The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-03-11

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cept when asked a question. At length
Mr.. Dayton looked up at her, and said,
abruptly
s'Yours must be a lonely life, madam.
If it is not a painful subject, may I ask
how long since you lest your husband Z"
Two hands suspended their employ
ment, two eyes looked up at him with
an alarmed expression. In his serious,
sympathetic countenance there was moth
ing to frighten or embarrass, but the red
grew deeper on her brown cheek.
SIT is painful subject she said at
last, falteringly. eff you will please
excuse me-
One morning he was speaking of the
great loss to children in being deprived
of their parents.
s'I never knew a mother he said.
ssShe died before my earliest recollec-
ton. [ believe that, man as am, if [
had mother, should go to her with
all my griefs, as little child would. I
have sometimes thought of asking you
to act as mother in the quiet evenings,
when I have longed to confde 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
rarely seen in the aged, but it was IN
accompanied by culver of tie mouth,
and ended in cough, but both mouth
and cheek were quickly covered with a
handkerchief, and quite violent fit OF
coughing succeeded.
Mr.. Dayton, however, did not seem
to notice, though he had given her one
curious glance, instantly withdrawn,
and he continued:
''For instance, respecting matrimony,
whose advice is Of as much value as a
mothers? Who so quick to see through
character, and make a good selection ?
Had you son, whom about here would
you select for ughter-in-law, Mrs.
Franklin %
s'I am not acquainted with any of the
young ladies, Mr.. Dayton" she answer
ed, family, after a pause, during which
he seemed to wait for an answer.
s'True, but you have seen them all,
and are, I should judge, good discern
er of character, from observation. Whom
would you select from those you have
seen % he persisted.
She redeemed and paled.
81 have heard the Misses Grandise
highly spoken Of. Their appearance
would seen to prove the truth. I doubt
not that you agree with me, % she return
ed quietly.
1t was now his turn to color, which
he did, slightly.
II do agree with you,' he answered,
emphatically.
It was late in September. Mr.. Day
ton and the housekeeper were both in
the parlor. He had been unusually
grave all day. It seemed to the house
keeper that his manner was changed to-
ward her.
''I have few questions to ask, If you
will permit me, Mrs. Franklin %
She felt instructive alarm at his tone.
'Certainly,' with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
81 have been told,' he said, ''that
Miss Kate Franklin, young lady, by
Disgusting herself, palmed herself offup-
on 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.
Eyes, it is true she murmured, falt-
eringly.
81 confess I fail to see for what OBJ
iect. My heart you could hardly expect
to gain in that character.
''Your heart !" she repeated, scornful-
". ct had no such laudable ambition;
L had never seen or heard of you till
saw your advertisement. Would you
like to know for what purpose took up
on me disguise SO repugnant? You
shall. To save myself from starvation.
I had eaten but one meal q day for 81
week when 1 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 I had
no prospects of more, for had been re-
fused further sewing. But why should
you find fault % her pride rising. "What
matter if I were Miss OF Mrs. Franklin,
old or young, if [ fulfilled the duties I
undertook Have I not taken good
care of your house? Have I not made