Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-10-11


Ah, oh, ahem. Have you ever served in that
capacity beforcl' asked Mr.. McKim, little
embarrassed.
: No, lean not Say that I have. Tbelieye,
howeler, am acquainted with the duties it
would devolve upon me-
'As l believe stated in the advertisement,
your chief duty would be that of superintend-
ence land presiding at the table. AS keep two
servants, they would be sufficient for all other
household duties. What are your terms!'
That point is quite immaterial to me- said
she, a little amused at the novelty ST her stu
alton.
Shall l say four dollars week! Will that
satisfy you''
Perfectly. 1t is quite liberal. One thing l
would like to stipulate. As unforeseen circum
stances may arise to change my plans, and I
should like to engage for only four weeks.
AS you please. When will you be in readi
ness to comet
'At once. At least as soon as can find
means to convey my baggage hither.
Where have you left it.!
AT the hotel
DO not trouble yourself about it; will send
for it Immediately. Oh, had forgotten one
thing-your name
Penelope had not prepared for this. To give
her own name was thing she hardly dared ven
ture upon. After pause she said:
You may call me Julia Malcolm
Miss Julia Malcolm, presume said Mr.
McKim.
'Yes,' said she, blushing slightly.
In two hours from that time, Miss Penelope
trunk arrived, the keys were put into her hands,
and the servants introduced to their new mis-
tress. We may consider her fairly installed
in her new station. Let us see how she finds it.
CHAPTER III.
Mr.. McKims establishment was large one.
Being situated but few miles out of the city,
in delightful neighborhood, many visitors
were draws to il in tho san,nes seaeon. Soiae.
times half dozen at time we're visiting it,
Miss Penelope Penrose was we'll qualified to
preside at the table, having always been accus.
toned to do 80 at her own. She did 80 with q
mingled grace and elegance that Mr.. McKim
was as much surprised at as delighted with
Still further, her education qualified her Ia
mingle in conversation with degree of intelli-
gence which betrayed that she was well read
This qualification, so rare in housekeeper,
pleased Mr.. McKim not little, and arrested the
attention of his guests.
Certainly, Mr.. McKim,' said friend, you
have paragon of housekeeper. Where did
you get her > '4.
'On, of the advantages Of advertising, my
dear fellow
Then hereafter I shall believe it. You nus,
take care, though, or some of these days you
will be marrying her, and shouldn't t blame you
if you did
: 1t seems to mo, from your enthusiasm, thai
you are much more likely to get caught, retort
ed his friend.
The party were sitting in parlor, on tran
quill summer evening. The lights had been re
moved on account of the mosquitoes which the.
attracted. Conversation had gradually ceased
and feeling of quiet, such as is apt to com
over the mind in such time, had stolen upo
all
How pleasant it is, said one Of the compa
ny, to sit here in the pleasant moonlight. Blu
one thing is wanting to complete the enchan'
ment'
And that is
Music
Il was just thinking Of it, said McKim, IAN
wishing we had some one who could play. Ger
tlemeu, are any of you gifted that wayl'
The answer was general negative.
Perhaps interposed the housekecper, i
lieu of better, you would wish me to play!
What, Miss Malcolm, do you playl ask'
McKim, in surprise.
"A little
Then you will confer great favor by givir
some specimens Of your skill
Miss Penelope was an accomplished musjcia
having cultivated assiduously her natural talen
which was very considerable In addition
J this she sang very tastefully.
Without more ado, she proceeded to the
ano, and played with her accustomed executio
a variety Of pieces, some Of them were We
difficult. Then, pausing moment, she acco
panied herself on the instrument with the wor
of a popular song; after which she arose o
. left the piano. Warm emconiums and flatt ri
= compliments were lavished upon the singer, "
received them with due modesty, and soon
, ter retired.
s After this, Penelope's musical talents, as m
Q readily be imagined, were often called into
: QUESTION.
l II was about fortnight after this occurre
& that Penelope, who had left directions to
o ward letters with friend who was in the sec
: received a letter informing her tb at her sis
f who had been abroad, was expected daily,
would probably proceed at once to her r.
% dence.
g This made her immediate departure neoeasa
q snd 20 she informed Mr. McKim. '8A