The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-05-08

He rose.
It's oil settled, believe. By the way,
as his eyes falling on the rusty black dress,
you may like an advance, as an evidence
of the bargain, 1t is quite customary, |
believe, TO do 50.
The housekeeper's hand closed on the
fifty dollars that he gave her, and the
words she would have said, were left un-
uttered. She moved to the door. He
opened it for her courteously.
Good morning, madam.
Good morning, she replied.
cannot starve. / must 20. l can
keep up my disguise, she murmured.
Mr.. Dayton, accompanied BY friend,
arrived at his country house the middle Of
the ensuing week. Everything within
and about the house was in perfect order.
If the new housekeeper had made few
mistakes at FIRST, they were soon recti6ed.
Every room that she had touched showed
a magical change.
Her predecessor had been one Of the
kind who believed in the sunlight never
entering room for fear Of fading the
carpets.
Mr.. Dayton felt the change without
knowing the reason Of it. He looked
around him with satisfied air.
1t was not possible to find fault with the
variety and quality of food placed before
them, nor the manner Of its being served ;
and the table and dishes were perfect; and
Dayton congratulated himself upon hav-
ing secured such jewel Of housekeeper.
The weeks passed aud holiday came.
Mr.. Dayton had gone to town the day
previous, TO remain the rest of the week.
The housekeeper had given permission to
the servants to go also. She felt 1t well
como relief to have the house and the day
to herself She locked the doors carefully
after the last servant. She would make
the most of her day. She had almost
forgotten her real character in that which
she had assumed but to-day she csuld be
herself without fear of intrusion or dis
coyery.
She laid aside her cap and gray tresses,
washed the stain from her skin, and ar
ranged her luxurious hair 10 becoming
curls, donned pretty, fresh muslin, which
fitted well the slight, graceful figure.
This done, she entered the parlor and
stood before the mirror, as attractive q
figure as one would often see.
Truly, l have forgotten my own looks
| am Kate Franklin after all She then
laughed.
Removed from her long restraint, her
spirits rebounded. She felt gay, light
hearted, and like committing any foolish.
ness.
Miss Franklin, she said, in the mincing,
affected tones of an exquisite, it would be
ineIpressible pleasure to hear the music Of
that long silent voice.
1t would be great pity to deprive you
Of it, then, she answered, in her natural
voice, and myself, also, she added and
going to the piano, she opened it aud
played a few pieces with exquisite taste
and skill, and then sang song after song,
in sweet, clear cultivated voice. She
chose at first the brilliant and triumphant,
then the sad and plaintive followed.
There were tears in her eyes when she rose
But to-day her moods were capricious.
Mrs. Franklin, who is playing on the
piano ? she asked, in an excellent imita-
ton Of Mr.. Dayton's voice.
It'll only l, sir, busting the keys. They
need busting SO often, she replied, in Mrs.
Franklin's mature tones; and she busted
them vigorously with her pocket-hand-
kerchief.
All, me she said. Now what other
foolish thing shall | do to prove to myself
that am not an elderly housekeeper, but
young girl, who, by virtue Of her age,
should be gay, by right Of birth, wealthy,
and Of consideration, visited and visiting,
as Mr. Daytons lady visits and is visited.
He is noble, good and handsome, she said,
with sigh. She will be happy. How
gracefully she danced here at the party
the other evening, when the old house.
keeper was permitted TO look on she looked
good aud amiable, too. Mr.. Dayton danced
with her three times l wonder if / have
forgotten how to dance 7 and humming nm
air, she aoated gracefully about the room.
She stopped, breathless, her cheeks bril-
liant from the exercise, her splendid hair
disarranged.
believe I feel like stiff old Mrs Frank
lin with whom dancing dosen't agree.
One more song by that heavenly voice,
Miss franklin, and shall 60 away dream
ing l have heard an angel sing, in the
ludicrously affected voice she had before
inflated.
All, she laughed, yet half sadly, the
compliments poor old housekeeper Frank
lin receives, / hope won't spoil her and
turn her silly old head.
She sat down again at the piano, and
sang, Home Sweet Home, then played one
Of Reethoven's grandest, most solemn
pieces.
She rose; closed the piano.
The carnival is ended. Kate Franklin
disappears from the scene, and Madam
franklin enters.