Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-16

spects very strict with them. feel part
ing with her very deeply. and have offered
{, make arrangements to keep her; but
size prefers to be independent; perhaps
Justly. The truth is that can hardly dis
cuss Miss Lockhart under the form OF
employer and employed; she has been
m IRE of friend to me-"
Naturally, as the upshot of the inter-
view, Miss Lockhart was engaged by Mrs.
Montagu, IT being further arranged that
she should go down to Freshfield upon the
following Monday to enter upon her new
duties.
MRS Montagu found Miss Lockhart a !
that Lady Ringwood had declared her.
and more. She kept all those unruly little
people in check, yet made them happy !;
very shortly her clever help and sweet
temper had rendered her Indispensable TO
Mrs. Montagu, who could no longer have
imagined existence without her invaluable
governess's aid and support.
ii.
Time went on, bringing no changes in
to that quiet home at Freshfield. At
length. after a couple Of years of this
peaceful monotOny, small event was in
prospect which promised to vary the order
of things. This was the return home,
after 10 wears, absence in India, of Mr..
Talbot North, Mrs MOntagu's only
brother; and that little lady, grown. since
her Introductory struggle. younger. and
plumper, thanks to Miss Lockhart's care,
was in happy flutter of expectation.
Il was Sunday night. fair moOnlit
Sabbath evening, and MIR. and Mrs
Montagu had gone to church, leaving Miss
Lockiart at home imparting little theO-
logical instruction to their numerous off
spring. As Miss Lockhart was then en-
gagged, her attention was caught by the
sound of footstep on the gravel walk
without; the next moment the hall bell
was sharply pulled. 1t was followed by
a brief dialogue between some newcomer
and the only maid servant at home, which
terminated simultaneously with the APP
pearance of the stranger in the drawing
room. This unexpected and unknown
visitor was a tall, handsome man of about
80 or 35 years of age; and, as he stood
within the doorway, surveying the WON
derful group about the table, he smiled in
an amused fashion.
At once il rushed across Miss LOckhart's
mind who was the unreasonable intruder !;
and meanwhile the newcomer had not all
the gazing to himself. for the children's six
pairs of eyes were riveted upon him in
unmitigated establishment.
Finally the gentleman spoke: "Do you
not know me 81 asked he, laughing de-
lightedly.
IL think you must be Mr.. North" an
swerea Miss Lockhart, half rising from
her seat.
"And you, am sure, are Miss Lock-
hart?" said Mr.. North, for it was no other
than Mrs. Montague's brother, who had
returned at this inopportune moment.
by name, at least. you are exceedingly
well known to me-" continued the young
man, as he came forward with frankly
outstretched hand
"You Uncle Talbot ~ exclaimed GUY,
in tones of manifest disapproval and dis.
appointment, for their Indian uncle had
been species of hero to them. Come
back like that. Why, you might be any
body"
Miss Lockhart. looking at the young
man standing before her in his splendid
strength, with his engaging debonair ex-
preston of countenance, could not indorse
Master Guys discerning Judgment.
Have you dined. Mr.. North, -" inquired
she, as it occurred to her that she ought
to play hostess in Mrs. Montagu's absence
''What will you take ?"
Nothing at present, thank you, except
cup of tea, if | can have one"
Confined Tomorrow