The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1878-07-26

(Thursday)."
AT last 1" said to myself joyfully,
and with beating heart l prepared my
self for my journey, for the appointment
was for that morning.
Just rs l had pretty well timed myself
for my walk sudden squat came on,
the sky was darkened and snow fell
heavily, and in place Of morning in
spring we seemed TO have gone back in
to winter, for the snow lay thickly In a
very short time, and the branches Of
the trees In the squares We're whitcned.
Weak as was, this disheartened me,
bnt fought my way bravely on, and
just at II rang timidly Mt the door Of an
important looking house, and was SUI
perciliously shown, by stout tall foot
man in drab livery, into q handsomely
furnished room. Every thing in the
place noticed was rich and good; heavy
curtains hung by window and door,
skins and Eastern rugs lay on the pol
ished wood floor, and tremendous
I fire blazed in q great brass fireplace,
and the flames danced and were reflect
ed from the encaustc tiles with which 1t
was surrounded.
"I'll take your note In" said the foot
man, as 1 handed it. " You can sit
down."
preferred to stand, and as soon as
was alone shivered with fear and cold,
as caught glance Of my pale, sallow
face in a great mirror. Every moment
l expected to see the owner Of the place,
but remained standing wearily for an
hour, and then l sighed and turned
wistfully to look at the door, wonder
ing whether the footman had taken in
the note which ! had given him as my
passport.
started, for close behind me, hav-
ing entered unheard, was rather plump
tail lady in black. She was dressed as
if for going out, and well wrapped in
furs.
sOh! you are waiting she said,
harshly, and shade Of displeasure
crossed her face as she looked full at
me till my eyes dropped. "There,
-Aliss-Miss-''
LAURIE suggested.
SIZES, yes; know" she said, sharp
ly; cit is in my note. Pray, why in the
name of common sense did yon not sit
down? Take that chair. Now, then,
have you been companion to a lady be-
fore?r
"No, ma'am," replied; and then,
in answer to her questions, all very
sharply given, | told her so much as
was necessary of my story.
II don't think you will suit me-"
she said; "I've had misery enough,
and want some one cheerful and pleas
ant, lady whom can trust and who
who will be a pleasant companion.
There, I'm sure there is not such body
in London, for the way I've been i'm
posed upon is dreadful I've had six in
six months, and the number of appli-
cations have had nearly drove me out
of my senses. have had one since you
vote to me--a creature whose sole idea
was herself want one who will make
me her first consideration. don't
mind what pay, but / want some one
tall and lady-like; and you are not pref
", you know"
shook my head sadly.
"Humph Wellin she went on,
"you won't be so giddy, and be al
ways thinkingo getting married. There,
you need not blush like that; it's what
all the companions have had seem to
think about. You don't, Supposed
81 am engaged 10 be married."
said, hanging down my head, in q
couple of years
"Ho! Well, he mustn't come here,
for I'm a very selfish, pragmatical old
woman; and If engaged you-which
don't think I shall dol should want
you all to myself What is hep"
"a settler-abroad," faltered
"Ho! That's better; and perhaps
he'll settle there altogether without
you"
looked at her Indignantly, and she
laughed.
"Ah! know, my good girl. haven't
lived to eight and forty for nothing.
! How old are you?"
"Twenty," l said, shivering, for her
: rough way repealed me, and | longed to
bring the interview to an end.
"Why, the girls cold" she said,
; roughly. Him, twenty! Here,
90 up to the fire, and have
' a good warm; it's dreadful wealth
err. Therel pull off your bonnet and
! Jacket. Put them on that chair, and 20
closer to the fire; I've deal to say 70
1 you yet, for I'm not going to engage
Z any young person and have to change
| directly"
> / obeyed her, trembling the while,
4 for was very weak; and she went on
asking me questions and making com.
\ ments.
81 don't like your appearance at all
I you look pale and unhealthy. Not bill
4 like girl from the country"
4 81 am very sorry l said; "but, in
Z deed, ma am, I have excellent health. !
!. "Then your face tells stories abou
!. you. You play, Of courseP"
. Yeq masan -