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

"ii my BilelS, us u Hueic Chliu Nouiu'
l have sometimes thought of asking
you to act rs mother in these quiet
evenings, when I have longed to con-
fide in some one. My mother would
have been about your age, / think"
Again there was q vivid color in the
brown cheek of the housekeeper, such
as is rarely seen in the aged, and it
was accompanied by culver of the
lip and smothered noise which end
cd in cough, but both mouth and
cheek were quickly covered with a
handkerchief, and quite violent fit of
coughing succeeded.
Mr.. Dayton, however, had not seemde
to notice, though he had given her
ono curious glance, instantly with
drawn, and he continued:
For instance, respecting matri-
mony, whose advice of so much value
as mothers? Who, so quick to see
through character, and make wise Sc
LOTIONS ? Had you a son, who about
here would you select for daughter
in-law, Mrs Franklin ?"
81 am not acquainted with any OF
the young ladies, Mr.. Dayton" she
answered family, after pause, dur
ing which he seemed to wait for an
answer.
True, but you have seen them all,
and are, | should judge, a good dis
cerner of character from observation.
Who would you select from those you
have seen2" he persisted.
She Redeemed, and paled.
Il have heard the Misses Grandson
highly spoken Of Their appearance
would seem to prove the truth. l
doubt not you agree with me-" she
returned quietly.
1t was now his turn to color, which
he did slightly.
II do agree with you," he answered
emphatically.
cit is to be, then, as supposed"
said the housekeeper to herself as she
went up to her room.
1t was late in September. Mr.. Day
ton and the housekeeper were both in
the parlor. He had been unusually
grave all day. 1t seemed to the house
keeper that his manner was changed
towards her
81 have few questions to ask, if
you will permit me, Miss Franklin"
She felt instinctively alarmed at his
tone.
Certainly" with an effort
There was an ominous pause.
Il have been told" he said, "that
Miss Kate Franklin, a young girl, has,
by Disgusting herself, palmed herself
off upon me for 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
tremblingly sank back into her chair.
Eyes, it is true" she murmured fall
teringly
81 confess I fail to see for what OBJ
ject. My heart you could hardly ex-
pect to gain in that character.
"Your heart" she repeated scorn-
fully. II had no such laudable ambi-
ton. l had never seen nor heard of
you till I saw your advertisement
Would you like to know for what pur-
pose took upon me disguise so re-
pugnant? You shall. To save N.Y.
self from starvation, I had eaten but
one meal day for a week when I APP
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 1 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 / fulfilled the duties I undertook.
Have l not taken good care of your
house? Have / not made you COM
Portable? 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 nwk-
ward position, were this to become
known"
Waves of color mounted to the poor
housekeeper's temples.
II thought thought no one should
know-least Of all -bcsides-I-I
thought when I engaged to come that
you were married. Oh, what shall
do?" And burst into passion of
tears.
Mr.. Dayton's manner changed.
"Kate Kate / did not mean to
d;strace Won Nobodv kpowa h,,t mo