k you do. Women's wages can't be expected to
do more than feed and clothe 'em, as a gineral thing, with a little
savin', in case of sickness, and to bury 'em, if they break daown, as all
of 'em are liable to do at any time. If I a'n't misinformed, you not
only support yourself out of my establishment, but likewise relatives of
yours, who I don't know that I'm called upon to feed and clothe. There
is a young woman, not burdened with destitute relatives, has signified
that she would be glad to take your dooties for less pecooniary
compensation, by a consid'able amaount, than you now receive. I shall be
willin', however, to retain your services at sech redooced rate as we
shall fix upon,--provided sech redooced rate be as low or lower than the
same services can be obtained elsewhere."

"As you please, Mr. Peckham," Helen answered, with a smile so sweet that
the Principal (who of course had trumped up this opposition-teacher for
the occasion) said to himself she would stand being cut down a quarter,
perhaps a half, of her salary.

"Here is your accaount, Miss Darley, and the balance doo you," said Silas
Peckham, handing her a paper and a small roll of infectious-flavored
bills wrapping six poisonous coppers of the old coinage.

She took the paper and began looking at it. She could not quite make up
her mind to touch the feverish bills with the cankering coppers in them,
and left them airing themselves on the table.

The document she held ran as follows:

Silas Peckham, Esq., Principal of the Apollinean Institute, In Account
with Helen Darley, Assist. Teacher.

Dr. Cr.

To salary for quarter By Deduction for absence
ending Jan 1st @ $75 per 1 week 3 days ...........$10.00
quarter ................ $75.00
"Board, lodging, etc for
10 days @ 75 cts per day.. 7.50

"Damage to Institution by
absence of teacher from
duties, say ............. 25.00

"Stationary furnished ..... .43

"Postage-stamp ............ .01

"Balance due Helen Darley. 32.06
------ --------
$75.00