The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-06-24
HOW SHE WAS RIGHTED.
Won any references q"

"No, madam, L am a stranger In the
city. But if you would only try me /"
There was an appealing look in the
soft gray eyes, anda culver of the neither
lip that went straight to Mrs. May
fields heart. She looked again at the
applicant.
She was dressed plainly, yet neatly in
black but the look of settled sorrowthat
appeared in the curve of her mouth, and
in her sad eyes, might or might not be
wholly occasioned by the loss of friends.
Altogether there was an air of re-
fnement about her that marked her
as a lady, and one not used to brave the
world alone.
Mrs. Mayfeld was at bottom a kind
hearted woman ; and after some hesita-
ton, and with misgivings that were natu-
raj to one governed rather by custom and
the opinions of others than her own
Judgment, she finally consented to re-
ceive the new governess on trial, and
Miss Compton entered Immediately upon
her duties. Mrs. Mayfield was pleased
to find that the children took to her
kindly ;. and when she saw with what
cheerfulness the governess entered into
all of their childish pursuits, and her
tact In everything, she felt a sense of
quiet satisfaction in her choice.
"I believe that we shall like her ever
SO much, Tom," she said to her cousin,
Mr.. Harkworth. "She seems to take
such an interest in the children, and she
is really an accomplished musician. l
got her to play for me this morning
while 1 was feeling somewhat unwell."
al am getting quite impatient to see
your paragon" replied Tom. "Do
trot her out, Lib, as soon as conven-
lent"
Mr.. Harkworth was lounging in an
easy chair, with an air of perfect com
fort, listlessly glancing over the paper.
The words were scarcely out of his
mouth when the door opened, and Miss
Compton appeared on the threshhold.
There was a momentary hesitation, a
slight opening of the eyes, and Just a
suspicion of heightened color in the
cheeks, and then the governess advanced
with quiet self-possession.
With Tom the effect was electric. All
appearance of ennui disappeared In an
instant, and upon presentation by his
cousin he bowed with all the Difference
he would have shown to the finest lady
In the land.
This was the beginning of Miss Comp
toms life In her new position. She
proved herself eminently qualified as an
instructress, and her lady-ike bearing
and modest retirement won for her the
esteem and confidence of her employer.
Delicacy of feeling prevented Mrs.
Mayield from trying to penetrate the
reserve with which she spokeof her early
nfe, and all that was known of her was
that her father had died leaving her un-
provided for, and that she had chosen to
rely upon her own efforts rather than be
dependent upon relatives.
As for Tom, he was a marked man
from the first /; only he was shrewd
enough to conceal his feelings from his
cousin, whose devotion to Mrs. Grundy
might interfere with his purposes. If
he seemed to take an unusual interest in
the children, it was all in such an off
hand manner as to attract no attention.
At the same time his treatment of Miss
Compton, while it was lacking in no de-
gree In respect, was sc familiar and free
from anything like restraint, as to awak-
en- In Mrs. Mayfeld's mind not the
slightest suspicion of his true feelings.
One day Mrs. Mayfield went out, &C
companied by her children, but leaving
Miss Compton In her boudoir in charge
of the baby. Upon her return she found
her g~overness in a state of nervous agita-
ton. She left the room somewhat hur-
riedly, evidently to cover her discom-
posure. As Mrs. Mayfield stepped to
her dressing-table, she. discovered her
portmonnaie lying open and several bills
beside it.
"How careless I am !" she said, hasti-
ly replacing the money In the pocket
book, and putting it into her pocket.
And then 81 wonder what was the
matter with Miss Compton she seemed
disturbed. There must be some trouble
in her life, poor SOUL"
Presently the door bell rang. 1t was a
milliner's girl with new bonnet for
Mrs. Mayfeld. The lady was pleased
with it, and took out her portmonnaie to
pay for it. She had the money all
counted out and rolled up. Upon
counting it again before handing it to
the girl, she was surprised to find it five
dollars short. There was no other mon
ey in her purse except some small
change. She ran up stairs and looked
on her dressing table, where the money
had lain. 1t was not there, and further
search proved frTitless.
The lady called to her governess had
she seen any money lying about9 Miss
Compton had not. She joined IL the
renewed search, and seemed disturbed
that the missing bill was not found.
"Never mind, it may come to light
said Mrs. Mayfield ; but, as such things
always do, it left a feeling of dissatisfac.
ton on her mind.
Later in the day a visitor called. AT,
ter exhausting all other items of gossip,
she said:
"And your goyerness. 1t is sad, isn't
it, that she should be annoyed by such a
fellow? 2"
Mrs. Mayfeld looked puzzled.
"Ah, Miss Compton,"
eyes. He has iustbroke jail. Didn't
you notice it in last evenings paper Z
1t Is terrible to have such relatives"
Mrs. Mayfeld was more mystiied than
ever.
"Her relative? I don't know that
understand you. Miss Compton has
been somewhat reserved in speaking of
her people and her life before coming
here"
"Is it possible that you don't know 2"
The visitors eyes dilated with aston
islment, and Mrs. Mayfield colorod
slightly at her ignorance of the antece-
dents of her governess.
"Miss Compton came to me n stranger
in the place, and without references-''
"And You took her in without know
ing"
The enormity of the thing seemed to
overcome the visitor, and she broke of
without giving the enlightenment that
would have relieved her auditors out
growing curiosity.
"She appeared like a lady, and seemed
in Distress" began Miss Compton's
employer, by way of extenuation.
"Why, bless your dear heart /" cried
her guest, "if we took in every one who
lookedike a lady or gentleman, we should
oil be murdered in our beds I"