The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-05-09
SELECT TALES.
THE YOUNG HoUsEKEEPER.
FRUNDED ON FACT.


II was on a cold evening in December,
when the family Of Mr.. Dan, ers were seat
ed around a we'll spread tea table. The
bright fire, closed curtains, and brilliant
lamp, gave an air Of cheerful comfort 20
the apartment; and there was content
cd and peaceful expression upon the coun-
tenance of every one assembled, which
said, as plainly as possible, We are a
happy family"
The eldest Of the younger party was a
girl, named Mary, apparently about sew
enteeu, ia whose fair face and form the
graces Of childhood seemed still TO inger:
and yet she had a certain air Of gravity
and thoughtfulness, seldom seen in one so
young; fact to be accounted fDr bv h.r
being the eldest Of family Of six mother
less children. Being the constant com
painion Of her mother during the last three
years Of her life, she well remembered
how earnestly she had endeavored to pre-
pare her young mind, as far as possible
for the duties that would devolve upon
her as the eldest of the family. Never
had she forgotten her mothers diving
words,-'Be comfort to your father, Ma
~; a mother to your brothers and sisters.
aud next to your duties to God, ever let
home duties and home affections have all
your care
She was not more than ten years old
when her amiable and affectionate moth
er died; and even at that tender age she
would gladly have entered upon her new
duties, had she been permitted to do so {;
but il had been her,mother's wish that she
should be placed At u good school for the
next few years; an,l as an excellent lady
already occupied the important post Of
govern.ss to the younger children, all were
provided for.
II seemed long period Of probation TO
Mary before she was considered qualified
to undertake her important duties; but nj
last the day arrived hastenel 10y the mar
Liage OF the goveiness; and al the age OF
little moro than sixteen, she not only took
the management Of her fathers house, but
also (aided by masters) the education Of
three young sisters, the boys being sent to
the day schools.
Hitherto all had gone on well, for house
keeping was an occupation in which Mary
delighted, and il her duties in the school
room were less pleasing, still they were
faithfully and conscientiouSly discharged :;
and she bad few difficulties to conten,l
with, in insiructiug her well traired and
atfectionate sisters. . ..
II Mary had falling, (anl who has
not Sue was perhaps little too conscious
OF her excellent management and this
was shown in the positive manner in Which
she always spoke, and her irritation, when
her judgment on any matter was question.
ed. Bnt these were mere spots upon the
surface -failings fostereJ by her relations
and friends, in whose opinion she was a
pattern for daughters and sisters; in fact
a paragon Of perfection in all respects.
The establishment of Mr.. Danvcrs con-
sisted Of 1--WE fem ale servants, and man.
whose duty il was TO wal. at table; but
in consequence Of his having ut this time
a severe attack Of illness, Lis pl.ce was
temporarily supplied by u young woman,
OF whom the family scarcely knew any.
thing, but with whose service they were
very well satisfied. One evening. after
she had been engaged In waiting upon
them at tea, Mr. Danvers remarked to his
eldest daughter tha, there was something
particularly pleasing about the young NO.
iuan, Ard he expressed wish that a va.
cant place might be found for her in the
houshold after Williams return.
Instead Of the ready answer which he
expected, Mary's fair cheek flushed AS she
replied, IL was my intention, dear papa,
TO speak to you this evening respecting
Susan; for notwithstanding all her seem
ing goodness and evident capabity, there
=, fear, want Of proper principle and
Mary pronounced these words with all the
emphasis and gravity OF u housekeeper Of
forty years experience.
Come TO my study, then, dear Mary
said Mr. Danvers, 'and we will discuss this
matter so leading her TO his study, he
prepared himself to listen TO her disclo-
eures.
.Papa, she said, Il have reason TO think
that Susan Is dishonest,
That replied Mr.. Danvers, sis a serious
charge, my child. Are you sure that you
are not mistakeni'
Yes, papa, for there is strong rroof a.
gainst her. In the first place, must in.
form YOU that during Williams abscuce
she has had the charge Of the plate, and
Il is her duty TO count il over every even.
Ing, and see that it is all r;ghti She an.
ewered yes, but with such confusion .l,I,at
suspected her Of deception, and desiring
her 10 count II over in my presence. Eonnd