caroline that he expected to see his niece that evening; and he
doubted not she would recommend Miss Lindsay to the overseer with whom
she had worked while in Lowell; and also introduce her to good society,
which she would find could be enjoyed, even in the "city of spindles,"
popular prejudice to the contrary notwithstanding. Esquire and Mrs. S.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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