Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-02-17
spected, If may judge by all hear, and

oesil accomplished during that short time
Great was the surprise and delight O
the FAMILY when the new Winter suits cam
home all complete, and many were th
little household comforts which Kate ar
ranged for her mother.
You need not thank me- she said. a
they tried 10 express their gratitude. 1.
nave only done that which Uncle Rober
wished
But we should at least be thankful tina
our Kate had 1t in her heart to carry on
what she believed his wishes said Mrs
Dudley, going on so very quietly with he
task of packing her daughters trunk tha
nate, whe felt suspicious choking in hel
throat, dared not steal Il glance at her
having made up her mind not to spo
everything by crying
The tears would come at parting, how.
ever. though each spoke OF next sum
ner''as cheerfully as might be; and amG
smiles and sobs. Mr.. Dudley hurried Kate
into the carriage where Miss Steven.
awaited them, and bade the driver proceed
at once to the station
These scenes are worse than useless
he said gruiily, Kate raised her head to re-
ply, but caught a look in her fathers face
which told her that his hurry and gruffness
were assumed to save him from becomino q
a participant in said scenes
Thanks to Miss Stevens kindness. Kate
regained her cheeriuness soon amer their
journey commenced-a journey which was
performed without accident or delay.
The travellers enthusiastically watched
the cver-varying scenery, and then weary
of this, they were bountifully supplied with
books, and thus the time passed pleasantly
away.
They had grown well acquainted and
very fond OF each other. The more that
Kate saw of Miss Stevens the more she ad-
mired her sweet .ladylike manners and con-
Stant Checriulness, even while It was eyi-
deat that her life had been sad one ate
knew nothing OF her history more than that
some wears before she had been recon-
mended to her mother as a dress-maker
who had lately come TO the city. aud was
much IN need OF employment. Since that
they had always employed her, and their
interest had done much towards procuring
her large and steadily increasing custom.
The twcnty-iourth of December dawned.
Our last day Miss Stevens - cried Kate
ave must make ourselves as presentablc
as possible, as suppose Uncle Robert will
meet Us at the depot.
She WAC. however doomed to disappoint-
they were met by q grave. elderly man,
who. introducing himself as Mr.. Norton.
said 10 Kate, Il am your uncle's book-keep-
er, Miss Dudley. and received telegram
from him yesterday stating that Il his bust
ness would deta!n him until this evening,
and directing me 10 meet and escort you to
his house. This letter." extendn. one as
he spoke. has just arrived ior you.'
This was not the welcome she expected.
but Kate made the best of IT, and with
polite reply to Mr.. Norton, She and Miss
Stevens prepared 10 accompany him to her
unclc's residence.
A most elegant mansion it proved. and
hate noted with gratitude the many ar
rangements evidently made for her sratiti-
cation.
\ bright-looking French girl answered
Mr.. NOrtou's call for Adele" and he pre-
sented her to Kate as her maid.
''shall show you to your own apart
ments, mademoiselle!' she asked with the
ready politeness of her nation. "Y on
must be tres fdtigue, and monsieur charged
me that you should SO rest as TO be par
fditemeRt restored by evening"
Kate gladly assented, and Mr.. Norton
taking leave, she and Miss Stevens follow
ed Adele TO the luxurious rooms prepared
Tor her accommodation.
Now" said Kate, after removing her
hat, ''the first thing is to read my uncle 5
letter." and she sank into an easy chair.
II feel a dizzy as possible since left the
cars, auntie;" for so she had playtully dub
bed Miss Stevens.
"Pdrd0nne- moi. mGdemOiselie. ! shall
order you some refreshment if you will
ring graciously if you need anything dur
Ing my absence" And Adele left the
room.
How does one ring 'graciously 2 .
laughed Kate, as she opened her uncle's
letter.
DEAR KATE" it commenced-"I can.
not tell yon how disappointed l am not to
meet you on your arrival. II scenes Sc
cold and careless. after your kindness in
coming TO me. but it is really unavoidable.
make yourself entirely at home, remem-
bering that you are mistress Of the whole
establishment.
Il cannot be at home before half-past
seven p. NJ, on the twenty fourth, at which
hour Will you please be dressed for the
evening, and meet me in the library be-
fore the guests begin to arrive:
adele will give you box. May | re-
quest that you will adorn yourself for the
evening with its contents?
Hoping to find you rested and content
ed, remain your afectionate
UNCLE ROBERT"
What can be the contents of the myste
rious box" said Kate, after reading thu
letter aloud. Il am filled with curiosity
to know. Something that will harmonic
with the rest Of my dress. l hope. Posi-
tively,I must ring 'gracously.' and inquire
or no, here comes Adele she added, a:
her attendant entered. followed by "a wait
er bearing a large tray on which was served
a dainty lunch
Il thought mademoiselle would prefe
lunch in her private parlor to-day" ex
planned the girl, las the house is being ar
ranged for the tete.'
''Yes, thaIk you" answered Kate. "Di,
nv uncle leave box for me, Adele" sh,
inquired.
"Certdinern ut, iadtieBsOiSeue. 1t is il
your bedroom. will at once bring it.
And. vanishing into the next apartment
Adele speedily brought forth large fla
box, which she deposited on table beside
her young mistress.
That will do, thank you, Adele. W,
shall not need anything more at present.
said Kate. who preferred inspecting il!
contents with only Miss Stevens.
hoCic tuetiicHliS WltuuTcW. anu hdl'
eagerly lifted the cover, and drew forth ;
rich white lace veil, fastened with lovely
spray of pearls, while in jewel case be
meath lay complete set OF the same pur,
ornaments.
How lovely!" was the mutual exclama
tion of both ladies'.
But what can it mean?' cried Kate, il
CONSERVATION. That is only suitable fo
q BRIDE How can I wear it2"
perhaps they have strange customs
here, suggested Miss Stevens. AT al
events, as you see your uncle before tho
company come, you can put it on to pleas,
him; and if he is willing, take it of after
wards.
That will be best" said Kate, with
sigh OF relief; and both were now glad t
partake OF their lunch, and then to rest fol
some hours.
Half-past seven O'Clock found them fully
attired for the evening. and in the library
somewhat nervOusly awaiting the arriva
Of Mr.. Preston.
Miss Stevens was dressed in Kate's gift
the gray silk. which exactly suited he
delicate lOveliness. for she was very lovely
even at thirty-five.
kate's bridal-like attire was exceedingly
becoming and the aush Of expectation was