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began to talk. I noticed that he was something of a hector, but he had a pleasant word for every one before he left them, and I thought I should be pleased with him. He was homely at first sight. He was tall in stature and awkward in his ways. He had a blue and withered look that contrasted strangely enough with the robust forms and rosy faces of Salem. His hair was light and thin, and it seemed determined, in spite of all resistance, to fall over his forehead and annoy his little eager eyes. His ears were round almost as a weasel's, and transparent as isinglass. His nose was thin and hooked. His eye-brows drooped at the outer ends, and were high above the nose. His mouth corresponded with the arch described by his eye-brows, and his upper lip, which, after all, was not disagreeable, reminded me at once of the bill of a bird. He had long arms, long, blue, bony fingers, and a cold, blue hand.

But strange as Mr. Olney appeared to me on the first introduction, there was something in his eyes and voice and countenance which attracted and encouraged me, although I did not like his manner of stepping so uneasily about, nor his twittering laugh, nor reeling gait ; still, as I say, I was attracted and encouraged, and I felt

that I should like him well.

"This is Miss Winthrop, of whom you have spoken to me before to-day," said he to Milly Dorlon. "I believe I knew her father and mother, and I thought I observed Well, my girl, I am not sorry to see

a family likeness.

you here, if you think you

I will like the loom. I am not

sorry to see you; and, if you have much of your father

and mother in you, I'll vouch for your success.

I liked your father for one or two things at least I liked him for his aptitudes, and for his resolute persistence in what he undertook to do. Those are the things that give success. He followed Davy Crockett's motto to a T. He was considerate, very, for a sailor, and he had an instinct of right that quite oppressed him at times; and, when he made up his mind to do a thing, he went ahead like a seventyfour. And your mother-pardon me but she was an original woman, sweet and tender as a child in womanly ways and feelings, and yet she had firmness, and her independence pleased me. I saw them but a few times. They probably did not remember enough of me to leave my name with their children, but they left an impression on me. If you prefer a life at the loom, Miss Winthrop, I am not sorry to see you here."

I confess I was touched by what Mr. Olney was pleased to say of my poor father and mother-he brought them so freshly, and in such tender images before my mind. I had to play the baby a moment, and could not immediately answer; but, as soon as I could speak, I gave him to understand that while there were pursuits I would like better than that, of course I was not at all ashamed of being poor, nor of choosing that vocation.

He replied that, "We are not always to go by our likes and dislikes in this world. Like and Dislike are often mere caprices; and, like the false science the hermit sang of, they sometimes lead to bewilder, and dazzle to blind.' There are a hundred occupations, perhaps, which the mass of women would prefer to yours, Miss Winthrop,

and more than fifty of the hundred would be chosen by operatives themselves after three or four years in a mill; because they are really more pleasant, and give more scope to one's faculties, and more enjoyment to the social and domestic sentiments. But I believe it would be good for every girl, rich or poor, to spend a year in a mill. It is a good physical discipline. It may even invigorate the mind, while it puts every heart in communication with our age, and in possession of its independent and progressive spirit. It will give you independence. And how little independence many of our American women have! Some of those even, who are contending for woman's rights, are creatures of impulse or prejudice-soft or conceited things, having no true independence, nor any power of perfect womanhood. They are not half women, some of them, and on this account their cause is regarded as so absurd. You will get independence without mistaking impudence for it, or running into any senseless fashions or mannish ways. Your trade will develop your gifts, and mature in you a more powerful, womanly, equable life. It will even draw out your sensibilities, I think, if you pursue it in the right spirit. Though you may call this fancy: certainly, I know the factory girls don't lose their sympathies here."

There was such downright earnestness in Mr. Olney's manner, and so much kindly sympathy in his voice, I was made to feel very much at home, as I heard him, and was encouraged with my prospects. He gave me as good a situation as was ever offered to a new beginner. My work, at first, was lighter than at the Buxtons', and

before night I was vain enough to believe I was not the most awkward novice that ever entered there, and that it might not be long before I could tend my looms with an easy hand and an agile step. The roar of the wheels and clack of the looms, roused all the spirit there was in me; but I thought it would whirl my poor head into delirium and set me to weaving webs of confusion, before I could get used to the noise. I went to bed that night needing much rest and sleep, but the mill seemed still to be roaring around me, and I worked all night in my dreams. The next day, however, was less exciting, and after that I had my rest, enjoyed my sleep, and was blessed with health and hope.

XI.

DURING the first week, I had as many opportunities to study human nature as I had to learn the letters of my trade. The mill was thronged with visitors. Party after party passed in, made their examinations, gave their opinions, took their instruction or amusement, and then passed out again, leaving us to our work and meditations. During the week, I suppose about every class of society was represented in some visiting party. One party I shall always remember. I believe it consisted of about seven persons, male and female, young and old. They appeared to be a Merrimack family, with a party of outof-town friends. They had heard that the mills would present something of a holiday appearance that week, and came to see us as you would go to a museum or menagerie. I heard the name “Puffit " given to the leading gentleman of the group, and started up and looked around to know what it meant; then I heard,"Mrs. Puffit," "Miss Puffit," and-" Why, Bell Puffit, how you talk!"and was convinced that that was their veritable christian

name.

"Puffit!" whispered Agnes Newman, just then, in my ear," isn't that a name, tho' and the last you ever

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