Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-02-26
HAPrER III.

Mr.. Mchlm's establishment was large one.
Being situated but a few miles ont Of the city,
in a delightful neighborhoOd, many visitors
were drawn TO IL in the summer season
sometimes half dozen at q lime were visiting
il.
Miss Penelope Penrose Vas we'll qualified 10
preside at y table, having always been accus-
toned to do 30 at her own. She did so with a
mingled grace and elegance that Mr.. McKim
was as much surprised at, as delighted with.
Still further, her education qualified her to
mingle in conversation with degree If intel
ligence which betrayed that she was well
read. This qualification. so rare in q house
keeper, pleased Mr.. McKim not a little, and
arrested the attention Of his guests.
Certainly; Mr.. McKim," said a friend,
"yOu have a paragon Of a housekeepe:.
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 be marrying her, and 1 shouldn't
blame you if you did"
"It seems to me, from your enthusiasm,
that you are much more likely TO get caught"
retorted his friend.
The party were sitting in the psrlor on a
tranquil summer evening. The lights had
been removed on account of the m usquitos
which they attracted. Conversation had grad
ually ceased, and feeling Of quiet, such ss
is apt to 10 come over the mind NJ such a time,
had stolen upon all.
"HOw pleasant it is," said one Of the com
pany, "t to sit here in the pleasant moonlight.
But one thing is wanting to complete the en-
chantment"
"And that is"
"Music."
81 was just thinking Of it," said Mr..
Mckim " and wishing we had some one who
could play. Gentlemen, are any Of you gifted
that wsye
The answer was general negative.
perhaps" interposed the housekeeper,
in lieu of better, you would wish me to
play?'
"What, Miss Malcolm, do you play"
asked Mr.. McKim, in surprise.
90 little''
"Then you will confer a great favor by
giving some specimens Of your skill"
Miss Penelope was an accomplished musician
having cultivated assiduossly her natural
talent, which was very considerable In ad-
dltIon to this, she sang very tastefully.
Without more ado, she proceeded 10 the
piano, and played with her accustomed exc
cution, a variety of pieces, some of them very
dIthcult. Then pausing a moment, she accom-
panied herself on the instrument with the
words of a popular song, after which she arose
and left the piano. Warm encomiums and
fattering compliments were lavished upon the
and soon after retired.
After this, Penelope's musical talents, as
may readily imagined, were often called into
requisition.
1t was about fortnight after this occur
renee that Penelope, who had left directions
to forward letters with friend who was in
her secret, received letter informing her
that her sister, who had been abroad, was ex-
peeted daily, and would probably proceed at
once to her residence.
This made her immediate departure neces-
sary and SO she informed Mr.. McKim.
Leave me" said Mr.. McKim, in a trou-
bled tone. &c You are not dissatisfied I hope"
" Not at all, My sisters presence will rem
der ii necessary I"
. And will you not return?''
4" do not think 1 shall be able, as my sis
ter will probably wish me to stay with her I"
Mr.. Mckim paced the room in some perturb-
rtion, and then suddenly drew up chair and
sat by Penelope.
al do not think 1 can give you up" said
he, " and L have therefore another proposi-
tion to make. If you will not stay with me
as housekeeper, will you as a wife ?"
inns Is 500 unexpected" murmured
Penelope.
But you won refuse 2'
Let me make an explanation first, aad
then you shall be at liberty to do rs you
please Know, then, that am possessed of an
independent fortune, and merely assumed tho
post of housekeeper, TO crafty a whim, aud
the time for whicL had resolved to keep up
the disguise has passed. Ny name is not Ju.
liza Malcolm, but Penelope Penrose.
This explanation only made Gregory urge
his suit more vehemently and, in short, il
was only month from that time that our
heroine promised to become a hOusekeeper for
life.