The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-07-29

nave nau 80 many appHcdbdOuS bO-
day." 1 answered, for want of something
better to say.
"Ahl 1 can quite fancy it." returned
Miss Burke. 81 fear I am too late2"
"No," 1 replied; SCI have seen no one
yet to suit me-"
eff you would only try me, I should
do my utmost to please you" she said
almost pleadingly. 81 have already
been a companion, and I can give you
references which may induce you to
think of me-" and Miss Burke opened a
small black velvet bag, which until then
I had not perceived, and placed in my
hands a monogramed and coroneted
epistle, addressed to herself, purporting
to come from a Lady Montacute, whose
companion she had been for two years,
and who expressed herself in the warm
est terms, assuring Miss Burke, when
ever she returned from the continent,
whittier she was just then going, that it
would give her the greatest pleasure to
answer any inquiries in her favor; in the
meantime, Lady Montacute authorized
her to make what use she chose of the
letter now sent, ending by saying she
was certain, wherever she went, Miss
Burke must be o ~favorite and an acqui-
sition.
Then followed a letter from a Rev. Mr..
White, rom a remote rectory in Cum
berland, stating that he had known Miss
Emily Burke from her childhood, and
could certify that she was not only de-
sirable in all respects, but a most amiable
and talented young lady, whose family
were both well known and highly re-
spected. Nothing could be more salts
factory; and after reading the two mis-
sives carefully by the light of the fire, I
raised my eyes toward my visitor, whom
I found regarding me In the most eager
manner imaginable.
"They are most kind letters" I said;
"and as far as references go, I am sure
I could not do better. Your duties
would be very hght-it is really only for
the sake of companionship that I re-
quire any one, as 1 do everything for
myself, but I have been very lonely since
my husband went away"
81 can imagine it." responded Miss
Burke, sympathizingly. 81 should do
my utmost to cheer YOU"
"You are very kind to say So" I an
swered. "Should we agree as to terms,
when could you Gomez"
Tomorrow, if you will permit me"
replied Miss Burke. "I am In lodgings,
and the expense of them is so great that
1 should be only too glad to give them
up--I am very poor" she added in a low
tone.
I was sorry for the poor girl, and feel
ing 1 had been as prudent as possible In
a1,,a. l4r rafaranaoc on6 tr11ctJnn n
good deal to her air of quiet respectable
which were eagerly accepted. After a
little conversation, all was settled, and
my companion promised to make her
appearance before luncheon on the fol
| lowing day. For the rest of that even
ing I was unusually meditative; 1 was
| pleased, and yet not pleased. She was
| not altogether my beau ideal of a CON-
panion. Although ladylike, and with
undeniable references, there wasa certain
awkwardness in her manner.
Her room was to be on the same floor
with my own; and on the following morn
| ing I went in, a short time before she
/ arrived, to see that everything was ready
for her. 1t was October, and the weather
/ was chilly, so I desired that she should
t have a fire, as I fancied. coming from
? wretched lodgings, it might be a sort Of
welcome to her. At 1 o'clock she ar
rived, bringing with her a small black
3 box as her sole luggage, which Ellis and
: the housemaid, between them, carried
directly to her room, whittier she fol
= lowed them almost Immediately, to take
off her things. I accompanied her, ani
D remained for q few minutes, telling hel
g to join me in the drawing-room as soo1
: as she could, lunch being ready.
She presently appeared, very much al
: tered by the removal of her bonnet. Sht
wore her hair in a crop, a fashion I de
tested; and her figure without her cloal
a was only redeemed from awkwardnes
G by the well-made black dress, which ha(
evidently been the work of a frst-rat'
Y modiste. She wore no ornaments excep
S a plain gold ring on the little finger o
s her left hand, which 1 noticed was par
G ticularly large. I ceased to criticise he
n after we had been together for q little
She was SO pleasant, so chatty, and ye
, so quiet withal, that ere evening came
d had begun to congratulate myself on m,
own perspicacity in having engaged heI
and was fully prepared to indorse Lad
l. Montacute's opinion, that she was sur
!; to be not only a f~avorite but IN aequisi
l ton.
A fortnight slipped quietly away, an
le in my weekly budget to my husband
E. gave most charming accounts of my con
10 panion, which our everyday intercours
y seemed fully to confirm. But about th
third week a something I could not e.
Ut plain made me take a dislike to her.
e. had not been very well, and her kini
ness had been unremitting; consequent
L felt almost angry with myself for IL
dulging in a feeling which I could NJ
help acknowledging was both unreaso1
D. able and childish.
But it gained ground in spite of m,
self ; and N night, as I was standin
- by the looking-glass in my bedroom
a which was in the shadow, 1 caught sigl
:" of Miss Burke, who was leaning on th
Il m~antelpiece in the full light of the ga
y which burned on either side of it, regart
q ing me with a stealthy and searchin
~ glance, which I instantly observed, bl
had sufficient sense to take no notice O
v The expression in her large black ey,
haunted me for days, and caused me
say good night to her on the landing
~ and, in addition, to lock my door, a pr
W caution I had never before thought
ID taking.
ke One night shortly afterwards 1 awok
n fancying 1 heard amovement outside n
,c- door. My room was perfectly dark, al
of I was convinced some noise had sudden
We awakened me. I listened intently, q
th most too terrified to breathe, until
to heard most distinctly the handle of n
n door cautiously turned. An almost deaf
We like horror seized me, and for an insta
as 1 was absolutely rigid with terror /; b
a the spell was broken by another audib
at effort to open the door, and the hs
Ter clock striking three, which made n
ed spring up in bed, seize the matches, an
ok with trembling fingers, attempt two
zee three times to strike a light. At last
,ut was successful, and the welcome blaze
the gas which I lit gave me courage
Ill - IL IL. kJITl- >, ID