Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1879-07-24
"And what may that beg

doubtfully. Perhaps / have said too
much already
He laughed, with more animation than
she had yet seen in his manner.
depend upon it, shall not bctray you
to Mr.. Easter am. So he is bear. Well,
have thought so sometimes myself"
'sBut he won't bite me if am q good
little girl and do my duty to the little
ones; and they are very nice boys" per-
sisted Lettice.
''They are very like their father, I be-
lieve"
"Oh," said Lettice, laughing, 81 can
tame young bears; it is only the full
grown specimen, with sharp teeth and long
claws, am afraid Of. Only think" and
demure, apprehensive expression came
over Letty's round, blooming counte-
nance, she goes all around the house all
day long, and never says word to any
one"
"He must be savage indeed" observed
the gentleman.
"And Miss Electa Easterham, the old
maiden aunt, who keeps house for him,
has quarreled successfully with every
governess they have had" went on Lefty,
patting her little foot on the rustling
straw on the stage floor; 'sbut she viii
not quarrel with me. won't let her. l
am too good-natured and too accustomed
to humorlng people, more especially old
ones. Madame Eoligny wrote me word
that she disliked young and pretty gov
ernesses Particularly. Now, I'm not
young mot very young, you see."
"No?"
81 was 20 last week." said Lefty
solmnly, land / am not pretty enough to
disturb her mind. I am only tolerably
decent-looking. Now, if madame had
selected Olive Daytors, who used to be
in the same class with me-she was a
regular beauty, with great shady eyes,
and complexion all pearls and roses
there would have been danger then."
The stranger began to look interested.
"Tell me more about your school" said
he. ~ have sister whom / think Of
placing in some desirable Institution, and
l should like to judge whether your Mad
anne Moligny's would be good home
for her."
Letty's eyes frightened, her cheeks
REDEEMED, and little tongue was loosed at
once. Her travelling companion was social
and chatty, and the time feeted swiftly
away.
"YOu are going?" she cried, as at a
lonely glenn inn, ovcrshadowed with sill
ver-stemmed birches, light chase drawn
by two milk white horses, was waiting.
81 had reached the end of my journey -
he said, courteously touching his fur cap.
81 have intended to keep on to the end of
the route, but | see they have sent to me
here. wish every success and happiness
in your new task of pertaining"
And, as the chaise rolled away, Lefty
felt herself flushing deeply.
'sI'm afraid I've been talking too much, -
thought Lefty; 'but what is body to
do, shut up all day long in stage-coach
with conversable gentleman!' and the
rest of Miss Mainwaring's journey was
just little tedious.
1t was dusk when they arrived at East
erham Hall-a snowy, chill dusk which
made the glow of lights through scarlet
moreen curtains and the coral shine of a
great wood fire in paved hall, as
seen through the half-opened door, most
delightful and welcome. Miss Electa, a
tall prim old lady, in snowy cap ribbons
and brown satin dress, stood ready to
welcome her. And Just behind her Lefty
saw tall gentleman, with two little
boys clinging about him.
This is my nephew Philip" the old la
dy said
And Lefty felt as if the blood in hel
veins was turning to fire as she recog
nized her travelling companion of the day
"Do look very much like bear, Miss
Mainwaring?" he asked, Laughing, as she
stood trembling and tongue-tied before
him. mo; don't color I promised
you to allow myself to become very tam
able. And you must not cry, either,
and the tears came into Letty's eyes
'There is nothing for you to cry for"
"Why didn't you tell me who yor
were9" she asked, piteously.
because you never asked me-"
Lefty resolved within herself that she
would leave Easter, am the very next day
1 But she did not keep the resolution
At the years end she had neither quar-
relied with Miss Electa nor Mr.. Easter
ham, and the little boys thought Mis-
Lefty was perfection. So did their faith
| er.
Lefty" said he, 1.-THE year for which
engaged you is over"
Eyes, ;" she responded, softly.
"Will you stay another year? Will
you stay with me alN avs, Lettyp'
And so, within the yellow shine of {
wedding ring, Lefty found erself pr
L fr.ro NJ HILL