American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1875-10-02

mother would have been about your age
think
Again there was vivid color in the
check of the hOusekceper, such as is rare
ly seen In the aged, but il was accom-
panied by culver in the mouth, and end.
ed in cough, but both mouth and cheek
were quickl y 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Gus glance, instantly Withdrawn, and he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:
For instance, respecting matrimony,
| whose advice of so much value as a
mothers? Who so quick to see through
character ana make good selection ?
Had you a son, whom about here would
you select for a daughter inlaw, Mrs.
franklin
q" am not acquainted with any of the
young ladies, Mr. Dayton she answered.
True, but you have seen them all and
are, l 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. l 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
emphaticaily.
1t 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.
81 have few questions to ask, if you
| will permit me, Mrs. Franklln?''
She felt instructive alarm at his tone.
Certainly" with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
| IL have been told" he said, " that Miss
Kate Franklin, young lady, by disguis-
ing herself, palmed herself off upon me
| 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.
az confess fail to see for what object
My heart you could hardly expect to gain
| in that character"
Your heart, she repeated, scornfully !;
81 had no such laudable ambition; had
never seen or heard of you till saw your
advertisement. Would you like to know
for what purpose l took upon me dis
guise so repugnant? You shall. To save
myself from starvation. l had eaten but
one meal day for 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 had been re-
fused further sewing. But why should
you find fault?' her pride rising. What
matter if l were Mrs. or Miss Franklin,
old or young, if fulfilled the duties /
undertook? Have not taken good care
of your house: Have l 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. 7" 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! Katel did not mean to dis
tress you. Nobody knows but memo
body shall know" And he soothed her
tenderly. Kate, look up. 1 love you
with my whole heart. / want you to be
my little housekeeper-my wife-always.
Kate, what do you say q" 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, darlingi 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 inexpressi-
BILE pleasure of hearing 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
ton down fell the wealth of brown
tresses.
"Oh, Mr.. Dayton, you were not-surely
you were not home that day =" looking up,
covered with confusion.
Yes, MIR. Dayton was-in the library"
with an accent on his name which Kate
understood.
ooh, Edward! and you teased me with
all those foolish questions when you
knew"
+" Yes, my Kate; why not?'
I" But you looked so innocent
He laughed.
3" shall soon, l hope, have somebody,
if not a mother, to confide in; and, Kate
it is my duty and pleasure to give you a
husband, so in future you can answer
without so much pain when he is inquired
after"
You are too generous"
81 can afford to be generous" he said,
earnestly, ".when have had the precious
gift of your love. Kate, blest forever be
the day that l first engaged my house.
keeper"