Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1884-10-02
AGNES.


cold as stone"
As the kind old housekeeper looked
into the room her face took on an anx.
ious expression, as she saw the bowed
young head, and heard the smothered
unselfishly fond.
bad news? Tell me all about it, and
maybe the telling of your troubll make
it easier to bear"
Agnes raised her head and looked al
Mrs. Willard in a dazed sort of way fol
an instant. Then, with an effort, she
controlled herself sufficiently to speak
and unburden her mind Of the sad truth
which pressed so heavily upon it.
We'll soon be without a home, Mrs
Willard. The money that papa left me
is all lost. The letter is to tell me-"
"Well, Miss Agnes, you have your Cous.
in Ernest TO look to. He will take care
ofyou."
A crimson flush chased away the girls
pallor
Hush, Mrs. Willard! Don't speak to
me of him again; he is married. The
news came this morning"
"Bad luck to him, and he engaged to
you. He is a black-hearted-"
"No, Mrs. Willard; he's only tickle and
thoughtless. He fell desperately in love
with the pretty young thing he has mar
ried, and they have made a runaway
match. am glad be found out the ma.
ture of his liking for me before instead
of after our union had taken place. He
had cousinly fondness for me that was
ALL"
Agnes spoke with a silent dignity
which silenced her listener at once.
swell, come and have your lunch now.
l brOiled bit of chicken for you, and |
hope it will taste good. Sitting here
and fretting won't mend things bit"
She succeeded in coaxing Agnes into
the dining room, and poured ner cup
of fragrant Mocha, laid the morning pa
per beside her plate and then left her
alone.
Agnes slipped the coffee and tasted the
chicken. Then she glanced over the
columns of the newspaper.
An advertisement attracted her atten-
ton. 1t was this
WANTED, housekeeper. She must
be active and good-tempered, as we'll as
competent to direct the domestics under
her particular charge.
81 will have to earn my living now"
tho0ght Agnes, with Sigh; "and kept
houee for papa, so why can't for some
one else? At any rate will answer this
advertisement and find out what kind of
duties are required"
She wrote note and sent it to the ad-
dress given.
The following day brought a reply
from Dir. Durant, requesting her to call
at the writer's house, giving its number
and The name of the street.
After a long walk she reached the
place.
1t was quite an imposing looking man
sion.
A carriage was drawn up before it,
and a liveried footman ran up the steps
and gave tremendous pull at the door.
bell, glancipg at Agnes cuIiously as he
did so.
A servant came to the door.
Agnes gave him her card, and he
moved noiselessly away, returning to say,
please Miss, walk into the library"
A gentleman was seated at a table
writing, he turned his head as Agnes en-
tered, carelessly at first, then curiously.
His eyes were very dark and bright, and
their expression was one of unmistakable
surprise.
II hope you will pardon me" said he,
"for saying your youth is againgt you"
Agnes tried to make her voice steady
as she answered, but in spite of her et-
forts it trembled.
Il never had any trouble with our own
servants, sir, and so 1 thought l might
manage other peoples; but l see my
mistake"
81 must again ask pardon for intrud-
ing my opinions upon you. But why,
may ask, have you selected this partic-
ular line of employment"
1t was sudden impulse which led
me to answer your notice. Poor papa
has been gone from me a whole year,
and now l have just heard that all the
money he left is lost. must earn my
living some way"
II like your spirit. The taking of such
q responsible place as that Of the direct.
ing spirit of my household machinery
would not be feasible; but have an in
valid aunt who is about to part with her
companion-a lady who has come into a
small property lately, and does not need
the position any longer. If you succeed
Ia making favorable impression upon
the old lady, who is rather queer in her
way, it will be a much easier employ
ment than that of housekeeper. l will
conduct you to her, and see how the
plan il likely to succeed"