Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-10-06
0ales aud Sketthes.
KEEPING HER PROMISE.

"Wanted-As resident governess for two little
girls lady Of culture and refinement; liberal salary
Address A. 2. c.. Box li43."
The advertisement had looked so tempt
ing that Nell Sevton could not help an
swering it. The fact is, she felt desper-
ate. Money she must have. for, however
she might economic in her dress under
ordinary circumstances. there was ap-
preaching a certain extraordinary occa-
sion which always demands new ward
robe therefore she must have money. and
therefore she answered the advertisement.
As she dropped her letter into the box
at the street-corner. she felt regrettul land
as she hurried home this feeling increased.
But the mssive could not be recalled and
she consoled herself by thinking that she
had not mentioned it to her sister-in law,
so that she would hear nothing of it, in
case it were not noticed by the recipient.
So sure was she that her modest appli-
cation would receive no attention, that
she was somewhat surprised the next day
when formidable envelope, addressed in
a heavy. large hand and adorned with a
printed card, was delivered to her. Open
ing it in a state of great excitement, she
found it contained request to be at the
office of the advertiser and writer at 3 P.
NJ
Duly at the appointed time Nell. with
some trepidation, presented herself at the
office named, and inquired for Mr.. Hum
phreys.
Major Humphreys. suppose ?" asked
the office boy, with considerable stress on
the military title.
Nell bowed meek assent; whereupon
the youth Informed her that Major Hum
phreys was busy just then, but she could
wait awhile.
In accordance with his gracious per-
missiod, she seated herself on the chair
which he placed for her, and wondered if
this were the Major Humphreys of whom
she had heard somewhat. In a few NOM
ents the door of the inner office opened,
and gentleman bowed lady out. The
departing guest thus sped looked disap-
pointed, Nell thought, and Immediately
thought that this was a ld-be-govern-
ess.
".Ah, this is-an-miss-um
asked the gentleman, with condescend
ing bow. rs his large white hand toyed
with his heavy watch chain.
He seemed distressed that he could not
follow the "Miss" with anything more
definite; as if he would not have made
Nell remember her own insigniticance if
he could possibly have burdened his mem
DRY with such an unimportant name.
II am Eleanor Seyton," she replied
gravely.
81 beg a thousand pardons. Miss Sey-
ton." returned the major in an impressive
manner. You will walk into my private
office? We shall be undisturbed there and
can talk of this little matter at our leis-
ure."
Nell wondered if she would look as
much disappointed as the preceding APP
plicant"
You have no idea, Mss-ah-Miss-
UNI"
"Seyton," was the faint suggestion.
"A thousand pardons, Madam. AS
was saying, you have no idea how many
responses are received in answer to such
an advertisement as inserted in yester-
days papers"
81 suppose not" she rejoined, heartily
wishing that hers had not been among the
number.
"And yet there are so few ladies who
are really competent to fill the position
who are at the same time desirable in
other respects
Nell bowed. but said nothing.
1.-The position, should imagine, is not
difficult one to fulfil" Major Hum
phreys went on in the pompous manner
which seemed to suit his appearance so
well. "My nieces are both very amiable
children-the elder is 10. her sister year
younger-my residence, is pleasantly
situated, do not require much in the way
of attendance on them, and am willing
to pay liberal salary to the proper per
SON"
You certainly ought to be suited.' re-
piled the lady politely.
Il have found it very difficult. Miss
Seyton." answered the magnate; but
allow me to say just here that, Judging
from your letter | determined that you
were the most available of all the appli-
cants; that is to say, | thought so, if
your personal appearance and manners
should correspond
Nell drew back little.
They do correspond, continued the
lordly orator: land | should be happy to
know just when you can begin your du-
ties. My sister, who is a widow, is not
very strong. and the care of the children,
amiable and engaging as they are, is
somewhat oppressive to semi-nvalid."
After some little debate it was agreed
that Nell should enter upon the discharge
of her duties the next week. Major
Humphreys naming salary considerably
in advance of her expectation.
They have been pretty we'll taught.
you will find. Miss Levton. made it a
rule to employ none but those who are
thoroughly competent for the special
work in which | desire their assistance.
and as am willing to pay literally for all
that have done. never find much diff
Guilty in getting those who can do my
work well.
1T is true that have had several gov.
ernesses now tor my nieces within COM
paratively short space of time, but the
trouble has been of a personal, | may say
almost of social nature. There has been
no lack OF ability; l would not employ
such a person."
81 fear do not quite comprehend you.
said Nell
Il am afraid that cannot make it quite
plain unless state the exact nature of the
difficulty with which have had to con.
tend. The fact is. Miss Seyton. it NAV
state it very bluntly. that the ladies in
question have each possessed desire to
-ah-become Mrs. Humphreys. You