Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-12-06

with corkscrew curls, aud general air of
strong -mindedness."
Helen laughed.
"How much you must be disappointed"
she said.
Happily disappointed. But you must be
tired. viii you go to yourroom Mrs. Spcn-
Ger, my housekeeper, will show you the way.
Afterwards we will have tea, and | will intro
duce to you my little Fannie"
ale is very agreeable, thought Helen, as she
followed the matronly housekeeper upstairs
into spacious room which was appropriated
to her. al think I shall enjoy myself here y
When she descended the stairs, little Fan
ME was introduced. She was pretty little
girl, and quickly "took to " Helen, as the say
ing is. Indeed, Helen was always favorite
among the children, on account Of her pleasant
face and pleasant ways.
"How old are you, Miss Dunbar ?" asked
Fannie, unceremoniously.
"That is rather a leading question, Fannie"
said her father, Miss Dunbar may not care
to answer you"
al have no objection" said Helen, though
some years hence may have. / am twenty
one."
"Then you can vote,' said Fannie, who had
somewhere heard that this was the age Of le-
gal voter.
"When women have their rights" said Mr..
Farnham. "By the way, are You one Of those
who advocate female suffrage, Miss Dunbar ?"
al have not thought much on the subject,
said Helen. 81 do not think should care
much to exercise the privilege"
So the evening passed away-Miss Fannie
was sent to bed at eight o'clock, and soon after
Mr.. Farnham withdrew to his study to pre-
pare himself for case which was TO como on
the next day Helen retired early, being ia
tigued with her journey.
The next day her duties began. She found
Fannie doce and easily managed. and soon
acquired quite an affection for the child, who
reciprocated her love to the full. Mr.. Farm
ham perceived with pleasure the friendship
which had grown up between Miss Dunbar
and his little daughter He was 50 occupied,
however, with urgent professional duties that
Helen saw little Of him except at the table,
where he was always courteous and kind, tho
sometimes pre-occupied with business thoughts.
So three months passed away, to Helen hap
PLY and peacefully. She did not realize that
she was insensibly getting to love the father Of
her yonng charge, until one day Mrs. Spencer
remarked casually, 50 shouldn't be surprised
if Mr. Farnham should marry again sometime" !"
"What makes you think so?" asked Helen,
to whom the communication was unwelcome,
she knew not why.
"Why should he not ?" said the housekeep-
er. ale is young man yet. He could hard
ly be expected to remain widower for forty
years, if he should live so long,"
"No, suppose not"
besides think he is attentive to Miss
Mcintyre" .-.sE -e
"I hope not" thought Helen, discomposed,
but she said nothing.
She tried to get Mrs. Spencer's words out Of
her mind, but without success. In spite Of all
she could do, they would recur to her. and
trouble her. Slowly the truth dawned upon
her. She Iored her employer The inteili-
gence brought her dismay, for she felt that the
love was hopeless. That Mr. Farnbam should
think of her was in the highest degree impro-
bable, yet every day she felt her love increas-
ing. She seriously thought Of giving up her
position, and nothing but the thought Of her
absolute need Of the salary she received, pre-
vented her doing So"
One evening Mr. Farnbam said, "Do you
understand chess, Miss Dunbar 2"
"a little" she replied.
"Then will you try game with me q
"With pleasure, but fear shall prove
poor antagonist"
'Then come into my study, if you please
They were soon seated opposite each other
with the chess board between them.
The game proceeded, and as Helen had sup
posed, she found herself worsted.
"Cbeckmated !" exclaimed Mr.. Farnham.
81 told you you would fud mo poor antag-
onist," said Helen, smiling family. W
"Shall | explain why 2" asked Mr. Farnham.
because am unskilled in the game"
al hoped there might be another reason"
She looked up in surprise.
'I hoped that you would not like to be my
antagonist"
a don't quito understand you, Mr.. Farm
ham," said Helen.
"Shall speak more plainly" he asked witn
a smile, which bewildered her.
"If you please sir."
"You have just been checkmated. Have
you any objection to being matedr
Her color rose. Gould he mean what his