Demoine courier., 1856-01-24

~ ~
her 10 mingle in conversation with a de
gree Of intelligence which betrayed that
she was well read. This qualification.
so rare in a housekeeper, pleased Mr..
McKim not a little. and arrested the at
%tention oil his guests,
Certainly, Mr.. McKim.' said a friend
you have a paragon Of a housekeeper.
Where did yon get her!'
One Of the advantages Of advertising
my good fellow"
Then hereafter | shall believe in il.
You mus. take care, though, or some oil
these days you will be mirfying her,
and | shouIdn', blame sou il 70" did
1t seems to me, from your enthusiasm,
that you are much more likely TO get
caught.' retortcd his friend.
The party were sitting in q parlor on
a tranquil summer evening. The lights
had been removed on account OF the
mosquitoes which they attracted. Con-
vefsation had gradually ceased. and a
feeling Of quiet. such as ia apt 10 come
over the mind in such a lime, had stolen
upon all.
How pleasant il is," said one Of the
company, ITO ait here in the pleasant
moonlight. Blu, one thing is wanting
to complete the enehan.menL'
And ,ha, is-'
Music
Il vas just thinking Of ~ said Mr..
McKim. and wishing we had some one
who could play. Gentlemen. are any
Of you gifted that WY!
The answer was a general negative.
Perhaps" in,erposed the housekeep-
err; in lieu Of better, you would wish
me to play!
What. Miss Malcolm. do you play!'
asked McKim, in surprise.
"A liule.'
| "rhen you viii confer a great favo.
by giving some specimens OF our skill.
Miss Penelope was an accomplished
musician, having cultivated a~ssiduoosly
hcr natural talent, which was very con-
siderable. In addition to This. she sang
very ,astsfully.
Wuhou, mole ado. she proceeded Il
The piano. aud played with her accus'
toned e%xecuuon.a variety Of pieces some
of ,hcm very difficult. Then, Pausing
a moment. she accompanied herself on
the Instrument with the words of . pop.
ular song, afterwards she arose and LEI
The piano. Warm encomiums and fiat.
tering compliments were lavished urou
the singer, who received than with due
modes.y, AMI soon after retired.
After This. Penelope's musical talents
as may readily be imagin. d. were Often
called into requisiiion.
il was about a fortnight after this oc'
currence that Penelope, who had left d.
rec.ions to forward letters with a lr:enc
who was ia her secret. received a letiei
informing her tina: her sister, who bad
been abroad, was expected daily, and
would probably proceed a. once 10 her
residence.
This made her immediate departure
necessary, and 50 she informed Mr.
McKim.
leave me- said McKim. in a troub
led tone. You are not dissatisfied,
hope. !.
mo, q, all; my sisters presence vii
render il necessary go.
And will you no, return:
i do no, think | shall be able, rs my
sister will probably wish me TO stay VIII
her"
Mr.. McK,m paced the room in som'
perturbation, and then suddenly drew VI
a chair aud sat by Penelope.
Il do not think ! can give you up.
said he, .and | have. therefore. anoshe'
proposition 10 make. II you will no
stay with me DO a housekeeper. vii
YOU az q wife!'
This $3.50 unexpected murmaret
Penelope.
But you won. refuse!'
Lei me make an explanation hrst
and then yoI shall be at liberty 10 DO a
sou please. Know then. that am pos
sessed Of ar Independent. fortune. ant
merely assumed the post oil h~ousskeeP
or TO CRAFTY a within. and that the tim'
for which l had resolved 10 keep up tn
disguise was past. My name is no
Julia Malcom. bu, Penelope Penrose
This ex~ PLANTATION only made Gregory
urge his snii more vehemently, end II
short il was only q month from tina
time that our heroine promised 10 De
come Q housekeeper for hfe.'