Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1864-09-07

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died before my earliest recollection.
believe that. man as | am, if had q mo-
ther, | should go to her with all my griefs,
as little child would. | have sometimes
thought OF asking you to act as mother
in these quiet evenings, when | have
longed to corfide in some one. My moth
er would have been about your age, I
think
Again there was vivid color in the
brown cheek of the honsekeeper, such as
/ is rarely seen in the aged, and it was ac-
companied by quiver of the mouth, and
smotherlng noise, which ended in a
cough; but both mouth and cheek were
quickly covered with handkerchief, and
quite violent ft of coughing succeeded.
Mr.. Dayton, however, had not seemed
to notice, though he had given her one
curious glance, instantly withdrawn, and
/ he continued:
For instance, respecting mstrimony,
whose advice of so much value as moth
I er's. Who so quick to see through char
acter, and make wise selection? Had
you son, who about here would you se-
lect for daughter-in law, Mrs Frank
| Iiu?
i am not acquainted with any of the
young ladies, Mr., Dayton she answered,
| family, after pause, during which she
seemed to wait for an answer
True, but you have seen them ALL and
are | should judge a good disceruer of
character, from observation. Who should
you select from those you have seen ? he
persisted.
She Redeemed and paled
Il have heard the Misses Gandison
highly spoken Of Their appearance would
seem to prove the truth. | doubt not you
agree with me, she returned quietly.
1t was now his turn to color. which he
did, slightly
4 do agree with you,' he answered en-
phatically.
1T is to be, then, as supposed, said the
housekeeper to herself, as she went up to
her room
1t was late in September. Mr.. Dayton
and the housekeeper were both in the par
lor. He had been unusually grave all day.
1t seemed to the housekeeper that his
manner was changed towards her.
4 have few questions to ask, If you
will permit me, Mrs Franklin
She felt insti1ctively alarm at his tone.
Certainly, with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
i have been told,' he said, that Miss
Kate Franklin, a young girl, by disguis-
ing herself, palmed herself off upon me for
several months as Mrs Franklin an eld-
erly lady. Is there any truth in this story?'
looking searchingly at her.
She had started to her feet then trem-
blingly sank back into chair.
i confess fail to see for what object.
Ny heart you could hardly expect to gain
in that character
Your heart she repeated scornfully.
i had no such laudable ambition; I had
never seen nor heard of you till | saw
your advertisement Would you like to
know for what purpose took upon me
disguise so repugnant? You shall. To
save myself from starvation. had eaten
but one meal day for week when
applied to you, and was suffering with
hunger then. My money was all gone,
except few pennies, with which to buy
roll of bread for the next days meal,
and | had no prospect of more, for had
been refused further sewing But why
should you find fault?' her pride rising.
What matter if [ were Miss or Mrs.
Franklin, old or young, if I fulfilled the
duties I undertook? Have | not taken
good care of your house? Have I not
made you comfortable? If I have not,
deduct from this quarters salary, which
you paid this morning. whatever you
like
Il have no fault to find, except for pla.
cling yourself and me in an awkward po-
stion, were this to become known
Waves of color mounted to the poor
housekeepers temples.
Il thought meant no one should
know, least of all you-besides IL thought
when | engaged to come that you were
married. Oh, what shall do?' And she
burst into passion OF tears.
Mr.. Dayton's manner changed.
kate Kate | did not mean to distress
you. Nobody knows but me-nobody
shall know And he scothed her tenderly.
Kate, look up. love you with my whole
heart, and | want you for my little house.
keeper-my wife always. Kate, what do
you say! taking ber in his arms, and lay
ing his cheek against hers. My own Kate,
is it notY'
She murmured something between her
sobs, that she must 90 away that minute.
Nonsense, darling! Haven't you been
here for months? You are safe with me
Katie. Oh, because know who you are.
Miss Franklin, will you give me the in.
expressible pleasure of hearing song
from that long silent voice? o, Katie,
you fairly bewitched me that day! I am
afraid you will bewitoh me always But,