The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1856-02-06

! CONCLUDED.
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
Mr.. Gregory Mckim was bachelor of 35,
as orr readers have already been informed.
Inheriting large fortune from his father,
it was q matter Of no little wonderment to
his numerous friends. that he called no one 10
his fire side, TO share it. But Gregory was
one Of those easy men, who never took the
trouble to 60 after anything II 1t was with
in his reach, well and good; otherwise the
exertion was too great, and he voted it n
bore. He seemed content TO live on, as he
had ever lived, in single blessedness-qulte
ignoring the greater blessings OF matrimony.
1t was after dinner, and, as was his wont,
lie was leaning back in his rocking chair,
plunging into the peculiar dreaminess super
induced BY choice Havana cigar, when the
bell was heard TO ring.
''Plague take il ~ said he, rousing him
self unwillingly. ssSome visitor. | wish
they would take another time"
"a lady," announced the servant, opening
the door, and introducing Miss Penelope"
'Your servant, madam" said Gregory,
bowling 'most happy to see you. Pray be
seated
"This is Mr.. McKim, believe, said the
LADY,"
f'The same madam, at your service"
said he.
81 noticed your advertisement in the pa
per-"
''Ah, yes, for a housekecper. Can you re-
commend any one ?"
II came to offer myself for the situation.
Being an Interested party" said Miss Pene-
lope, smiling slightly, ''perhaps il would be
us we'll not TO recommend myself too highly
''Ah, eh, ahem have YOU ever served in
the capacity before ~ asked Mr. Mckim. Il
little embarrassed"
''No, cannotsay that have. / believe,
however, am acquainted with the duties il
would deyolve upon me"
"As believe stated nthe advertisement
your chief duty would be that of superin-
tendencc and presiding at the table. As
keep two servants they would be sufficient
for al other household duties. What are
your terms ~
''That point is quite lmmaterial to me, ;"
said she. n little amused Mt the novelty of
her situation.
"Shall say four dollars week VIII
that satisfy you -
Perfectly. 1t is quite liberal. One thing
! would like to stipulate. AS unforeseen cir
cumstances may arise to change my plans, |
should like to engage for only four weeks. +"
'.As you please. When will YOU be in
| readiness 70 come 2"
SAT once. At least as soon as can find
means to convey my baggage hither"
| ''Where have YOU leftitf"
AT the hotel"
I 500 not trouble yourself about it. will
send for 1t Immediately. q, had forgot one
| thing-vour name"
| Penelope had not prepared herself for this.
| To give her own name was thing she hard
! " dare venture upon. After pause she
said
lyon may call me Julia Malcolm, =
"Miss Julia Malcolm, presume" said
| Mr.. Mckm
"Yes," replied she, blushing slightly.
In two hours from that time, Miss Pene-
lope's trunk arrived, and the KEYS were put
into her hands. and the servants introduced
to their new mistress. We may consider her
fairly installed in her new station. Let us
see how she finds 1t.
CHAPTER III.
Mr.. Mckim's establishment was large
one Being situated but few miles out Of
the city, in delightful neighborhood, many
visitors We're drawn to il in the summer sea-
son-sometImes half dozen at time were
visiting it.
Miss Penelope Penrose was well qualified
to preside at table, having always been ac-
customed TO do SO at her own. She did so
with mingled grace and elegance that Mr.
Mehlm was as much surprised at, as delight
ed with.
Still further, her education qualified her
10 mlngle in conversation with degree of
intelligence which betrayed that she was
we'll read. This qualification. SO rare III a
housekeeper, pleased Mr.. McKim not a lit
tie, aud arrested the attention Of his guests.
Certainly, Mr.. Mckim,'' said a friend,
''you have got a paragon Of a housekceper
Where did you get her ~
'.One 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 marry her, and shouldn't blame YOU
| if YOU did"
1T seems to me from Your enthusiasm.
| that you are much more likely to get
canght," said his friend.
The party were sitting in a parlor on
tranquil summer evening. The lights had
been removed on account of the mosquitoes
which they attracted. Conversation had
gradually ceased, and feeling Of quiet,
such as is apt to come over the mind in such
time, had stolen upon all.
"How pleasant it u.s." said one of the COM
pany, "to sit here in the pleasant moon
hight. But one thing is wanting to COM
plete the enchantment.''
And that is
"Music."
u was just thinking Of IT, said Mr.. Nc
him, ''and was wishing we had some one
who could play. Gentlemen, are any Of YOU
gifted in that way 20
The answer was a general negative.
'Perhaps," interposed the housekeeper
Sin lieu of a better, you would wish me to
play Z"
"What, Miss Malcolm, do you play @''-
asked MeKia, in surprise.
"a httle.p
''Ihen you will confer great favor by
giving some specimens of your skill
Miss Penelope was an accomplished mu-