Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1864-12-23

trable reserve, looked cold and gloomy,
never speaking except from necessary
civility. +
AT last the poor housckeepsr could
bear it no longer. After tea, without an
invitation, which had not been extended
since that night, she took her knitting and
went into the parlor. The first approach
to a smile she had seen on his face fer
many days frightened it then, but he did
not say great deal.
After this, it became the regular Gus
tom. There could be no danger to him
in the gray hair, the seemingly aged face
and figure before him; but was there
none to her, evening after evening, sitting
opposite the manly, handsome fellow,
showing his goodness and large hearted
ness, listening to his intelligent and pol
ished conversation.
One morning he was speaking Of the
great loss to children in being deprived
Of their parents. II never knew moth
err he said-"she died before my earliest
recollection. l believe that, man as l
am, if l had a mother l should 60 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 l have longcd to confde in some
one. My mother would have been about
your age think"
Again there was vivid color in the
broYn cheek of the housekeeper, such as
is rarely seen in the aged, and it was ac-
companied by quiver Of the mouth and
smothcred noise which ended in cough.
bat both mouth and cheek were quickly
covered with a handkerchief and quite
violent fit Of coughing succeeded.
Mr.. Dayton, however, had not seemed
to notice, though he had given her one
curious G lance, instantly Withdrawn, and
he continued.
For instance, respecting matrimony,
now whose advice is Of SO much value as
mothers? Who SO quick to sec through
character and make wise selections? Had
you sou, who about here would you Sc
lcct as daughter-in-law Mrs. Franklin ?"
Il am not acquainted with any of the
young ladies', Mr.. Dayton" she answered
family, after a pause, during which he
seemed to wait for an answer.
True, bat you have seen them al, and
are, should Judge, good disceruer, Of
character from observation. Who would
you select from those ysu have seen 2" he
persisted.
She reddened and paed.
IL have heard the Misses Grandson
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.
Il DO agree with you," he answered
omphatically.
i" 1t is to be SO then, as | supposed"
said the housekceper to herself, as she
went up to her room.
1t was late in September. Mr.. Day
tou and the housskeepcr were both in the
parlor. He had been unusually grave all
day. 1t seemed to the housekeeper that
hls manner Was now changed toward her.
Il have 4 few questions to ask, if you
will permit me, Mrs. Franklin"
She felt instinctively alarmed at his
ton0.
Certainly" with an effort.
There was an ominoas pause.
IL have been told" he said, "that
Miss Kate Franklin, young girl, has,by
dssuisias herself. palmei herself off up
ON me tor several months as Mrs.
Franklin, an elderly lady. Is there any
truth in this story?' looking searchingly
at her.
She had started to her feet, then trem-
blinsy sank back into her chair.
"Y es, it is true" she murmured fal-
terinsly.
II confess fail to see your motive
My heart you could hardly expect to
gain in that character"
" our heart" she repeated scornfully,
IL lad no such laudable ambition. | had
never seen or heard of you till l 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 eat.
en- bat 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
a roll of bread for the next days meal,
and had no prospect of uIore, for l 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 | fulfilled the
duties l undertook ? Have l 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 kncwu."
Waves of color mounted tothe house,
keepers temples.
81 thought thou snt no noe should
know-least of all you-ocsides II
thought when l engaged to come that you
we're married-Ob, what shall l do?'-
And she burst into a 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 sooIhed
her tenderly.
Kate, look up. love you with my
full heart, and want you Tor my little