Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1885-05-19
MISCELLANEOUS.
Only a Governess.


She was only governess in George
HVilbraham's house. A pretty, lady
like, quiet little creature, whom his
two motherless children dearly loved.
And before he was aware of it, their
father was in danger of following
their example.
Mrs. Vance saw that. She was a
widow; handsome, poor, and with
eyes that were unusually keen for all
that concerned the wealthy widower,
for he was her cousin, and she had
kept house for him since his .wife,s
death with the intention of ultimately
consoling him of his bereavement.
"That is dangerous, . she thought.
Z" She must be got rid of at once.
More easily said than done, how
ever. The children loved their gen
tie friend and play-fellow, and their
father made no secret of the pleasure
her presence and sweet companfon-
ship afforded him. While as for
Lilly-though she was "only COVER
ness''-it was plain that an unwonted
sense Of, happiness made her blue
eyes moro bright and her smiles more
frequent. Was it since Mr.. Wilbra-
ham returned? Well, yes-every-
thing was surely pleasant under the
masters sway. lie was so good, so
kind. And he, surely his life was
lonely. She wondered how would he
ever
And atthe thought she stopped and
kissed a red rosebud that she held,
and which he had given her.
That instant voice fell on her ear
and a firm hand grasped her arm.
% Do you kiss the flower for its
own sake?" asked the voice, I" or for
the giver?''
Poor Lilly started guiltily.
"The-giver, madam?'' she fall
tered. {" do not understand"
Mr.. Wilbraham gave you that
rose. He is my betrothed husband.
! will never give him up. His fancy
for you can only result in your dis
honor; for though you may steal his
heart from me, you cannot win his
hand. That is engaged to me, and 1
will claim it. -
Lilly, with white face and her great,
dilated eyes, now suddenly, with one
cry Of pain, fell down fatnting at her
cncmy's feet.
Oh, madam, what must you think
of me- she cried, with passionate
sorrow. "OhI mustleavc this place.
Oh, let me go at once!"
81 shall place no constraint upon
you my DEAR" she said. 81 see
that L can trust your honor.''
Mr. Wilbraham had said that he
should not be home that night, and
the poor girls one anxiety was to
loave without again seeing him. So,
when her preparations was done, she
stole down the garden, to bid the
place where she had dreamed such
happy dreams a last goodbye. It
was but 3 o'clock. As she stood
near the rose bushes, brushing away
the fast-coming tears, Mrs. Vane
joined her hurriedly.
" Miss Dean" she said, "my
cousin is returning; saw him from
my window slowly riding up the lane.
You must not meet him. You can
slip out of the back way as he enters
at the front. You can walk to the
station, it is not more than one mile. )"
ct was more than two miles, but
Mrs. Vane was not trammelled by any
painful reverence for the truth. J.
Here is your money, and tomorrow
L will send your trunk. Will you
do this, or, with look of insult
ing suspicion" will you stay and
try and steal from me my husband ?''
The young girls face flushed and
she threw back her proud head with
gesture.
e You insult me, madam" she
said with dignity. "I have shown
ne inclination to do you wrong
Then she fastened away.
Little Annie was playing by the
garden gate. She caught her in her
arms and kissed her.
Goodbye, little darlingl" she
cried and sat her down again. Next
minute the gate swung to and the
governess had gone.
So Without an explanation 10 Mr..