The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1864-10-13
NUMBER 3.

agree with me" she responded quietly.
1t was how his turn to color, which he
did, slightly
Il do agree with you," he answered
emphatically.
"lt is to be, then, as L supposed" said
the housekeeper to herself, as she went 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 had changed towards her
81 have few questions to ask, if you
will permit me, Mrs. Franklin"
Shetelt instinctively alarmed at his tone.
Certainly" with an effort -
There was an ominous pause.
81 have been told," he said, "that Miss
Kate Franklin, young girl, by disgui-
sing herself, palmed herself off upon me
for several months as a Mrs. Franklin, an
elderly lady. Is there any truth IN this
story Z" looking searchingly at her.
She had started to her feet. then trem-
b.ingly sank back into chair.
81 confess l fail to see for what object.
My heart you could hardly expect to gain
Al IudI CudTdcleF. ---" t-e
''Your heart" she repeated scornfully.
81 had no such laudable ambition had
never seen nor heard of you till saw
your advertisement. Would you like to
know for what purpose l took upon me
disguise SO repugnant? You snail To
save myself from starvation. l had eaten
but one meal day for week when L
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 1 were Miss or Mrs.
Franklin, old or young, if l fulfilled the
duties [ undertook? Have L not taken
good care of your house? Have not
made you comfortable IF / have not,
deduct from this quarters salary, which
you paid this morning, whatever you like"
81 have no fault to find, except for
placing yourself and me in an awkward
position, were this to become known"
Waves of color mounted to the poor
housekeeper's temples.
81 thought meant no one should
know, least of all, you-besides II
thought when l engaged to come that you
were married. Oh, what shall 1 90 ?''-
And she burst into passion of tears
Mr.. Dayton's manner changed.
"Kate Kate ! did not mean to dis
tress you. Nobody knows but memo
body shall know" And he soothed her
tenderly. skate, look up. 1 love you
with my whole heart, and want you for
my little housekeeper-my wife always
Kate, what do you say ?" taking her in
his arms, and laying his cheek against
hers. "My own Kate, is it not ?"
She murmured something between her
sobs, that she must go away that minute.
Nonsense, darling! Haven't you
been here for monthsY You are safe with
me, Katie. Oh, because 1 know who you
are. Miss Franklin, will you give me the
lnexpressi5le pleasure of hearing a song
from that long silent voice? Oh, Katie,
you fairly bewitch me always. But,
Katie, let's off these trappings," untying
her cap and removing the gray hair, and
with the action down fell the wreath of
brown tresses.
"Oh Mr.. Dayton, you were net-surely
you were not at home that day r' looking
up and covered with confusion.
eyes, Mr.. Dayton was-in the library"
! with an accent on his name which Kate
understood.
Oh Edward and you teased me with
all those foolish questions when you
knew"
eyes, my Kate, why not p
''But you looked so innocent"
He laughed.
81 soon shall, | hope, have somebody,
if not mother, to confde and, Kate, It
is my duty and pleasure to give you
husband, So that in future, you can an
swer without so much pain when he u
inquired after"
"Y lou are too generous. i1e'
81 can afford to be generous" he 8 =:
| earnestly, "when / have had the prer al
gift of your love. Kate, blest forev - ,.o' !,
the day that firstengaged my housed esna
seA- Long John Wentworth, in a sn.