Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-01-23

W. hhSi
ment, two eyes looked up at him with
an alarmed expression. In his serious,
sympathetic countenance there was
nothing to frigbten or embarrass, but
the red grew deeper on her brown
cheek.
''It is painful subject" she said at
last, faltering. "If you will please
excuse me-"
One morning he was speaking of the
great loss to children in being deprived
of their parents.
| 81 never knew mother" he said.
''She died before my earliest recollec-
ton. believe that, mar as l am, if
had a mother, should go TO her with
all my griefs, as little child would.
have sometimes thought of asking
you to act as mother in the quiet eve
nings, when have longed TO confide
i'm some one. My mother would have
been about your age, l think"
Again there was a vivid color in the
cheek of thel hOusekeeper, such as is
rarely seen in the aged, but it is
accompanied by quiver of the mouth,
and ends in a cough, but both mouth
and cheek were quickly covered with
a handkerchief, and quite violent fit
of coughing succeeded.
Mr.. Dayton, however, did not seem
to notice, though he had given her one
curious glance. instantly withdrawn,
and he continued:
For instance, respecting matrimony,
whose advice of so much value as
mothers? Who so quick to see through
character, and make good selection?
Had you a son, whom about here
would you select for a daughter-in-law,
Mrs. franklin"
81 am not acquainted with any of
the young ladies, MIR. Dayton" she
answered. family, after pause, during
which he seemed to wait for an an
swer.
"True, but you have seen them all,
and are, should judge, a good dis
eerner of character, from observation.
Whom would you select from those you
have SEEM" he persisted.
She Redeemed and paled.
II have heard the Misses Grandson
highly spoken of Their appearance
would seem TO prove the truth. doubt
not that you agree with me-" she re-
turned quietly.
Ii was now his turn to color, which
he did slightly.
IL do agree with you," he answered,
emphatically.
Ii was late in September. Mr.. Day
ton and the housekeeper were both in
the parsor. He had been unusually
grave all day. 1t seemed to the house
keeper that his manner was changed
towards her.
Il have a few questions TO ask, if
you will permit me, Mrs. Franklin?'
She felt instructive alarm at his tone.
Certainly" with an effort.
There was an ominous pause.
Il have been told,'' he said, ''that
Miss Kate Franklin, young lady, by
Disgusting herself, palmed herself off
upon me for several months as an
elderly lady. Is there any truth in the
story" looking searchingly at her.
eyes, it is true" she murmured, fall
teringly.
81 confess fail TO see for what OBJ
ject. Ny heart you could hardly ex-
pect to gain in that character"
"Your heart." she repeated scorn-
fully. II had no such laudable ambi-
ton; had never seen or heard of you
till | saw your advertisement. Would
you like to know for what purpose
took upon me disguise so repugnant?
You shall. To save myself from starry
alton. | had eaten but one meal day
for week when | applied to you, and
was suffering with hunger then. My
money was all gone, except few pen
nies, with which to buy roll of bread
for the next days meal, and l had no
prospects of more, for l had been re-
fused further sewing. But why should
you find fault?" her pride rising.
"What matter if | were Miss or Mrs.
Franklin, old or young, if L fulfilled
the duties / undertook? Have i not
taken good care of your house? Have
not made you comfortable? If | have
not, deduct from this quarters salary,
which you paid this morning, what
ever you like"
81 have no fault TO find, except for
placing yourself and me in an awkward
position, were this to becor.e known"
Waves of color mounted to the poor
housekeeper's TEMPLES.
81 thought meant, that no one
should know, least of all yOu-besides
i thought when l engaged to come,
that you were married. Oh, what
shall | do?" And she burst into a
passion of tears.
Mr.. Dayton's manner changed.
kate! Kate! l did not mean to
distress you. Nobody knows but me
nobody shall know" And he soothed
her tenderly. skate, look up. l love
ycu with my whole heart. l want you
to be my little housekeeper-my wife
always Kate, what do you say!" taking
her in his arms and laying his cheek
against hers. 'My own Kate, is it
not?"
She murmured something between
her sObs, that she must go away this
minute.
Nonsense, darling! Haven't you
been here for months? What differ
ence can day longer makeS You
are safe with me, Kate. oh, because
l know you are Miss Franklin, will
you give me the inexpressible pleasure
from that long silent voice? Oh, Kate,
you bewitched me that day! 1 am
afraid you will bewitch me always.
But, Kate, let's take off these trap
pings" untying her cap, and remOv-
ing the grey hair, and with this action
down fell the wealth of brown tresses.