The Argosy — page 44: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Third Class. 31 It was edifying to observe the good-humoured tolerance with which the peculiarities of the Sisters were discussed. Mr. Hardy, in portraying Wessex peasants, and Mr. Besant, in describing East-end artizans, are not more alive to the humours of their subjects than were these members of ‘‘ the lower orders ” when discussing their social superiors. But it was pleasant to notice how the kindness of the Sisters was appreciated and dwelt upon. ‘The washerwoman told us how they had been up with her at night when her breathing was bad ; and she seemed genuinely distressed at the idea that they depended too much upon “ good works,” and might not, ultimately, be “ saved.” The lady’s maid replied that such good women were ‘saved ” already ; and we were soon in the thick of a theological: argument, with texts falling amongst us like snow-flakes. A halt at the half-way station checks the discussion, and a fresh passenger, a regular countrywoman, enters the carriage. She is less sociable than the Londoners, and looks at us with a little rustic scorn. The washerwoman tackles her at once. “Going to the Home ?” Rather to my surprise, the countrywoman admits that she is, and is immediately hailed with a frank camaraderie which her country pride is unable to resist. “We are all going to the Home,” says the washerwoman ; “‘all but that lady in the corner,” nodding her head towards me. ‘‘ And I wish she were coming to,” she kindly adds: a wish which her com- panions echo with a friendly warmth which brings a blush to my elderly cheeks as I thank them for their good-will. We travel on, quite a merry party. I can hardly believe these are the tearful women of two hours ago. ‘The sad-faced lady’s-maid brightens as she talks of former journeys and places abroad, which she has visited with her “‘ladies.” She has retired from service now, and supports herself by needle-work. She can get as many orders as she can execute, chiefly babies’ work, for which she is well paid. It is cheering nowadays to meet any woman who talks of having a sufficiency of well-paid work. Her eyes, however, are weak, and a former mistress is sending her to the Home. She had dreaded coming away and going amongst strangers, she tells us, but now she feels so glad she has ventured out among us—she positively looks better already. The young married woman has a very different tale. She has never left her home before, and it is evidently a great trial to her to go away, but she is curious to see the sea, and her husband has told her to be sure to go out in a boat. She is torn between her desire of pleasing her husband and a nervous dread of going upon the water. On her face one reads the signs of heart-disease with painful clearness, and we tell her she need not be afraid of going upon the water, as the doctor will never allow GOmilGaooks (S©) im