The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-03-05

Il have been told" he said, ''that Mis-;
Kate Franklin, young lady, by dis
guising herself palmed herself off upon
me for several months as an elderly la
dy. Is there any truth in the story?'
looking searchingly at her.
She started to her feet, then trembling
sank back into a chair
''Yes, II is true" she murmured, fall
teringly.
81 confess l fail to see for what OBJ
ject. Ny heart you could hardly ex-
pect to gain in that character"
"Your heart" she repeated, scornful-
ly. II had no such laudable ambition:
had never seen or heard of you till
saw your advertisement. Would you
like to know for what purpose took
upon me disguise so repugnant? You
shall. To save myself from starvation.
l had eaten but one meal a day for a
week when l applied to you, and was
suffering with hunger then. Ny money
was all gone, except a few pennies, with
which to buy a roll of bread for the
next days meal, and had no prospects
of more, for / had been refused further
sewing. But why should you find fault?''
her pride rising. "What matter if I
were Miss or Mrs Franklin, old or
young, if fulfilled the duties 1 under
took? Have 1 not taken good care of
your house? Have l not made you COM
Portable? If l 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 awkward
position, were this to become known"
Waves of color mounted to the poor
housekeeper's temples.
81 thought meant, that no one
should know, least of all you-besides
I thought when I engaged to come,
that you were married. Oh, what shall
l do?" And she burst into IA passion of
tears.
Mr.. Dayton's manner changed.
"Katei Kate! l did not mean to distress
you. Nobody knows but me-nobody
shall know" And he soothed her ten
derly. "Kate, look up. I love you with
my whole heart. want you to be my
little housekeeper-my wife always.
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
a day longer make? You are safe with
me, Katie. Oh, because l know you
are Miss Franklin, will you give me the
inexpressible pleasure from that long
silent voice? Oh, Katie, you bewitched
me that day! am afraid you will be-
witch me always. But, Katie, let's take off
these trappings," untying her cap, and
removing the gray hair, and with this
action down fell the wealth of brown
tresses.
Oh, Mr.. Dayton, you were not-sure-
ly you were not home that day?" look
ing up, covered with confusion.
Eyes. Mr.. Dayton was--in the libra
ry," with an accent on his name which
Kate understood
80 Edward! and you teased me with
all those foolish questions when you
knew"
eyes, my Kate, why not?"
"But you looked so innocent"
He laughed.
81 shall soon, hope, have somebody,
if not mother, to confde in; and Kate,
it is my duty and pleasure to give You
a husband, so that in future you can an
swer without so much pain, when he is
inquired after"
"You are too generous"
81 can afford to be generous" he said,
earnestly, "when had the precious gift
of your love. Kate, blest forever be the
day that first engaged my housekeep,
erD