The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1870-01-06

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had interrupted.
Mr.. Ringgold was a very handsome
young man, rather naughty in mien,
but pleasant and affable. When they
had exhausted their subject, my brother
said:
"By the way, Dudley, l can add
another name to your list Of lady ac-
quaintanceS. You willsee the lady this
evening"
Indeed whom"
"Gracies goveness.
Mr.. Ringgold shrugged bis we'll
formed shoulders, and replied
Il have a decided antipathy to gov
ernesSes, as class Do You not agree
with me, Miss Grace 2"
| was about to praise Miss Elton en-
Enthusiastically, when Gerald, unperceiv-
ed by his friend, good humoredly shook
his head at me- SO only said
II like Miss Elton very much"
"Oh, Miss Elton is very agreeable
lady, / assure you;" said Gerald
Il have no doubt Of it, my friend,
and l shall be most happy to meet her, !"
returned Mr.. Ringgold.
sold maids are not to be despised,
after ALL" said my brother, gaylyi then
seeing the look of fastonishment on my
face, he whispered in my ear:
Il want to surprise him."
Shortly before tea, heard a soft
rustic of silk in the hall, and then Miss
Florence entered the room. Gerald
introduced Mr.. Ringgold. The look OF
on his face must have sat-
isfed my brother. Oh how proud l
was Of my goyerness. The soft color
had begun to steal into her face of late,
and as she spoke to him, her rosy lips
parted in a smile, revealing
her small, pearly teeth.
That evening Miss Florence was
asked to sing, and as our guest follow
ed her to the piano, l saw Mamma and
Gerald exchange meaning smiles.
Before Mr. Ringgold had been with
us week, Gerald informed me, as
great secret, that his friend admired
Miss Elton very much; an unnecessary
piece of news, for the admiration he
felt for her was expressed in his ac-
tions. She was very reserved, always
eyading him if possible He prolonged
his stay some weeks longer than was
his original intention, TO my great dis
satisfaction; for | knew he did it be-
cause he was in love with Miss Flor
encei for Gerald had said as much, and
| was afraid he would take her away
from us.
One day after the time he had as
signed for his visit had expired, he
bade US adieu and departed. My gov
erness and myself went to the school
room and began our daily labor. She
was correcting French exercise,
and | was bending over my history,
when Mamma entered the room.
miss Florence, my DEAR" she said,
as she seated herself in a chair my gov
erness offered her, 81 have come up to
you. Mr. Ringgold iu-
formed me of his intentions, last even
ing, and although I have not heard the
result, l cannot doubt that your answer
was favorable, for young man 50 un-
exceptionable in every way, is seldom
met with" s.
/ watched the face of my goyerness
closely. The color deepened in her
cheeks, and she answered quietly:
"Mr. Ringgold did offer me his hand,
but was obliged to answer i'll the neg
alive"
Il am surprised, Miss Elton; l am
as much interested in your welfare as
I would be in that of my own daughter,
and | had hoped that his attentions
would be agreeable to you.
my affections are buried in the
grave" she said in faltering voice.
Excuse me, l did not know this"
said Mamma penitently.
"You have always been very kind to
me, Mrs Marston, aud have treated me
as one ofyour own family. | have felt
your kindness, and thank you for it.
You have al ways invited me to mingle
with the guests that sometimes throng-
ed your parlors and have perhaps won
dered at my refusal have long
known that some explanation was nee
essary, and will now give you a his
tory of my past life, and of an event
which has made my existence a joyless
one."