The weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1869-18??, 1870-10-12

duu nldIidu III utI turn lOOkeQ as tuOugn
desiring an introduction to Mr.. Marston's
companion. r i.r,
Perhaps said the gentleman, with an
odd expression. "before your maid attends
to that part of the business, she will show
my valet the room 1 am to occupy" il
Both girls looked up in surprise
The valet was handsome, dark mustach.
ed six footer, whose every expression belied
his position of servility but he had shout
dered the valise, and stood waiting for his
guide to- lead the way; so with look
which signifed something more than mere
wonder, Maggie obeyed the imperative
command of her mistress, and proceeded
upstairs 20 ile -gn .ia'flft v
5"Whew y said the valet after depositing
his burden, looking up with a smile into
the fair young face of his escort. 'That's
what call warm work Well, Maggie, are
you and going to be good friends ~
he spoke rather condescendingly, and the
indignant blood rushed into his companions
cheeks as she replied cody:
/ am nothing of a prophet, and there
fore, find it impossible to answer your CUES
ton decidedly; but am inclined to think
not"
/ He smiled provokingly.
=" That's bad. But our opinions on that
subject differ Why, if we don't entertain
each other what the dickens shall we do
with 'ourselvesg" -,
II have never been at loss for emuse
ment, responded his companion, demurely.
"However, if you are dependent upon out
side society, there are plenty of servant girls
about, whom / have no doubt you can read
lily, become acquainted WITH
~ don't fancy servant girls, as general
thing" he answered, calmly. / have rath-
er high ideas for valet; and, consequently,
have but little desire to becons.ecquaioted
with your friends" - are
/ A.Aiittle petulant shrug was all the answer
he received, as the tile de chan,bre turned
| and descended the stairs s..
' That man, she murmured softly, sis
no more servant than i am. But he shan't
cEuckied nSdSJdIy j ll1s thought Of her
own .srcret, wbichhe was far from diyining.
.uAfter, tea, while the master and mistress
chattedt pleasantly on the old fashioned
porch, the two servants by the gate were
sparrlng awayigsyH3Jgis g5s- ryd il III
slsWhy, Maggie" said the valet, who an
swered 70 the name, Of John, "you are twice
as smart as half tile young ladies of the
present day. What makes you stay in so
degrading o positiona Don't you know
enough to teach .sehool2n ----
Yes, suppose SC" replied Maggie with
a mischievous smile he failed to detect
She had been purposely showing off. But
I'm very much attached to Miss Lilias; and
as long as one is obliged to work, what does
it matter what one does ?" - 'ls. ~ ~
A great DEAL" he answered, much more
excitedly than the circumstances demanded;
and then he proceeded to show her how she
was ipiuring herself, and from that they
went of into long discussion upon wo-
mans sphere; and when they at last return
ed to the house it was with manifest reluc-
lance. lgfaf -f ,t..
For three weeks Mr.. Marston and his
valet, John, remained at the old homestead.
Contrary to the cousins expectations, Mr.
Mars.on said not word to Marian of the
strange legacy of his father; and everything
went on merrily until visible sadness over
Swallowed the whole company.
naJohn drew Maggie down by the gate.
They bad become very good friends, not
withstanding Maggie's ideas upon their first
meeting o.Hli
-" Well, Maggie" he began earnestly, to-
morrow we go away; but before leave I
want you to promise to act upon my sug-
gestion." J,,7. ~ D.;
That suggestion" was that she should
leave her position as lady's maid, and seek
some occupation for which her talents and
education fitted her. !, ) ,is .r
"a Then, without waiting for her reply he
continued EARNESTLY. ~ 20
am more anxious about this than you
can well imagine" ,uI.e sigs
His companion felt her heart beating tu-
multuousty. ,, l...,;. $3.50
John cast quick glance into her down
cast face, and then, as though encouraged
by what he saw, went on, impetuously:
;ss FaAsee lraIllst know what I want to say
one else in this wide worIu. - go
you tell me whether or no you can ever re-
turn my affections Z"
u Maggie did not answer in words, but her
shy little smiles spoke volumes and with
a glad smile he took her close to his breast
- After while he said, seriously:
o6 Maggie, darling, perhaps you think it
strange that /, a servant myself, should be
so worried about your mental position; but
have won your heart under false title. 1
am rot John, the valet but Herbert Mars
ton ~ H2nfi ls.} -al- fl --ots 81 # oa
Ifs She did not evince the slightest surprise,
but to his amazemcnt, said calmly:
It's all right, then Instead of being
Maggie, the maid am Lilias Seton, at
your servicc"1DdaT Eiia al stii lo.,
@ The establishment was profound on both
sides, and the masqueraders were in due
the married, and, let us trust, happy.