Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-01-06
"Ceriainly," with an effort.
"There was an ominous pause.

"There was an ominous pause.
81 have been told" he said, "that Mis-
Kate Franklin, young girl, has, by dis
guising herself, palmed herself off upor
me for several months as Mrs. Frank
lin, an elderly lady. Is there any trutl
in this story?" looking searchingly a
her.
She had started to her feet, then trem
blingly sank back into her chair
eyes, it is true" she murmured falter
ingly.
81 confess l fail to see for what object
My heart you could hardly expect tc
gain in that character"
"Your heart" she repeated scornfully
IL had no such laudable ambition. had
never seen nor heard of you till l saw your
advertisement. Would you like to know
for what purpose / took upon me dis
guise SO repugnant? You shall. To save
myself from starvation. ! had eaten but
one meal day for a week when / ap-
piled 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 I had
been refused further sewing. But why
should you find fault p her pride rising.
"What matter if | were Miss or Mrs.
Franklin, old or young, il 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 plac-
ing yourself and me in an awkward posi-.
ton, were this to become known"
Waves of color mounted to the poor
housekeeper's temples.
Il thought thought no one should
know-least of all you--besides-I-I
thought when engaged to come that
you were married. Oh, what shall i
do?" And she burst into a passion of
tears.
Mr. Dayton's manner changed.
skate ? Kate? I did not mean to dis
trees you. Nobody knows but memo
body shall know" Aud be soothed her
tenderly. "Kate, look up, l love you
with my whole heart, and want you for
my little housekeeper-my wife always.
Kate what do you say p taking her in
bis 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 yon been
here for months? What difference can
day longer make ? You are safe with me
Kate. Oh, because now l 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 silent voice ?
o, Kate, you fairly bewitch me always,
let's off with these trappings," untying
her cap and removing the gray hair, and |
with the action, down fell the wreath of
brown tresses.
10, Mr.. Dayton, you were not--surely |
you were not at home that day book
ing up, and covered with confusion.
"Yes, Mr.. Dayton was-in the libra. !
ry," with an accent on bis name, which |
Kate understood.
20, Edward land you tested me with
all those questions when you knew"
"Yes, my Kate, why not?'
"But you looked so innocent"
He laughed.
81 shall soon, hope, have somebody
If not mother, to conide 10 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 is
inquired AFTER"
"You are too generous"
81 can afford to be generous" he said,
earnestly, "when | have had the precious
gift of your love. Kate, blessed forever
be the day that first engaged my house,
keeper"