The Van Buren press., 1875-03-09

mcnt, two eyes looked up at htm Win an
alarmed expression in his serious, SYM
countenance there was nothing
to frighten or embarrass, but the red
grew deeper on her brown cheek.
1T is painful subject she said, at
last, falteringly. "If you will please ex-
cuse me-"
One morning he was speaking Of The
great loss to children in being deprived
of their parents. ;.
II never knew mother" he said.
+" She died before my earliest rccollec-
ton. I believe that, man as am, il !
had mother, | should go to her with all
my griers, as little child would ! have
sometimes thought of asking you to act
as mother in the quiet evenings, when l
have longed to confdc in some one. My
mother would have been about your age.
| thipk"
Again there was vivid color in the
cheek of the housekeeper, such as Is
rarely seen in the aged but it was unac
companied by a quiyer Of the mouth, and
ended in coLgh, but both mouth aud
check were quickly covered with hand
kerchiel, and quite violent fit of cough
ing succeeded.
Mr. Dayton, however. did not seem to
notice, though he had given her one Gu
lious glance, instantly withdrawn, and he
continued
"For instance, respecting matrimony,
whose advice is Of so much value as a
mothers ? Who SO quick to see through
character, and make a good selection ?
Had you a son, whom, about here, would
you select for daughter-in law, Mrs
Frankliu r
II am not acquainted with any Of the
young ladies', Mr.. Dayton she answered
family, after pause, during which she
seemed to wait for an answer.
True, but you have seen them all, and
are, should judge, good dscerner Of
character IRON observation. Whom would
you select from those you have seen, he
persisted.
She rcddened AMI paled
81 Ihave heard the Misses Grandson
highly spoken of. Their appearance
would seem to prove the truth. | doubt
not that you agree with me-" she return.
ed quietly.
1t was now his turn to color, which he
did, slightly.
81 do agree with you," he answered,
emphatically
1t was late in September Mr., Dayton
and the housekeeper were both in the
parlor He had been unusually grave all
day. 1t seemed to the housekeeper that
his manner was changed toward her.
81 have a few questions to ask, il you
will permit me, Mrs. Franklin ~
She felt instructive alarm at his tone.
Certainly" with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
" I have been told" be said, that
Miss Kate Franklin, a young lady, by
herself, palmed herself Off on
me for several months as an elderly lady.
Is taere any truth in the story Z" looking
at her scarchingly.
She started to her feet, then trembling
sunk back into her chair.
"Yes, it is lrue,' she murmured, fall
IL confess fail to see for what object
Ny heart you could hardly expect to
gain in that character"
"Your heart she repeated scornful-
". Il had no such laudabe ambition
| had never seen or heard Of you till
saw your advertisement. Would you like
to know for what purpose took npon
me disguise so rcpugnant? You shall.
70 save myself from starvation. | 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
a roll of bread for the next days meal,
and had no prospects for more, for
had been refused further sewing? But
why should find p her pride rising
% What matter il were Miss or Mrs.
Franklin, old or young. it ! fulfilled the
good care Of your house9 Have / not
made you comfortable II 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 it to become known"
Waves Of color mounted to the poor
housekeeper's temples,
IL thought meant that no one
should know, least Of all you-besdes-
! thought, when | engaged to come. that
you were married Oh, what shall ! do y
And she burst into passion of tears.
Mr. Dayton's manner changed.
"Katc Kate! did not mean to dis
trcss you. Nobody knows but memo
body shall know" And be soothed her
.enderly. Kate, look up. | love you
with my whole heart. | want you to be
my little ousekeeper-my wife always
Kate, what do you sayi' taking her in
ais arms, and laying his cheek against
lers, "My own Kate, is it not2'
She murmured something between her
,obs that she must 60 away this min
lte.
Nonsense, darling Havn't you been
icrc for months2 What difference can u
lay longer make? You are safe with me,
Katie. Oh, because | know you are Miss
Franklin, will you give me tho lnexpres.
,ibe pleasure from that long silent voice ?
Oh, Katie, you bcwitehed me that day |
am afraid you will bcwitch me always
But, Kauc's lets take of these trap
,ings, "--untying her cap, and removing
he gray hair, and with this action down
ell the wealth OF brown tresses.
"Oh. Mr. DAYTON, Won were not