The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-10-14
She felt instructive alarm at his tone,
HHaal:1- }, Ill -. oaens4

She felt instructive alarm at his
Certainly" with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
81 have been told," he said, "that
Miss Kate Franklin, a young lady, by
Disgusting herself, palmed herself off
upon me for several months as an elder
ly lady. Is there any truth in the story2"
looking searchingly at her.
She started to her feet, then trembling
sank back into a chair.
"Yes, it is true" she murmured, fall
teringly.
SCI confess I fail to sector what object.
My heart you could hardly expect to gain
in that character"
"Your heart" she repeated, scornful-
", 81 had no such laudable ambition; I
had never seer or beard of you till 1 saw
your advertisement. Would you like to
know for what purpose I took upon me
a disguise SO repugnant2 You shall.
To save myself from starvation. / had
eaten but one meal a day for a week
when 1 applied to you, and was suffering
with hunger then. My money vas all
gone, except n few pennies, with which
to buy a roll of bread for the next days
meal, and I had no prospects of more,
for 1 had been refused further sewing.
But why should you find FAULT" her
pride rising. "What matter if I were
Miss or Mrs. Franklin, old Or young, il
1 fulfilled the duties undertook? Have
/ not taken good care of your house
Have I not made you comfortable2 If
have not, deduct from this quarters sal
orr Which rou ooiJ chic Doorpinr what
ever you like"
81 have no fault to find, except fol
placing yourself and me in an awkward
position should this become known"
Waves of color mounted to the pool
housekeeper's temples. 81 thought
meant, that no one should know, least O.
all, you-beside, 1 thought when 1 en-
gagged to come, that you were married
Oh, what shall I do2" and she burst int
a passion of tears.
Mr.. DaytoH's manner changed.
"Kate! Katol 1 did net mean to dis
tress you. Nobody knows but memo
body shall know" And he soothed he
tenderly. "Kate, look up. I love yol
with my whole heart. I want you to b,
my little housekeeper-my ~wife-always
Kate, what do you say2" taking her il
his arms and laying his cheek agains
hers. "My own Kate, is it not?"
She murmured something between he
sobs that she must go away this minute
"Nonsense, darling! Haven't 20
been here for monthsl What differenc
can a day longer make? You are SAT
with me, Katie. Oh, because I kno,
you are Miss Franklin, will you give m
the inexpressible pleasure of hearin
from that long-silent voice. Oh, Katie
you bewitched me that day lam afrai
!; you will bewitch me always. But, Katie
let's take off these trappings," untyin
her cap and removing her gray hair, an
with this action down fell the wealth {
brown tresses.
"Oh, Mr.. Dayton, you were not
surely you were not home that day
looking up, covered with confusion.
| eyes, Mr.. Dayton was-in the libr,
ry," with an accent on his name whic
| Kate understood.
sob, Edward! and you teased n
3 with all those foolish questions when yo
knew?"
: eyes, my Kate; why not?"
l "But you looked so innocent ?"
He laughed.
81 shall soon, 1 hope have somebod,
4 if not a mother, to cnnfide in; and, Kat
it is my duty and pleasure to give you
husband, SO in future you can answ,
S without so much pain when he is inquire
after"
"You are too generous"
. ST can afford to be generous, he sal,
t earnestly, "when 1 have had the pr
cious gift of your love. Kate, blest 70
ever be the day that I first engaged n
0 housekeeper."