Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1875-10-01
NUMBER 4.

read the letters and papers which he had
brought with him from town while she
knitted
An hour or more passed in silence; in
deed, the housekeeper seldom spoke eX-
cept when asked question. At length
Mr.. Dayton looked up to her and said alb
ruptly: ae
s'Your's must be lonely life, madam.
If it is not a painful subject, may | ask
how long since you lost your husband ~
Two hands suspended their employ
ment, two eyes looked up to him with an
alarmed expression. In his serious, sym
pathetic countenance there was nothing
to brighten or embarrass, but the red grew
deeper on her brown cheek.
cit is painful subject" she said at
| last, faltering. If you will please ex-
cuse me-
One morning he was speaking of the
great loss to children in being deprived of
their parents.
ct never knew a mother" he said
g She died before my earliest recollection.
/ believe that, man as | am, if had
mother should go to her with all my
griefs, as little child would. | have
sometimes thought of asking you to act
as mother in the quiet evenings, when l
have longed to confide in some one. My
mother would have been about your age
[ Think
Again there was vivid color in the
cheek of the housekeeper, such as is rare
ly seen in the aged, but it was accom-
panied by culver in the mouth, and end
ed in cough, but both mouth and cheek
were quickly covered with handkerchief,
and quite a violent fit of coughing sue
ceeded.
Mr. Dayton, however, did not seem to
notice, though he had given her one curl
Gus glance, instantly Withdrawn, and he
continued:
g For instance, respecting matrimony,
whose advice of so much value as
mothers? Who so quick to see through
character and make a good selection?
Had you a son, whom about here would
you select for a daughter-in-law, Mrs.
Franklin ?'
1T am not acquainted with any of the
young ladies, Mr.. Dayton" she answered.
"True, but you have seen them all and
are, should judge, good discerner of
character from observation. Whom would
you select from those you have SEEM" he
persisted.
She Redeemed and paled.
II 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.
81 do agree with you," he answered
emphatically.
It was late in September. Mr. Dayton
and the housekeeper were both in the par
lOr. He had been unusually grave all
day. 1t seemed to the housekeeper that
his manner was changed toward her.
II have a few questions to ask, if you
will permit me, Mrs Frankln?"
She felt instructive alarm at his tone.
Certainly" with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
II have been told," he said, Z" that Miss
Kate Franklin, young lady, by DISCUS
ing herself, palmed herself off upon me
for several 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 chair.
Yes, it is true,' she murmured, falter-
ingly.
My heart you could hardly expect to gain
in that character"
"Your heart" she repeated, scornfully;
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 "a dis
guise so repugnant? You shall. To save
myself from starvation. had eaten but
one meal day for a week when applied
to you, and was suffering with hunger
then. My money was all gone, except a
few pennies with which to buy roll of
bread for the next days meal, and | had
no prospects of more, for l had been re
fused further sewing. But why should
you find fault?" her pride rising What
matter if | were Mrs or Miss Franklin
old or young, if 1 fulfilled the duties
undertook? Have not taken good care
of your house! Have / not made you
comfortable? If have not, deduct from
this quarters salary, which you paid this
morning, whatever you like"
+" 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
housekeeper's temples. / thought
meant that no one should know, least of
all you-besides-I thought, when ] en-
gagged to come, that you were married.
Oh, what shall do?'' And she burst into
passion of tears.
Mr.. Dayton's manner changed.
" Kate! Kate! did not mean to dis
tress you. Nobody knows but memo
body shall know" And he soothed her
tenderly. "Kate, look up. / love you
nv little housekeeper-my wife-always.
Kate, what do you say 2" 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'tyou been
here for months? What difference can
day longer make? You are safe with me,
Katie Oh, because | know you are Miss
Franklin, will you give me the inexpressi-
BILE pleasure of hearing from that long
silent voice? Oh, Katie, you beWltched
me that dayt am afraid you Will De-
witch me always But, Katie, let's take
off these trappings," untying her cap and
removing the gray hair, and with this ac-
ton down fell wealth OF broWntresses.
"Oh, Mr. Dayton, you were not--surely
you were not home thatday?" looking up,
covered with confusion.
Eyes, Mr. Dayton was-in the library"
with an accent on his name which Kate
understood.
"Oh. Edward! and you teased me with
all those foolish questions when you
knew?'
"Yes, my Kate; why not%'
"But you looked so innocent"
He laughed.
0T shall soon, hope, have somebody,
If not a mother, to confide in; and, Kate,
it is my duty and pleasure to give you
husband, so in future you can answer
without so much pain when he is inquired
after"
I "You are too generous"