Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-01-03

small black velvet bag, which until then
l had not perceived, and placed in my
hands a mOnogramed and coroneted
epistle, addressed to herself, purporting
to come from Lady Montacute, whose
companion she had been for two years,
and who expressed herself in the warm
est terms, assuring Miss Burke, when
ever she returned from the continent,
whittier she was just then going, that it
would give her the greatest pleasure to
answer any inquiries in her favor; IN
the meantime, Lady Montacute author
lied her to make what use she chose Of
the letter now sent, ending by saying
she was certain, wherever she went,
Miss Burke must be a favOrite and an
acquisition.
That followed letter from a Rev. Mr..
White, from a 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 amiable
and talented young lady, whose family
were both well known and highly re-
spected. Nothing could be more salts
| factory; and after reading the two mis-
L
raised my eyes toward my visitor, whom
[ found regarding me in the most eager
manner imaginable.
"They are most kind letters" L said :;
and so far as references go, | am sure
[ could do no better Your duties would
be very ight-it is really only for the
sake of companionship that [ require
any one, as | do everything for myself,
but | have been very lonely since my
husband went away.
q can imagine it." responded Miss
Burke, sympathizingly. II should do
my utmost to cheer you"
You are very kind to say 50" an
sWered. Should we agree as to terms,
when could you Gomez
Tomorrow, if you will permit me, y
replied Miss Burke. 81 am in lodgings,
and the expense of them is so great that
I should be only too glad to give them
up-I am very poor" she added in a
! low tone.
was sorry for the poor girl, and feel
ing [ had been as prudent as possible in
perusing her references, and trusting a
good deal to her air of quiet respectable
ity, [ proceeded to state my terms, which
were eagerly accepted. After little
conversation, all was settled, and my
companion promised to make her APP
pearancc on the following day. For the
rest of that evening I was unusually
meditative; was pleased and yet not
! pleased. She was not altogether my
| beau ideal of a companion. Although
ladylike, and with undeniable refer
ences, there was a certain awkwardness
! 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 a fire, as / fancied, coming
from wretched lodgings, it might be a
sort of welcome to her. At l o'clock
she arrived, bringing with her small
black box as her sole luggage, which
Ellis and the housemaid, between them,
carried directly to her room, whittier
| she followed them almost Immediately,
/ to take off her things. [ 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 removal of her bonnet.
She wore her hair in crop, a fashion l
detested; and her figure without her
cloak was only redeemed from awkward
mess by the well-made black dress, which
had evidently been the work Of first
rate na0diSte. She wore no ornaments
except plain gold ring on the little
finger Of her left hand, which [ noticed
was particularly large. Iceased to crit
icise her after we had been together for
a little while. She was so pleasant, SO
chatty, and yet so quiet withal, that ere
evening came [ began to congratulate
myself on my own perspicacity in hav-
ing engaged her, and was fully prepared
to indOrSe Lady MOntacute's opinion,
that she was sure to be not only a favor
lite but an acquisition.
A fortnight slipped quietly away, and
in my weekly budget to my husband, |
gave most charming accounts of my
companion, which our everyday inter
course seemed fully to confirm. But
about the third week a something [
could not explain, made me take a dis
like to her | had not been very well,
and her kindness had been unre1nitting;
consequently [ felt almost angry with
myself for indulging in feeling which
[ could not help acknowledging was
both unreasonable and childish.
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
mantlepiece in the full light of the gas.
which burned on either side of it, re-
garding 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 good night to her on the land
ing, and in addition, to lock my door, a
precautiOn | had never before thought
Of taking.
One night shortly afterwards awoke,
! fancying [ heard a movement outside
my door. My room was perfectly dark
and | was convinced some noise had
suddenly awakened me. [ listened in
tently, almost too terrified to breathe,
until / heard most distinctly the handle
of my door cautiously turned. An al
most death-like horror seized me, and
for an instant l was absolutely rigid
with terror; but the spell was broken by
another audible effort to open the door,
and the hall clock striking three, which
made me spring up in bed, seize the
matches, and, with trembling fingers,
attempt two or three times to strike a
light At last | was successful. and the