Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-02-17

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he must be-
These words. and the sigh that accom-
, panied them, told Kate that her moth err.
consent would not be hard 10 gain; but
she only said, II think should like TO 90
Ii will be good chance for me to see A
little of the world
Certainly, you had better go, :" respopd
ed her father. rising as he spoke. ii will
find what arrangements your uncle ha.
made for you. and let you know at dinner
; and we can settle what to do ABOUT a suit.
able escort"
"Papa hnds 1t very easy to give me
away, said Kate. with a faint laugh. as
Mr.. Dudley closed the door behind him.
But then, twenty thousand dollars is
somewhat of an iDducement.
Hush, hush, my darling Your father
means 10 do what is best for your happi-
ness. began her mother; but Kate inter.
rupted passionately:
why then did he send away Ralph Sim
clair, when he said himself that his only
objection to him was his want OF money .
aud that il he could show him that he was
worth twenty thousand dollars, he should
have his consent at once? He knew that
| loved Ralph and would gladly have mar
ried him II he had not a cent in the world
We could have worked together. Ii IS
rather singular she continued. sarcasti-
caliy, that Uncle Robert should offer the
precise sum for which Ralph was discard.
ed"
''Hush. Kate said her mother. again.
DO not let Us talk of that. You really
think you would like to accept your uncle's
| invitation?'
She said it SO wistfully. that Kate sprang
up and was by her side in moment
Forgive me. dear mamma" she cried
do not want 10 leave you. but you have
so many others 10 take my place. and
and | should like To go away from home
for a while"
YOU should replied Mrs. Dudley. so
now let US think of Whit preparations
must be made. for there is hut little time
1t Is already December For how much
was Your uncle, check
Il have not looked. said Kate. Where
/ l. II: o. here" she continued. picking t
up from the carpet aud opening it.
One thousand dollars" she exclaimed.
In astouishmeut. What could he imagine
| should want Of that amount, when he
! particularly says shall not need it on nv
! journey. and not TO bring much luggage2"
Robert was always generous obsery-
/ ed his sister lovingly.
"Ah" thought Kate. Il know why he
]
bile Tor once
/ n shall just buy me il travelling suit.
mamma she went on in business like.
/ manner, land that wonderful evening
! dress. IN which, presume, ncle Robert
/ expects me 10 astonish the natives. III 20
| now and consult Miss Stevens about II.
aud engage her 10 do my sewing at home.
/ 80 that We need not have the fuss of a
! dresmaher. She has such excellent taste
| can leave it all 10 her. BY the way.
mamma, have most brilliant idea"
| Indeed, and what Is it:' asked Mrs
Dudley, smiling, for she was glad to see
Kate more like her old animated self than
she had been since Ralph Sinclair's dismis-
| sal
"Why you know uncle says | am TO
engage a travelling companion and house
I keeper. Now who could be better than
I Miss stevens: She is so good and kind,
and so lonely, that there is no one to pre-
vent her going. I'll 90 and ask her this
minute And Kate was nearly out of the
door when her mothers voice stopped her.
Wait 4 moment, darling, esteem
Miss Stevens very highly, aud should be
Pleased 10 have her your companion; but
do not forget that she is a lady in reduced
circumstances, and be careful how YOU
word your request. Your Uncle Robert
would never say upper servant to Miss
| stevens"
Nor will |, mother dear. Trust IN. to
| manage the matter deicately." And Kate
was soon on her way.
She was as good as her word, and made
her request in the prettiest manner imagin-
Unable; but was surprised at the eagerness
with which Miss Stevens accepted the
proposition.
Il have always wanted to visit Califor-
| ,,ia - Tcl. IL
saw that Kate noticed something peculiar
in her manner; and then. to avoid further
remarks on the subject, she plunged at
once into the all-absorbing topic of the
evening dress.
10 kate's delight she consented to 90
shopping with her, and the two sailed
forth together.
Kate had certainly never spent so much
money in any morning as she parted with
the next three hours, yet comparatively
little for herself. Some wondrous white
fabric-marvellous alike for its richness
and lightness-was chosen for the evening
dress. and dark elegant travelling suit
selected, and then she set herself TO fulfil
what she believed to be her uncle's wishes
in providing her mother and sisters com
fortably for the Winter.
Mr.. Dudley was by no means poor
man. but he was very misery in his pro-
vision for his family. and Kate resolved
that ''for once" as she expressed it to her,
self, mamma and the girls should be
well dressed. and that without being wor-
ried to death with sewing and planning
With Miss Stevens assistance. suitable
purchases were soon made.
81 think you have everything you need
now, Miss Dudley" said her companion.
almost everything" responded Kate.
Il need one more silk dress, however, ~
And she led the way again to the silk
| counter.
Another silk l thought you had al.
ready bought
Yes, have" laughed Kate. bought
several, bu. have fancy for that French
gray we admired SO much And the de-
sired article was soon added to her other
purchases.
Now, Miss Stevens" continued the
young girl, with your permission, will
have all these packages sent Immediately
to your room, and we can go back there
and talk them over"
This was accordingly done, and they
were soon seated in Miss Stevens's cheer
full apartment. holding earnest debate over
the respective merits of redingotes and
basques, overskirts and demi-trains.
Now | think We understand it all. -
said Kate, rising to depart. You have all
all the necessary measurements, and will
engage the seamstresses you spoke of, and
have everything finished as speedily as
possible. Do not do anything yourself,
Miss Stevens. but superintend, or you
will be too tired to enjoy our journey"
"But here is one package unopened
said Miss Stevens, unrolling it as he spoke.
1t proved TO be the gray silk.
''Oh yes" said Kate, with momentary
embarrassment. Then she said. frankly,
"Will you please have it made with the
rest. for you to wear at the Christmas par
typ
Miss Stevens cOlored, and tor an instant
Kate feared that she had not sufficiently
needed her mothers warning; but was re-
assured by the smile with which her CON-
paniOn looked up, saying. Il thank you I;
you are very thoughtful. and accept it
with much pleasure"
"Wsll, Kate" was her fathers saluta-
ton. rs they met At dinner. "have you
commenced preparations for your jour
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