The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-01

Plague take IL said he, rousing him
self unwillingly. Some visitor. wish
they would take another time.
"A lady, announced the servant, OPEN
Ing the door, introducing Miss Penelope.
your servant. madam, said Gregory
bowling, most happy to see you. Pray be
seated.
This is Mr.. McKim, l believe said the
lady.
The same, madam, at your service, said
he.
Il noticed your advertisement in the pa
per-
All, yes, for housekceper. Can you
recommend one?'
Il came to offer myself for the situation.
Being an interested party said Miss Pene-
lopc, smiling slightly, perhaps it would be
as well not to recommend myself too high
Ily.'
'Ahl ch, ahem have you ever served in
that capacity before?' asked Mr.. McKim, a
little embarrassed.
No, cannot say thatI have. believe,
however, am acquainted with the duties it
would devolvc upon me-
AS Ibclievo stated in the advertisement,
your chief duty would be that of supcrin-
tendencc and presiding at the table. As 1
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, little amused at tho novelty of
her situation. Shall say four dollars q
week? VIII that satisfy your
Perfectly. 1t is quito liberal. One
thing would like to stipulatc. AS unfor-
seen circumstances may arise to change my
plans, should like to engage for only four
weeks.
AS you please. When viii YOU be in
readiness to Gomez
AT once. At least as soon as j can find
means to convey my baggage hithei'
Where have you left it?'
AT the hotel
"Do not trouble yourself about it. l
will send for it Immediately. Oh, 1 had
forgotten one thing-your name"
Penelope had not prepared herself for
this. To give her own name was thing
she hardly dare venture upon. After a
pause she said.
You may call me Julia Malcolm
Miss Julia Malcolm, / presume said
Mr.. McKim.
'Ycs,' said she, blushing slightly.
In two hours from that time, Miss Pene-
lope's trunk arrived, the keys Were put in
to her hands, and the servants introduced to
their new mistress. We may consider her
fairly installed in her new situation. Let
us sec how she finds it.
CHAPTER III.
Mr.. McEim's establishment was large
one. Being situated but few miles out of
the city, in q delightful neighbOrRoOd,
many visitors were drawn to it in the sum-
mer scason-sometimes half dozen at u
time were visiting it.
Miss Penelope Penrose was well qualified
to preside at table, having always being
accustomed to do so at her own. She did
50 with a mingled grace and elegance that
Nir. McKim was as much surprised at, as
delighted with.
Still further, her education qualified her
to mingle in conversation with degree Of
intelligence which betrayed that she was
we'll read. This qualification, 50 rare in q
housekccpOr, pleased Mr.. McKim not lit
tie, and arrested the attention of his guests
Certainly, Mr.. McKim,' said friend,
you have paragon of a housekeepcr.-
Where did you get her?'
'0ne Of the advantages Of advertising
my dear fellow
Then hereafter shall believe in il You
must take care, though, or some Of these
days you will DO marrying her, and /
shouldn't blame, you If you did,
1t seems to me, from your enthusiasm,
thatyo are much more likely to get caught,
rctortcd his friend.
The party were sitting in parlor on a
tranquil summer evening. The lights had
been removed on account of the mosquitoes
which they attracted. Conversation had
gndually ceased, and feeling of quiet,
such as IS apt to come over the mind in such
q time, had stolen upon all.
How pleasant it is said ono of the COM
pany, to sit here in the moonlight. But
one thing is wanting to complete the en-
chantment."
And that is
: Music
'Iwas just thinking Of it, said Mr.. Nc
Kim, and wishing we had some who could
play Gentleman are any of you gifted
: that way?'
The answer was general negative.
: Perhaps interposed the housekccper ;
in lieu of better, you would wish mo to
play2' -t 80
What, Miss NlalcOm, do you play?
asked McKin, in surprise.
a little
Then you will confer great favor by Civ
ing some specimens Of your skill al.
Miss Penelope was an accomplished mu-
sician, having cultivated asidiously her