Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1875-11-11

USUAL Wien U1T. OayCOu was alOuc, sat at the
table. 1t had commenced to rain violently,
and the weather had grown suddenly cold.
MIR. Dayton, as he had done occasionally.
fire burned in the CRATE. He read the letters
and papers which he had brought with him
from town, while she knitted.
An hour or more passed in silence; indeed,
the housekeeper seldom spoke except when
asked a question. At length Mr.. Dayton
looked up to her and said, abruptly:
"Your's must be a lonely life, madam If
it is not painful subject, may ask how
long since you lost your husband?"
Two hands suspended their employment
two eyes looked up to him with an alarmed
expression. In his Serious sympathetic coun-
tenance there was nothing to frighten or en-
barrass, but the red grew deeper, on her
brown cheek.
''It is painful subject she said at last,
faltering. eff you will please excuse me-"
One morning he was speaking Of the great
loss to children in being deprived of their
parents.
II never knew a MOTHER" he said. 'She
died before my earliest recollection. l be-
lieye that, man as am, if had mother, l
should go to her with all my griefs, as little
child would. l have sometimes thought OF
asking you to act as mother, in the quiet
evenings, when l hare longed to confide in
some one My mother would have been about
your age, think
Again there was vivid color in the cheeks
of the housekeeper, such as is rarely seen in
the aged, but it was accompanied by culver
in the mouth, and ended in cough but both
mouth and cheeks were quickly covered with
a handkerchief, and quite violent fit of
coughing succeeded.
Mr.. Dayton, however, did not seem to
notice, though he had given her one curious
glance, instantly withdrawn, and he con-
tinued:
''For instance-respecting matrimony-
whose advice is of so much value as a moth
er's? Who so quick to see through charac-
ter, and make good selection? Had you
son, whom about here would you select for
daughter-ln-law, Mrs. Franklin?"
81 am not acquainted with any of the young
ladies, Mr.. Dayton, she answered.
''Irue; but you have seen them all, and
are, / should Judge, good discerner of char
acter, from observation. Whom would you
select from those you have seen?" he per-
sisted.
She reddened and paled.
81 have heard the Misses Grandson highly
spoken of. Their appearance would seem to
prove the truth. doubt not that you agree
with me-" she replied, quietly.
1t was now his turn to color. which he did,
slightly.
phatically.
1t was late in September Mr.. Dayton and
the housekeeper were both in the parlor. He
had been unusually grave all day. 1t seemed
to the housekeeper that his manner had
changed toward her.
Il have few questions to ask, ii you will
permit me, Mrs. Franklin?''
She felt instructive alarm at his tone.
'Certainly," with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
Il have been told," he said, E'that Miss
Kate Franklin, a young lady, by Disgusting
herself, palmed herself off upon me for sew
eral months as an elderly lady. Is there any
truth in the story ?"-looking searchingly at
her.
She started to her feet, then trembling,
sank back into a chair.
Yes it is true" she murmured, falter-
ingly. ely oon4o.. , fo;, 70 90. for nh.t on;ect
My heart you could hardly expect to gain in
that character"
s'Your heart" she repeated, scornfully; II
had no such laudable ambition; had never
seen or heard OF you until saw your adver-
tisement Would you like to know for what
purpose took upon me the disguise so re-
You shall-to save myself from
starvation. l had eaten but one meal a day
for week when applied 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 for more, for had been
refused further sewing But why should you
find fault ?'-her pride rising. "What mat
ter if were Miss or Mrs. Franklin, old or
young, if fulfilled the duties l undertook?
Have not taken good care OF your house
Have l not made you comfortable? 1t
have not, deduct from this quarters salary,
which you paid me this morning, whatever
you like
81 have no fault to find, except for placing
yourself and me in an awkward position,
should this become known"
Waves of color mounted to the poor house
keepers temples. II thonght-I meant, that
no one should know. least of all, you-be-
side, l thought when engaged to come, that
you were married. Oh, what shall l do?"
and she burst into q passion of tears
Mr.. Dayton's manner changed.
''Kate! Kate. did not mean to distress
you. Nobody knows but me-nObody shall
know And he soothed her tenderly. ''Kate,
look up. 1 love you with my whole heart.
want you to be my little housckeeper-my
Kate, what do you say?"-
taking her in his arms and laying his cheek
against hers. ''My own Kate, is it not:''
She murmured something between her sobs
that she must go away this minute.
Nonsense, darling! Haven't you been
here for months? What difference can day
longer make? You are safe with me, Kate.
Oh, because know you are Miss Franklin.
will you give the inexpressible pleasure of
hearing from that long silent voice?' Oh,
= katie YOu heXifched me that daY. | am