The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1865-03-03

ohe wall, as IL hxtures, and their pc
sition had not been altered for wears
and who moreover conscientiousl,
believed cut flowers in room un
healthy.
The new housekeepers belief diff
fered in these respects. The cheery
sunlight was allowed to enter wher
and where it would, flowers were Oh
the tables and mantel-pieces; the fur.
niture was disarranged with. careless
grace; ornaments were taken from
drawers and closets where they had
been carefully packed away, and spoke
for themselves on etageres, marble
shelves and manetl pieces.
Mr.. Dayton felt the change, with
ont knowing the reason of it. He
looked around him with satisfied
air
This is grand, CHEEKY old place
after all. Do you know, Lyon, have
always Stunned it as the gloomicst of
gloomy places. l haven't stayed here
fortnight, all put together, for the
last five years. 1t must DO your pres
ence, old fellow, that has frightened
up SO, or the gloom was all in my
imagination"
"Not altogether; for 1 remember it
just as you do. You forgot I ran
down here once or twice for day
Didn't you tell me you had new
housekeeper? Perhaps the change
may be owing to her--some women
have singular knack at things"
Every likely you are right. re-
member now that, Notwithstanding all
| could say, Mrs. Stone would ex-
clude the sun; and the furniture is
certainly arranged different from
what it was. A marked improvement
which hope will extend to and be-
yond the dinner table"
1t was not possible to find fault
with the variety and quality of the
food placed before them, nor the
manner of its being cooked; and
the table appointments were perfect;
and Dayton congratulated himself up
on having secured such jewel of a
housekeeper.
The two friends passed their time
in reading, driving, fishing, and occa-
sional visits to the city; the house
keeper herein earning, to the extent of
her power, by attention to their bodily
wants, the six hundred she received.
She had an easy master. Mr. Dayton
was never ault-fnding, always pleas
ant and courteous.
He remained after his friend had
departed. Usually, if he did not go
into town, he spent his mornings be-
tween the library and the garden; the
afternoons in driving himself, some
times taking the young ladies of a
neighboring family, Lily and Maud
Grandson, to drive. They were the
only family with whom he visited
Familiarity. Through the servants, the
housekeeper heard rumors of an
attachment between the eldest daugh-
ter, Lily, fair and amiable girl, and
Mr.. Dayton.
The weeks passed, and holiday
came. Mr.. Dayton had gone to
town the day previous to remain the
rest of the week. The housekeeper
had given permission to the servants
to go also. She felt it a welcome re-
lief to have the house and the day to
herself. She locked the door careful
ly after the last servant. She would
make the most of her day. She
would have no dinner-only lunch.
She had almost forgotten her real
character in that which she had as
sumed; but to-day she could be her
self without fear Of discovery or in
trusion. 4a
She laid aside her cap and gray
tresses, washing the stain from her
skin, arranged her luxuriant hair in
becoming curls, and donned pretty
fresh muslin, which fitted well to
her slight, graceful figure. This done,
she entered the parlor, and stood be-
fore the mirror, as attractive fig
ure as one would often see.
"Truly, 1 had forgotten my own
looks / am Kate Franklin, after all p
she laughed.
Removed from the long restraint,
her spirits rebounded. She felt gay
light-hearted, and like committing
any foolishness.
miss Franklin" said she, in the
mincing, affected tones of an exquisite,
''it would. give me inexpressible
pleasure to hear the music of that
long silent voice."
at would be great pity to deprive