The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-07-29
strangely things arc ordered in this world

strangely things arc ordered in this world
l am going to cast my lot among them"
'How does that happen 2" said the gen.
In ordinary politcness, and yet Lefty felt
triumphantly that she had "drawn him
out"
t'rhey wrote to Madame Moligny, my
old teacher, to select governess qualified
to teach two little boys and madame knew
that wished for situation, and so here l
am. ] wonder how they will like me 2"
81 hope you will like them," said the
gentleman, sitting yawn
''That isn't the question:" said Lefty, i'm
perativcly. "N1r Easterham is dreadful
| bcarn
| You are acquainted with him 2"
ooh, no; only what have heard" an
swcrsG Lefty. ''You are ncghbor 2" said
Lefty, doubtfully. "Perhaps have said
too much already"
He laughed with moro animation than
she had yet seen in his manner.
"Depend upon 1t, l shall not bctray you
to MIR. Eastcrham. So he is bear
Well, l have thought so sometimes my
self"
''But lie won't bite me if 1 am a good
girl and do my duty to the little ones and
'hcy tell me they arc very nice boys" per-
sisted Lcttice
'"rhey are very like their father, be-
licve.
son." said Letticc, laughing, 81 can
tame young bears; 1t is only the full-grown
specimen, with sharp teeth and long claws,
| am afraid of. Only think, " and demure,
apprchcnsive expression came over Letty's
round, blooming countenance, che goes all
round the house, all day long, and never
says word to any one. "
"lie must bo savage, indeed" observed
the gentleman.
''And Miss Elccta Eastcrham, the old
maiden aunt who keeps house for him, has
quarrclcd successfully with every governcss
they have had, " won't on Lefty, patting her
little foot OH the rustling straw on the stage
hoor; "but she shall not quarrel with me-
won't let her. am too good-naturcd
and too accustomed to humoring people,
more especially old ones. Madame Moligny
wrote me word that she dsIiked young and
pretty governesscs particularly. Now, Pm
not young-not very young, you see"
'No2" .
81 was twenty last week." said Lefty
solcmnly, ''and am not pretty enough to
disturb her mind. am only tolcrably de-
ccnt-looking. Now, if madame had select
cd Olive Daytors, who used to be in the
same class with me-she was regular
beauty, with great shady eyes, and COM
plexion all pearls and roses-thcre would
have been danger then"
The stranger began to look Interested.
''Iell mo moro about your school," said
ne. II have sister whom l think of
placing in some desirable institution, and
should like to judge whether your Madame
Moligny's would be good home for her."
dcnea and her little tongue sS Was at
once.
Her travelling companion was social and
chatty, and the time fleeted swiftly away.
"You are going2" she cried, as Mt lone
ly glen inn, Overshadowed with silver
stemmed birches, a light chaise drawn by
two white horses was waiting.
81 have reached the end of my Journey"
he said, courtcously touching his fur cap.
II had intended to keep on to the end of
the route, but l see they have sent to me
here. wish you every success and happi-
ness in your new task Of bcar-taming.
And, as the chaise rolled away, Lefty
felt herself flushing deeply.
tI'm afraid I have been talking too
much," thought Lefty "but what is body
to do, shut up all day long in a stage coach
with a conversable gentleman 2"
q And the rest of Miss Mainwaring's jour
ney was just little tedious.
1t was dark when she arrived at Easter
ham Hall-a snowy, chill dusk which made
the glow Of lights through scarlet morecn
curtains and paved hall, as seen through the
half open door, most delightful and wei
come.
Miss Electa, 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. l..s
"This is my nephew, Philip" the old
lady said.
And Lefty felt as if the blood in her veins
was turning to fire rs she recognized her
travelling companion of the day.
''Do look very much like bear, Miss
Mainwaring 2" he asked laughing, as she
stood trembling and tonguc-tied before
him. "No; don't color. promise you
to allow myself to become very tamablo.
And you must not cry, either" as the tears
came into Letty's eyes. ''rhere's nothing
for you to cry for"
"Why didn't you tell me who you were9"
she asked piteously.
"Because you never asked me-"
Lefty resolved within herself that she
would leave Easterham the very next day.
But she did not keep the resolution.
At the years end she had neither quar-
relied with Miss Electa nor Mr.. Eastcrham,
and tho little boys thought Miss Lefty was
perfection.
| So did their father
'Ietty," said he, 'sthe year for which /
engaged you is over"
| "Yes," she responded, softly.
"Will you stay another year2 VIII you
stay with me always, Letty3"
And so, within the yellow shine Of a
wedding ring, Lefty found herself pris-
oner forever at Easterham Hall.