Litchfield enquirer., 1881-03-24


 ! ed with an involuntary sigh can work at ! my lace-pillow no longer .-t-.- ..- And how do you intend to employ your self ! She shook her head and made no re- ply He looked at her steadilya moment, l slowly rubbing his chin, then dropped the pen in ink.
 You said the address was-?' Number 12 Via Margutta, Rome, she an- swered, and rose, thinking the interview was at an end.
 Wait moment he interposed ashe wrote. I have something to say to you.' He seemed in no hurry to say it, however. Having writ ten the address, he methodlcally folded the paper and placed it in his pocket-book, took of his spectacles. and put them in their case; then looked us. -.,r. ........ I have proposal to make to you,' he be- gan abruptly. 1t has occurred to me that 1 may be able to assist you and serve myself at the same time. I am in failing health, need companion and attendant-some one who would not set my nerves on edge as profes sional nurses do. Should you be inclined to accept the post i? 4.4.A ~- 5;7.r srf9l,,.g- She looked at him as if doubling whether she had heard correctly. @'' 's'. .'H Do you mean-to live here. Monsieur? Xes. Of course you could see yourmether every day, and should enable you to give her the comfort and attendance she needs,' You are very kind, she faltered, but Am So formidable that you dare not trust yourself with me ? he asked with grave smile which softened his features wonderfully, giving them vague resemblance to Bern hardt's. Her face caught the reflection of his and frightened suddenly. No, indeed she said with an answering smile; If hesitated, it was because might not be competent--' Then you will come ? he interrupted. Yes, Monsieur, and will do my best to please you. It will make me happy to be of service to- .Bernhardt's grandfather2'he finished 'iust 30. Then that is settled. Shake Lands on it. When she gave him her handhe detained it, looking up at her so intently that she blush ed, she hardly knew why. ...s.,s.. When are you going to write to this distin- guished artist ? he demanded.
 Very shortly. Tomorrow perhaps, Have you any message for him ? she asked wist- fully. He paused apparently forgetting that he still held her hand, and looked thoughtfully at the fire. She watched his face anxiously, reading there the signs of a struggle between pride and affection.
 Tell him am glad to learn that he is mak- ing good progress in the profession hs has chosen'- 'Yes? she prompted. as he paused He glanced at her wistful face and smiled. And you may say that if he is not too busy to allow himself a holiday, he may spend Christmas with me-with us, that is. The girls heart leaped a thrill of exquisite hap piness brought the tears to her eyes, With sudden impulse she stepped and kissed the wrinkled hand that held her own. The old merchant patted her cheek. Tut. tut, silly child save your kisses for some one who has 6 right to them,' he said. Two days later Annette began her new duties, and was soon as much at home in the old Guild house as if he had lived there for years. She was happy in her new life, and her young presence 80 frightened the house that M. Vanderhaven found himself wondering how he could have endured it's gloom and solitude before she came.
 The time passed pleasantly to both of them, and every day brought nearer the meeting ! which, in his heart, the old merchant longed for as much asshe did, though he seldom men, tioned his grandson's name s!g '...t- .rN Only five days till Christmas Annette re- marked one evening, looking up from the knitting which kept her fingers busy while her eyes and thoughts were free. They were in I the banquet room Monsieur Vanderhaven re. clining in capacious leather .tatteaS1 near the fire, while Annette sat opposite to him in a low, straight backed tapestry chair. The old room, with It's panelled walls and antique
 
 to her girlish figure. Her companion was staring thoughtfully at the fire, with the news paper on hia knee. Her words reused him from his abstraction.
 So soon? 1 had forgotten how time vent
 'Bernhardt will be with us on Christmas Eve, she added.
 'Ah and that reminds me; there is seme- thing intend to do before he returned He turned his chair to the table. Give me pen and ink my dear She placed writing materials before him. and then paused, struck by the haggard pal Tor of his face.
 Are you feeling worse t0- night, Monsieur? ? Worse? No, child; 1 am better, if any, thing. be answered cheerfuIly. T was think ing, only moment ago, that might yet live to see my great grandchildren round me in the old house. He glanced at his companion, who suddenly, sweetly, strangely blushetl,' and became absorbed in her work again. His pen travelled rapidly over the paper, only pausing now and then to make an alteration or addition. When he had covered four pages with his clear, firm handwriting, he glanced over what he had written, seemed satisfied with it, and made a fair copy on fresh sheet Then he looked up.
 Will you tell Ursula and Jacob that want them for few moments?
 She left the room, and gave his message to the two old servants, remaining downstairs till they returned which they did very short ly, looking mysterious and important. As she reentered the room, she tancied she heard the click of drawer or door hastily shut but the screen belng so arranged as to inclose the hearth she could see nothing until she had passed round it. Then she found Monsieur Vanderhaven standing with his arm on the massive chimney piece, watching the burning of piece of paper, which he had just thrown upon the logs. He did not speak till she had been seated some moments.
 I have been making my will, he said ab- ruptly at length; I made one six months ago, in moment of anger, but that shall be de- stroyed before Bernhardt returns By this new one have left hlm everything except the business and that he will not grudge to his cousin. 1 shall give it into Maitre Janssen's keeping to morrow. Meanwhle,' Eie added with curious smile, I have put 1t in safe place, where it would be difficult to-
 He stopped abruptly, putting his hand to his head. The blood sufiused his face to the tenn pies. then retreated, leaving him lividly pale He staggered, and would have fallen if An nette had not supported him. She bent over him in alarm as he sank into chair. zsj.i
 It is nothing,' he gasped; "a passing faint ness He drew one or tive heavy breaths, and seemed to recover somewhat, though his face was stii white and haggard. ' yT"
 Good girl, good girl,' he said touching her cheek as she bent over hiW; you deserve to be happy, and you shall be. You will live here, you and Bernhardt; he will have this for his painting-room again. He will make name-yes, tho lad was right; he is an ar- tist. Never let the old house go into strange hands-i love it. It has sheltered my people for more than century; ever since the time of old Simon Vanderhayen, yonder,' and he nodded toward the portrait with smile of friendly recognition. then sat silent, looking into the bright hollows of the fire.
 am drowsy,' he said at last; I think could sleep is.i,. .s setl 4a4osa4a .ss ..8
 Annette stood near himstill his eyes closed, then returned to her seat. But she could not work. :. She felt uneasy and depressed. Her eyes delt with sort of fascination on the