Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-02-26
EVENING STAR,
DETERMINED TO MARRY.
CHAPTER 4.

Que corner Ol the room stOcu q piano, Dut IL
was shut and had been all. day-Penelope
had no disposition to play. Why should she!
there was no one to play to. If now she had
| q husband
1t was upon this point that Miss Penelope
| was meditating
The fact was, Penelope Penrose wanted but
six months of being thirty, and no one yet
had made her proposal 1t was rather sin
gular that it should be so Penelope was
good looking, had received good education;
| she was also skilled in music, had good tenn
per, and verify believe would make a hus-
band happy. But such things can't be ac-
counted for. She had been the most uncom-
promising of her companions, even to ugly
Miss Henderson, with not an accomplishment;
in the world, and moreover, with face pitted
with small pOx, married in quick succession,
and yet there she sat, on that cloudy morning
in December devotee to single blessedness,
and likely to remain so.
| Was there ever a woman who did not con-
slider married life preferable to a single one,
| provided she could secure the right compan-
ion? l believe not.
| To revert to Miss Penelope. In addition TO
| other specified attractions, she owned the neat
cottage which she occupied, and a sufficient
sum In funds to live upon in comfort and ele-
gance Surely all the beaux must have been
blind.
| Something must be done, and that quick
| ly," said Miss Penelope, as the thought of
her approaching thirtieth birthday came with
| startling force to her mind; 4" yes something
must be done. But what? That is the ques-
ton. Such is the state Of society that woman
is hemmed on all sides. She has not even the
privilege of choosing her companion for life,
but must.wait meekly till some one comes
along, and take him or nobody. It's wrong,
decidedly wrong"
| Miss Penelope was in a suitable frame Of
mind at that moment, to become an advoca ate
Of woman's rights.
Meanwhile it was growing dark, and Miss
Penelope rang the bell.
said
Penelope looked first at the marriages-it
| was no more than natural-then at the deaths
Finding that none of her acquaintance had
committed either one or the other, she turned
TO the advertisements. One in particular ar
| rested her attention, and we will look over her
shoulder as she reads:
Two HOUSEKEEPERS-- UNDER
| Il signed Is desirous Of securing the service of
competent housekeeper to take charge of an es-
Enlistment. As he Keeps two servants, her chief
duty will be TO superintead and preside at the Ia
BILE. Early application is desirable.
| GREGORY McKIM.
| "Gregory McKim," soliloq uized Miss Pere-
lope. "I remember to have heard of him as
| bachelor, inheriting large fortune from
| his father. l suppose he must be about thir-
| ty-fve by this time | wonder whether, sup
| posing were to apply, just for the joke Of the
thing, he would give me the situation
1t was a new idea, and the novelty Of it
struck her so favOrably, especially as she had
become SO heartily tired Of her present mode
of life, that, after a little consideration, she
determined to carry out her plan, and if sue
ceSsfal In her application, to retain the situa-
| tion a month or two.
| The next morning very early, Miss Pene-
| lope summoned her obodient handmaiden.
Sally" said she, &c I'm thinking of going
| out of town month or two, and during tn at
| time shall close up the house. If you have
friends you would visit you are at liberty to
do so. Your wages, however, are TO be con-
tinued as usual, and you will let me know
| wherever you 60, in order that 1 may call
upon you, If should return Unexpectedly.
The proposal suited very well with SaiIy's
| lnclinations, as will readily be believed, and
| though she was at loss to conceive what had
at once sent such home body as her mistress
on travelling expedition, she was well dis
posed to take advantage of it. Eleven clock
found Miss Penelope in the cars, flying with
all speed to her destination.
CHAPTER H.
Mr.. Gregory McKim was bachelor of IS,
as our readers have been informed Inherit
IL. Il
| matter of no little wonderment to his numer-
Gus friends, that he called no one to his side
70 share 1t. But Gregory was one Of those
easy men, who never go after anything. If it
was within reach, well and good otherwise,
the exertion was too great, and he voted it a
bore He semed content to live on, as he had
ever lIved-in single blessedpess, quite ignor-
ing the greater blessings of matrimony
IT was after dinner, and as was MS wont, he
was leaning back in his rocking-chair, plung-
ing into the peculiar dreaminess superinduced
by choice Havana cigar, when the bell was
heard to ring.
plague take it," said he, rOusing himself
unwillingly; "some visitor-I wish they
would take another time"
"A lady" announced the servant, opening
the door and announcing Miss Penelope
Your servant, madam" said Gregory,
bowling; "most happy to see you. Pray be
seated 3"
"ThiS is Mr.. McKim, believe" said the
lady.
"The same, madam, at your service" said
he.
81 noticed your advertisement in the pa
per-"
"Ah, yes, for housekeeper. Can you rec
ommend one
q came to offer myself for the situation
Being an interested party" said Miss Pene-
lOpe, smiling slightly, perhaps it would be
as well not to recommend myself too highly"
"Ah, eh, ahem. have you ever served in
that capacity before?' ?'' asked Mr.. McKim, a
little embarrassed.
mo, cannot say that have. believe,
however, am acquainted with the duties il |
would devolve upon me-"
Gas 1 believe 1 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
terms7'' |
THAT point is quite immaterial to me-"
said she, little amused at the novelty of her |
situation. |
Shall say four dollars week! Will |
that satisfy your
Perfectly; it is quite liberal. One thing |
L should like to stipulate. An unforeseen cir |
cumstances may arise to change my plans, L |
should like to engage for only four weeks"
GAS you please. When will you be in read
mess to Gomez"
"At once-at least as soon as can find |
means to convey my baggage hither"
Where have you left it?"