Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-06-02

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other, she turned to the advertisements.
One in particular attracted her attention
and we will look over her shoulders as she
reads: ..
TO BEOUsEwEEPERS.
rg,IIE UNDERSIGNED is desirous of securing the
Il services of competent housekeeper, to
| take charge of an establishment Al he keeps
two servants her chief duty will he to superin-
| tend and preside at the table. Early applca.
ton is Desirable GREGORY MKIM.
"Gregory McKim," soliloquized Miss Pen
elope. IL remember to have heard of him as
a bachelor, inheriting a large fortune from
his father. ] suppose he must be thrty-fve
by this time. So it seems he wants house.
keeper wonder whether, supposng were
to apply, just for the joke of the thing, he
would give me the situation.
1t was new idea and the novelty of it
struck Penelope so favorably; especially as
she had become heartily tired of her present
mode Of life. that after little consideration,
she determined to carry out the plan. and if
successful in her application, retain tie situa-
Tor a month or so.
Possibly another thought recommended
the adoption Of this course, but we must not
inquire too particularly into lady's motives.
The next morning very carly, Miss Pene-
lope summoned her obedient hand-maden.
Sally" said she, "Im thinking OF going
out Of town for month or so, and during
that time shall close up the house. If you
have friends that you would like to visit, you
are at liberty to do so. Your wages. howev-
er. will be continued as usual. and you will
let me know wherever you 90. in order that
may call upon you if should return uncx-
pectedly. . r.
This proposal suited very well with Sally's
iuclnations, as will readily be believed, and
though she was at u loss to conceive what
had all at once sent such a hOme-body as her
mistress on travelling expedition, she was
very well disposed to take advantage OF it.
Eleven o'clock found Miss Penelope in the
cars flying with all the speed that steam
could impart towards her destination. ..
CHAPTER II.
Mr.. Gregory McKim, as our readers have
already been informed, was bachelor of
thirty-fve. Inheriting q large fortune from
his father, it was q matter of no little wonder
ment to his numerous friends, that he called
no one to his side to share it. Gregory was
one of those easy men who never take the
trouble to go after anything. If it is within
his reach, well and good-otherwse the eX-
ertion was too great, aud was voted bore.
He seemed content TO live on as lie had ever
lived. in single blessedness-to quite ignore
the greater blessings Of matrimony.
1t was after dinner and as was his wont,
he was leaning back in his rocking chair,
plunged into peculiar dreaminess supern-
door-bell was heard to ring.
"Plague take it," said he, rousing himself
unwillngly. Some visitor. l wish they
would choose hotter fine -
"A lady announced the servant opening
the door, and announcing Miss Penelope.
Your servant. madam" said, Gregory,
bowing "Most happy to see you. Pray be
seated"
This is Mr. McKim, believe" said the
lady.
The same. ma'am, at your service" said
he.
Il noticed an advertisement of yours in the
paper"
"Ah, yes, for housekeeper. Can you
recommend one ?"
II have come to offer myself for that stua-
ton. Being an interested party" said Miss
Penelope, smiling slightly, perhaps it would
be rs well not to recommend myself too
highly"
"Ah-ah-hem Have you ever served in
that capacity before ?" said Mr.. McKim, a
little embarrassed.
mo, / can not say that have. believe,
however that am acquainted with the du-
ties that it would devove upon me-"
"As believe | stated in the advertise
ment, your chief duty would be that of super
intendence. and presiding at the table. AS
keep two servants. they would be sufficient
for all other household duties What are
your terms p
THAT point is quite immaterial to me-"
said she, a little amused at the novelty Of her
situation.
"Shall say four dollars per week ?-Will
that content your
Perfectly It is quite liberal One thing
should like TO stpulate. An unforeseen
circumstance may arise TO change my plans,
and should like TO engage for only four
weeks
"As Won please. When will you be in rea
dinpss 10 come ?"
AT once. As soon. at least, as can find
means TO convey my baggage hither.
"Where have you left t."
"At the hotel"
do not trouble yourself about it, will
send for il immediately. On, had forgotten
one thing-yOur name"
Penelope had not provided herself for this.
To give her own name was a thing she hardly
dare venture upon. Aiter pause she SAID
You may call me Julia Malcolm"
Mss Julia Malcom. presume" said Mr.,
Mex i'm. .
YES" said she. blushing slightly
In two hours from that time Miss Pene-
lope's trunks arrived, the keys were put into
her hands, and the servants introduced TO
their new mistress. a.as----...
We may consider her fairly installed in
her new Office. Let US see how she finds
it. ...s ... d,
CHAPTER III.
Mr.. McKim's establishment was a large
one. Being situated but a few miles out the
city. in delightful neighborhood, many visi.
tors were drawn to it in the summer season
Sometimes half dozen at a time were yisi
ting it.
Miss Penelope Penrose was well qualified