Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1855-02-01
CHAPTER III.

InelgnOOrnOOQ, many VlSlDOrS were QraWI
to it in the summer season. Sometimes
a half dozen at time were visiting it
Miss Penelope Penrose was well quail
fed to preside at the table, having al,
ways been accustomed to do so at her
own. She did so with mingled grace
and elegance that Mr. McKim was as
much surprised as delighted by. Still
further, her education qualified her to
mingle in the conversation with degree
of intelligence which betrayed that she
was very well read This qualification
SO rare in housekeeper, pleased Mr..
McKim not little, and arrested the at
tention of his guests.
Certainly, McKim,' said a friend,
you have paragon of housekeeper
Where in the world did you pick her
up?'
.one of the advantages of advertis-
ing
How pleasant it is,' said one of the
company, TO sit here in the quiet moon
light. But one thing is wanting to COM
plete the enchantment.'
'And that is
Music
4 was thinking of it, said McKim,
and wishing we had some one present
who could play. Gentlemen, are any of
you so fortunate so as to be gifted in
that way?'
Perhaps interposed the housekeeper
quietly, in lieu of better, you would
wish me to play?'
What, Miss Malcolm, do you play%
asked McKim, in surprise.
"a little
Then you will confer a great favor
by giving us specimen of your skill
Miss Penelope was an accomplished
musician, having cultivated assiduously
her natural talent, which was very CON
siderable. In addition to this she sung
tastefully. Without farther ado, she
proceeded to the piano and played with
hers accustomed execution a variety
of pieces, some of them of a very diff
ficult character. Then pausing a mo-
ment she accompanied herself on the in
strument, with the words of a popular
song, after which she arose and left the
piano.
The company were completely taken
by surprise, and this circumstance added
to the quiet of the hour, which rendered
them more than unusually qualified to
appreciate and enjoy good mnsin. lod
them perhaps to over rate the skill and
ability of the musician. Warm enco-
miums and flattering compliments were
lavished upon the singer, who received
them with due modesty, and shortly
afterwards retired. After this Pene-
lope's musical talents, as may readily
be judged, were frequently called into
1t was about fortnight after this oc-
currence when Penelope, who had left /,
directions to forward letters with
friend who was in the secret, received a
letter informing her that her sister who |
had been abroad was expected daily, |
and would probably proceed at once to
her residence. This made her imme- |
diate departure imperative and so she
Mr.. McKim.
Leave me?' said Mr.. McKim, in a
troubled tone. You are not dissatis-
fled l trust
Not at all. But my sisters presence
will render it necessary
And will you not return?'
Il do not think I shall be able, as my
sister will probably wish me to remain
with her.
Mr.. McKim paced the room in some
perturbation, and then suddenly drew
up chair and sat down by Penelope.
L do not think can give you up
said he, and / have, therefore, another
proposal to make. If you will not stay
with me as a housekeeper, will you as a
wife?'
This is so unexpected murmured
Penelope. |
But you won't refuse?'
Let me make an explanation first,
md then you shall be at liberty to do as
you please. Know that l am pos
;essed of an independent fortune, and
merely assumed the post of housekeeper
o CRAFTY a whim Of my own, and that
he time. four weeks, for which l had
to keep up the disguise, has
passed. Moreover my name is not Julia
but Penelope Penrose.'
This explanation only made Mr.. Nc
[ipo pracc HE emit mora vabapoantl11
md in short it was only month from
hat time that our heroine become a
housekeeper for life.' @