Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-11-02

what use she chose of the letter now
sent, ending by saying she was certain
wherever she went Miss Burke must be
a faporite and an acquisition.
Then followed q letter from Rev. Mr..
| White, from 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 most amia-
bic and talented young lady, whose family
were well known and highly respected
Nothing could be more satisfactory; and,
after reading the two missives carefully
by the light of the fire, raised my eyes
toward my visitor, whom found regard.
ing me in the most eager manner imag-
Unable.
"They are most kind letters" said;
land as far as references go, am sure
| | could not do better. Your duties
would be very light--it is really only
for the sake of companionship that re-
quire anyone, as do everything for my
self, but have been very lonesome since
my husband went away"
"I can imagine it," responded Miss
Burke, sympathizingly. "I 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 Gomez"
Tomorrow, if you will permit me" !"
replied Miss Burke. 81 am in lodgings,
and the expense of them is so great that
| should only be too glad to give them
up-I am very poor" she added in low
tone.
was sorry for the poor girl; and feel
ing l had been as prudent as possible in
perusing her references, and trusting a
good deal to her quiet air of respectable
| ity, proceeded to state my terms, which
were eagerly accepted. After little
conversation all was settled, and my
companion promised to make her ap-
pearance before luncheon on the follow
ing day. For the rest of that evening
was unusually meditative; / was pleased,
and vet not pleased. She was not alto
gether my beau ideal of a companion.
Although lady.like and with undeniable
references, there was a certain awkward
ness in her manner.
Her room was to be on the same floor
with my own; and on the following
morning / 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 desired that she
should have fire, as fancied, coming
from wretched lodgings, it might be a
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 housemaid between them
carried directly to her room, whittier she
Col har o1t iafn nlr 20
take off her things. l 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
altered by the remova- of her bon
net. She wore her hair IN crop, a
fashion detested; and her figure with
out her cloak was only redeemed from
awkwardness by the well-made black
dress, which had evidently been the work
of first-rate modiSte. She wore no Or
namcnts, except small gold ring ON the
little finger of her left hand, which
noticed was particularly large. ceased
to criticise her after we had been to-
gether for a little. She was SO pleasant,
so chatty, and yet so quiet withal, that
ere evening came l began to congratu-
late myself on my own perspicacity in
having engaged her, and was fully pre-
pared to indorse Lady Montacute's opin-
ion that she was sure to be not only a
favorite but an acquisition.
A fortnight slipped away, and in my
weekly budget to my husband l gave a
most charming account of my companion
which our intercourse seemed fully to
confirm. But about the third week a
something could not explain made me
take dislike to her. had not been
very well, and her kindness had been un-
remitting, consequently I felt almost
angry with myself for indulging in a
feeling which could not help acknowl-
edging was both unreasonable and child
ish.
But it gained ground in spite of my
self, and one night, as was standing by
the looking glass in my bedroom, which
was in the shadow, caught sight of
Miss Burke, who was leaning on the
mantel-piece, in the full light of the gas,
which was burning on either side of it,
regarding me with a stealthy and search
ing glance, which 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 goodnight to her on the land
ing, and in addition to lock my door, a
precaution had never thought of tax
ing.
One night shortly afterward l awoke
fancying heard movement outside my
door. My room was perfectly dark, and
| was convinced some noise had sud
denly awakened me. listened intently,
almost too terrified to breathe, until i
heard more distinctly the handle of my
door cautiously turned. An almost death.
like horror seized me, and for moment
l was absolutely rigid with terror; but
the spell was broken by another audible
effort to open the door, and then the hall
clock striking three, which made me
spring up in bed, seize the matches, and,
with trembling fingers, attempted two oI
three times to strike light. At last
was successful, and the welcome blaze
of the gas which lit gave me courage tc
call out beldly: "Who is there?" But
no answer came. pulled my bell Wig
orously, and in a few minutes heard
steps approaching, and Ellis welcome
voice asked if was ill.
"No, Ellis, not ill.," said, "but terri
fed" as l unlocked the door and ad
mitted her. "Some one tried my dool
not five minutes ago"
Tried your door, ma'am? surely notT
ejacqlGaSt,efa GS, efa.ffsgl;i Hffsli7 am certain Oh It, auu
has given me such a shock. / cannot bt
left alone again"
What is the matter, dearest Mrs
ConyersY" exclaimed Miss Burke, who
appeared in my room just as l had made
the last remark to Ellis.
81 have been frightened" answered
but donot disturb yourself Miss Burke
it was probably nothing"
" 1t could not have been anything, OF
must have heard it," she said, half to
me and half to Ellis.
Pray, do not trouble yourself, i" re
sponded, 81 am only sorry you got up
at ALL"
She stayed for few minutes, but get
ting no encouragement from me to re-
main returned to her room, assuring me
| oh 4