Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-05-20
NUMBER ZIG.

young ladies. Mr.. Dayton" she answered,
family. after pause, during which he SEEM
ed to wait for an answer sA&
True, but you have seen them all, and
Elf Iwould judge, agood discerner of
character, from observation. Who should
you select from those you have seen ?" he
persisted. .,,......,.,. ,,.....
She reddened and paled.
II have heard the Misses Grandson high
ly yspoken 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,
lightly.
~ do agree with you," he answered en-
phatically. rrI I.lrgtp
|, at is to be, then, as 1 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 man
ner was changed toward her. az
~ have few questions to ask, If You will
permit me. Mrs. Franklin
She felt instinctively alarmed at his tone.
"Certainly," with an effort. 800
There was an Ominous pause. o.
II have been told,p he said, ''that Miss
Kate franklin, a young lady, has been palm
ing herself or OH Inc for eovoral months past
as a Mrs. Franklin, al elderly lady. Is there
any truth in this story ?" looking searching
ly at her. l ". =
She had started to her feet, then trem-
blingly sank back into chair.
"ies, it is true," she murmured faltering-
ly. 5
II confess fail to see for what object.
My heart you could hardly expect to gain
in that character"
"Iour heart" she repeated scornfully, 81
had no such laudable ambition. l had new
er seen or heard of you till saw your adj
yertisement. Would you like to know for
what reason | took upon myself disguise
so repugnant? You shall. To save myself
from starvation. had eaten but one meal
a day for week when applied to you, and
was suffering with hunger then. My mon
ey was all gone except few pennies with
which to buy a loaf of bread for the next
days meal, and had no prospect for more,
for had been refused further sewing. But
why should you find fault? What matter
if were Miss, or Mrs. Franklin, old or
young. if / fulfilled the duties undertook?
Have | not taken good care of your house?
Have not made you comfortable? IfI
have not, deduct from this quarters salary,
which you paid this morning, whatever
you like" -"''
II have no fault to find, except for plac-
were this to become known ....-.l,...-
Waves of color mounted to the poor
housekeeper's temples.
III thought meant no one should know
least of all-besides I-I-thought that
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
| NDlNg la 1,.,E L..
| shall know" And he sootlied her tenderly.
90. "Kate, look up, l love you with my whole
heart. and | want you for my little house,
| keeper-my wife always. Kate, what do
you say ?" taking her in his arms and lay
ing his cheek against hers. "My own Kate,
is it not?" - laal ..r
She murmured something between her
sobs that she must go away that minute.
"Nonsense, darling! Have you not been
here. for months? What difference can a
| day longer make? You are safe with me,
| Katie. Oh, because know who you are.
Kate, foolish little girl, have known it for
weeks. Miss Franklin, will you give me
| the inexpressible pleasure of hearing a
song from that long silent voicep Oh.
Katie, you fairly bewitched me that day. 1
am afraid you will bewitch me always.
But Kate, let's off these trappihgs," untying
her cap and removing the gray hair, and
| with the action down 1ell Cne wreath OF
| brown tresses. -.... .. ....fn- .si
"Oh, Mr.. Dayton, you were not-sure you
were not at home that day" looking up and
covered with confusion. "'lI- 7'a
i"Yes, Mr.. Dayton was-in the library"
with an accent on his name which Kate un-
| derstood
20, Edward and you teased me with all
those foolish questions when you knew"
"Yes, my Kate, why not?" .H.w ..
"But you looked so innocent ...,
He laughed. ...-I.
81 shall soon, hope, have somebody, If
not a mother, to contide in, and Kate, tits
my duty and pleasure to give you husband.
SO that in future you ananswer without SO
much pain when he is inquired after"
'You are too generous" ... r
~ can afford to be generous" he said
earnestly, 'when I have the precious gift
of your love. Kate, blessed forever be the
day that engaged my housekeeper."
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