The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-10-21

richly dressed in black silk and Grape.
Her figure and lower part of her face
gave the idea of woman still young,
though her complexion was salloW.
Her eyebrows We're black and well de-
fined, but her hair was quite gray, and
drawn away in plain bands under a
widows cap. The Grape fall of her
bonnet partly shaded her face, and she
wore blue spectacles She bowed grace
fully as Mrs. Dalton joined her.
Struck by her ladylike appearance,
Mrs. Dalton begged her to be seated.
She took chair that stood against the
window next to Mrs. Dalton's work.
table, alleging weakness of the eyes
as a reason why she avoided having the
light upon her face.
II have taken the liberty of calling to
inquire about the character of a serv-
ant-Ann Turner she said, referring
to paper she held in her hand. II
ought to have waited for an appoint
ment, l am aware; but | am in haste,
as | am about to leave town. This must
be my excuse"
"The character Of a servantY' Mrs.
Dalton repeated III surprise. II am
afraid there is some mistake-I am not
parting with a servant"
Mrs. Dalton, of Garden House?n
said the stranger, interrogatively, again
referring to her paper.
THAT is my name" returned Mrs.
Dalton; ''but this is not Garden House.
1t is Ivy Cottage"
son, dear; then I am afraid | have
made a mistake" the stranger an
nounced, but without offering to move
from her seat. II am so sorry to have
intruded."
She sighed, and put her handkerchief
up to her brow, as if weary.
pray don't mention it-and don't
hurry" said Mrs Dalton. "4ou seem
tired"
Il am tired, ~ the lady confessed. II
have been inquiring everywhere for
Garden House; and then | asked for
Mrs Dalton, and was directed here.
Perhaps you could tell me where to find
Garden House?"
II don't know of any such place
about here" returned Mrs. Dalton,
NOR did know that any one of the
same name lived in the neighborhood."
Dalton or Cation said the lady
"the name is not very distinctly writ
ten. | asked for Cation first, and then,
when the tradesman inquired of men
toned Dalton, thought that must be
it. Seeing the large garden when the
gate was opened, | felt sure | was
"Yes, the garden is large-it covers
nearly half an acre" communicated
Mrs. Dalton, not sorry to indulge in a
little chat. Its an expense to keep
up. or at least would be if it was prop
erly kept in order, and | dare say
would be worth a good deal for building
on. But it is my own property, and the
house is large enough for me and my
two daughters. The only inconyeni-
ence is its distance from the gate
II should imagine that must be an
inconvenience in wet weather or III
winter" said the stranger. But it's "a
pretty house-the growth of ivy makes
it so picturesque.
I'VE have a back entrance to lane.
where a carriage can come down. OBJ
served Mrs. Dalton. The house was
originally market-gardener's cottage.
Most of the ground was sold and built
upon, but this bit was left; many of the
old fruit trees are still standing. The
old cottage is now the kitchen and
servants rooms; the rest Of the house
has been added Since, at different
times"
"Ah. indeed.' said the lady, as if
much interested.
She was leaning her elbow upon the
small table that stood close to the
chair where she sat. Mrs. Daton's
al al, nt st,,I fila ~ n,, 10,
of the table, and here she seated herself
while she spoke.
Il am 50 sorry have been Mistaken
the lady resumed. II should have TAX
en- a servant from here with such conf
denCe,' she added, casting an admiring
look round. What trouble servants
are!o
They are indeedN Mrs. Dalton
agreed, tlattered by her visitors implied
compliment. "One Of my servants has
been with me upward of twenty years;
she is an excellent cook, and an excel
lent, trustworthy woman, but she has
such a temper. declare to you dare
not interfere with her, AS for the girls,
they are so fond of linery and so pert
and stuck,up, don't know what they
will come to-
And careless too said the lady.
Don't YOU find il so. with all this val
liable china ahout?n
II never allow servant to touch it,"
Mrs. Dalton answered. MY younger
daughter always dustS t herself
Quite right and prudent, am sure"
the lady observed THAT bowl Is old
Chelsea ware, is it no.? | have per-
feet passion for the antique"
Yes, that is Chelsea ware. ! have
two or three fine specimens of WedT-
wood ware and some old Sevres that are
very valuable said Mrs. Dalton.
Il dote upon China" announced the
stranger, but my particular craze is
for antique jewelry. have some few
articles | wouldn't part with for any
money! ..-.-
81 dare say not" said Mrs. Dalton
"We have a curious ring in our posses
sion just now. One Of my daughters
found it in very singular manner"
"A curious ring,' exclaimed the lady.
81 am afraid it would be giving too
much trouble to ask to see it; but you
have no idea how fond | am of such
things, and | fatter myself / am no
mean Judge of jewels
at will be no trouble at all" said
Mrs, Dalton, ringing the bell. and then
returning to her seat. SARAH she
continued, as the house-maid appeared
at the summons, here is the key Of my
dressng-caSe. You know how the
drawer opens. Just inside you will find
a small rinp-rnSn-- hrinr IL 1own -