The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-08-28

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 &
favorite and an acquisition.
| Then followed letter from Rev. Mr.
White, from remote rectory in Cumber.
land, stating that he had known Miss
Emily Burke from her childhood, and could
certify that she was not only desirable in
all respects but most amiable and talent.
ed young lady, whose family were both
well known and highly respected. Nothing
could be more satisfactory; and after read
ing the two mssives carefully by the light
of the fire, 1 raised my eyes towards my
visitor, whom l found regarding inc in the
most eager manner imaginable.
"These are most kind letters" l said
"and as far as references 60, am sure
could not do better. Your duties would
be very light-it is really only for the sake
of companionship that l require any one,
as do everything for myself, but 1 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,'' an
swered. "should we agree as to terms,
when could you come %
"To-morrow, if you will permit me, 2"
replied Miss Burke. 81 am in lodgings,
and the expense of them is so great, that l
should be only too glad to give them up
l am very poor" she added, in low tone.
was sorry for the poor girl; and feeling
l had been as prudent as possible in perus-
ing her references, and trusting a good
deal to her air of quiet responsibility
proceeded to state my terms, which were
eagerly accepted. After little converse
ton, all was settled, and my companion
promised to make her appearance before
luncheon on the following day. For the
rest of the evening was unusually medi-
tative; was pleased, and yet not pleased.
She was not altogether my beau ideal of a
companion. Although ladylike, and with
undeniable references, there was a certain
awkwardness in her manner.
Her room was to be on the same floor as
my own; and on the following morning l
went in, short time before she arrived,
to see that everything was ready for her.
1t was October and the weather was chilly,
so | desired that she should have a fire, as
l fancied, coming from wretched lodgings,
it might be sort of welcome to her. At
one O'Clock she arrived, bringing with her
a small black box as her sole luggage,
which Ellis and the house maid, between
them, carried directly to her room, whittier
she followed them almost Immediately, to
take off her things. I accompanied her,
and remained for few minutes, telling her
to join me in the drawing room as soon as
she could, lunch being ready.
She presently appeared, very much alter
ed by the removal of her bonnet. She
wore her hair in a crop, fashion detest-
ed; and her figure without her cloak was
only redeemed from awkwardness by the
we'll made black dress, which had evidently
been the work of tirst-class modiste. She
wore no ornaments, except plain gold
ring on the little finger of her left hand,
which l noticed was particularly large. l
ceased to criticse her after we had been
together for little. She was SO pleasant,
SO chatty, and so quiet withal, that ere
evening came l began to congratulate my
self on my own perspicacity in having en-
gagged her, and was fully prepared to en-
dorse Lady Montacute's opinion, that she
was sure to be not only favorite but an
acquisition.
A fortnight slipped away, and in my
weekly budget to my husband l gave most
charming accounts of my companion, which
our every day intercourse seemed fully to
confirm. But about the third week some
thing happened l could not explain which
made me take a dislike to her. had not
been very we'll, and her kindness had been
unremitting; consequently, l felt almost
angry with myself for indulging in feel
ing which l could not help acknowledging
was both unreasonable and childish.
But it gained ground in spite of myself;
and one night, as l was standing by the
looking glass in my bed room, which was
in the shadow, l caught sight of Miss
Burke, who was leaning on the mantel-
piece in the full light of the gas, which
burned on either side of it, regarding me
with stealthy and searching glance, which
l instantly observed, but had sufficient
sense to take no notice of. The expression
in her large black eyes haunted me for
days, and caused me to say good night to
her on the landing, and, in addition, to
lock my door, precaution l had never
before thought of taking.
One night shortly afterwards I awoke,
fancying l heard movement outside my
door. My room was perfectly dark, and
was convinced some noise had suddenly
awakened me. 1 listened intently, almost
too terrified to breathe, until heard most
distinctly the handle of my door cautiously
turned. An almost deathike horror seized
me, and for an instant / was absolutely
rigid with terror; but the spell was broken
by another audible effort to open the door,
and the hall clock striking three, which
made me spring up in bed, seize the
matches, and, with trembling fingers, at
tempt two or three times to strike light.
AT last was successful, and the welcome
blaze of the gas which l lit gave me cour-
age to call out wildly: who is there ?'
But no answer came. l pulled my bell
vigorously and in few moments heard
steps approaching, and Ellis welcome voice
asked if l was i'll.
"No, Ellis, not i'll, but terrified" l said,
as | unlocked the door and admitted her
"Some one tried my door not five minutes
ago."
"Tried your door, ma am > surely not"
calculated Ellis.
eyes, Ellis; am certain of it, and it
has given me such shock. l cannot be
l.T IL.