The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-05-08
Select STORY.
MR.. DAYTON's HOUsEKEEPER.

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"Wanted--A housekeeper. No one
but an elderly person, competent, and Of
the highest responsibility, need apply.
Call between the hours Of three and four,
Thursday, April sixth, and at No.--Michi.
gan Avenue"
Kate Franklin read this in the paper
which lay on the counter in the little gro
Gerry, while waiting to have an ounce or
two of tea done up, and roll Of bakers
bread.
She repeated the number of the house
over to herself, as she received the change
from the grocer.
She prepared tea after she returned to
the little bare attic, and eat her scanty
meal mechanically. She forgot how I'M
satisfied her appetite still was, in her busy
thoughts.
A stranger in strange place, and sue
cessivcly she had tried to find situation
as teacher, copyist, in a store, sewing.
She had failed in the first three, aud was
starving on the last.
She would apply at this place, but she
would need references Only one person
she knew in the whole great city of inau-
ence-Mrs. Davenport, the rich, naughty
step-sister who had ill-treated her gentle
mother while she lived, and had hated
Kate herself.
Perhaps, Kate thought, she would per-
init her to refer to her, because glad to
have her descend to mental employment
Kate was competent for the situation,
for during her mothers illness and her
fathers absence, she had entire charge Of
their large family and splendid house.
But an "elderly woman Now Kate
was not an elderly woman, being only
twenty; but she remembered with sort
of pleasure, that in private theatricals in
happier days, she had inflated the voice,
and assumed the character Of an old lady
with great success. She knew how TO
stain the skin, and to give an old and
wrinkled appearance, and she had, in the
bottom of box, some falls, gray hair aud
a muslin cap, worn on one OF these occa-
sions. She did not need to look so very
old--only to present matronly appear
ance.
Mr.. Edward Dayton waited at home af-
ter his dinner to see the respondent to his
advertisement. He was handsome man,
not yet thirty, with a gay, frank, good
natured countenance.
He leaned back in nonchalant way,
with his feet on another chair.
There ought to be Mrs. Dayton to man
age these housekeeping matters. Well,
there's time enough.
Two applicants were seen and dismissed
in Mr.. Dayton's gentlemanly way.
A third was ushered in. Mr.. Dayton
instinctively placed chair for his visitor
The lady likeness and propriety Of her
manner pleased him at once-Fallen for
tunes, he commented to himself
She answered his questions readily, but
in few words.
A silent woman-good thing, was his
inward remark.
l think you will suit me, Mrs. -
what may | understand your name
Franklin.
Mrs. Franklin, you viii be required to
go out Of town, about seven miles, TO my
country house, Oak Grove. The salary |
propose to pay is six hundred dollars per
annum. Do. my terms suit you?
She answered quietly, that they did.
Then it is all settled. By the way,
suppose you have references, though that
Is mere matter Of form.
The name Of Davenport was given.
Davenport? Robert Davenport? I
know them. All right If convenient,
you will go tomorrow. l shall not come
till the middle Of next week, and probably
bring friend or two with me. Have the
chambers 10 the centre and wings prepared,
fyou please. The housekeeper there nov
will not leave until Saturday. She will
show you round.
Is Mrs -, isyour wife there, or ts
go soon
He laughed
Mn Edward Day.ons No, she Is moi
there, aud ! do not know Of her going q,
present Adding more seriously, hay,