The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-03-22

Servants''-a bitter, ironical emphasis on
the word-"are not supposed to be ac.
quainted with the accomplishments of
| those occupying super ior stations in life.v
"H'm!" he muttered "Just at present
have charge of the choir, and L not only
invite but entreat you to become member
of it, for so long time as | hold the rela-
ton to it that is now NINE"
81 will, if you wish it."
81 wish it very much"
Then he mentioned various DUETS for
soprano and tenor voices, and having
named one with which she was familiar,
they began it. While thus engaged, SO
quietly that her footsteps were not heard.
Ella Mason entered the room.
81 was not aware that concert awaited
me on my return home, else | should have
| come sooner" were her first words as the
duett ceased; and the singers, ignorant
that a third person was present, gave
start.
81 haveto ask your pardon for the liberty
/ took in using your piano when you were
away" said Mr.. Ainslee, rising.
ST am glad you feel sufficiently at home
here to do so. 1t is always at your dispo-
sal, whether a am here or not, !" Responded
Miss Mason, graciously.
''rhank you," he observed, as Rose
withdrew from the room with aGood
evening""
The young man wished in his heart that
| ne HllSuU. WIFI pTOpIlSGy, request her TO
remain, though he fully appreciated her
motive in doing as she did-probably
nothing else than a consciousness that Miss
Mason would prefer to see him alone
81 never knew that she was a singer,D
remarked Miss Mason, when Rose had
gone.
"She told me that she had never before
sung since she came to Campton."
"And to you belongs the credit Sc aviag
discovered her TALENT" with smile which
indicated annoyance quite as much as it
did the opposite. Mr.. Ainslee remained
silent. 81 hope she will not henceforth,
feel above her business. The trouble with
servants is, Give them an inch, and they
will take take an ELL"
From what have seen of her, donot
think Miss Bryant person whom anything
would cause to neglect her duty or assume
to herself unwarrantable airs" he could
not avoid saying.
Miss Mason bit her lips, and the hot
blood crimsoned her sallow cheeks. She
said:
"Since she took part in the play, on
the Fourth of July, she has never seemed
quite as before, and | have attributed the
change to the praise then lavished upon
her,"
Indeed"
And the monosyllable had an infection
that signified a great deal.
After a brief conversation longer, Mr..
Ainslee left the house.
The following Sunday morning, the
members of the choir were surprised to see
Rose take a seat with them; less surprised
at this than they were when they heard her
voice, so superior, in every way, to any
previously uniting with their own. Even
the clergyman and most of the congrega-
ton raised their eyes to the singing seats
to account for the mellow tones that fell
on their ears.
Mr.. Ainslee suddenly conceived the idea
that it would be anexcellent thing to have
a rehearsal each Saturday evening, that
the music on Sunday would be greatly i'm
proved thereby; and it was approved by
the minister and by the choir. So, it was
at once carried into effect.
From these rehearsals it became his Gus
tom to accompany Rose home-as he did
from the prayer-meetingS-and thus, two
evenings in the week he had the pleasure
of being with her alone for short time
and pleasure, indeed, it was to both of
them.
Along in September, as he and Rose
were on their way from q rehearsal, the
latter said:
"Next Saturday evening will be my last
rehearsal with you"
"Your last rehearsal with us!" exclaimed
Mr.. Ainslee in surprise.
"Yes. The year for which l engaged
with Mrs. Mason expires one week from
next Tuesday, and she informed me- this
morning that after that time she snodId re-
quire my services no longer"
''What reason does she assign for not re-
engaging youW
"That she thinks she can employ some
one to teach her daughter for a smaller sal
airy than she pays me-"
Eyes. And what do you think the reason
is?"
There was no answer to this question,
and ne continued:
"Let me tell you, Miss Mason is at the
bottom of the affair. She does not wish
any one as member of the household, who
will win the regard which she desires
should be her own. Rose" he continued
presently, 81 love you as [ have loved no
other woman" The hand resting on his
arm trembled 81 have known what it is
to lead a life of luxurious ease; | know
what it is to earn living by the sweat of
my brow. If you can love a poor man,
who loves you devotedly, will you be my
wife,"
And, hating, he gazed into the face over
which the moon poured a flood of yellow
light.
''If you can dissatisfied with the love of a
servant, know that it has been yours in
fullest measure, for long time; that Twill
become your wife whenever you choose"
He drew her face to his and kissed it,
81 should like to have the marriage cere-
mOny performed on the evening of October
5-my twenty-ffth birthday-and in the
church here, as it was in this town that we
met and loved each other" he said.
'That will suit me as well as another
time and place. Now have one favor to
ask of you"
at is granted, before asked"
81 shall be obliged to go home for a few
days before | assume the responsibility OF
becoming your wife. On my return | will
go to Mr.. Vernon's. Esther is a dean
friend of mine, and l shall not hesitate to
confde the secret to her. | shall not come
back till the day. preceding the wedding,
and prefer you should not call upon me
till you come to escort me to the church.
every WE'LL" was his reply, though he
could not but wonder at her whim.
They had reached Mr.. Nason's, and he
kissed her good night.
Three weeks from the next day, the con.
gregation in the church was electrified by
the announcements from the pulpit, at the
close OF the afternoons discourse, that
"There will be a wedding in this place
next Wednesday evening at eight O'Clock
TO which. without further notice, YOU are
invited" Every human heart has q Dea.
chant for the mysterious, and the pro
spective weddng-of which this was the
first intimation that any one had received
was deeper mystery than had ever been
known in Campton.
"Who can it be that is going to be mar
ried~ whispered one to another, as they
stood with bowed heads while the bene.
dictiOn was pronounced.