Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-11-07

changed sAe = din 0h1e night when you
found her down on the shore. Why, her own
friends wouldn't know her"
Mr.. Monk started and frowned
ssHer fr;endsF' he said-''what frieqdsp
sWhy, them as owns her" continued VII
Liam Jones. ''If they wasn't all drownded in
the ship what she came ashore from they
must be somewheer. Mayhap some day
they'll find her, and reward me for bringin'
her up q good gal-that's what l allus tell
her."
80 that's what you always tell her, do
yous'' returned Monk, grimly. "Then you're
fool for your pains. The girls got no friends
haven't tsll you that befo-e"
s'Certa:n-y you hive, kr. Monk, ~ returned
William Jones, meekly; s'but look ye now, !
think"
"You've no right to think" Numbered
Monk; syoure not paid for thinking; you're
paid for keeping the girl, and what more do
YOU want Matt, !" he continued, in q softer
tone, ''come to ne.n
But Matt didn't hear-or, at any rate, did
not heed for she made no movement. Then
Monk, gazing intently at her, gave vent to
the same remark as William Jones had done
few hours before:
where have you been to-day, be said, Ito
have on that frocke'
Again Matt hung her head and was silent.
Monk repeated his question; and, seeing that
he was determined to have an anawer, she
threw up her head defiantly, and said, with
tone Of pride in her voice:
II put it on to be tookl'
ITO be tookY" repeated Monk
"Yes," returned Matt; ito have my like
ness took. There be painter chap here that
lives in a cart; he's took it"
1t was curious to note the changes in Mr..
Monks face. At first he tried to appear
amiable; then his face gradually darkened
into look of angry suspicion. Matt never
once withdrew her eyes from him-his very
presence seemed to rouse all that was bad in
her: apd she glared at him through her
tangled locks in much the same manner as a
shaggy terrier puppy might gaze at bull
which it would fain attack, but feared on &C
count of its superior strength.
"Matt," said Mr.. Monk again, "come
here"
This time she obeyed; she rose slowly from
her seat and went reluctantly to his side
Matt, look me in the face, he said. 'tDo
you know who this painter is!'
Matt shook her head.
"How many times have you seen himr'
'Twice"
"Aud what has he said to your
"A lot O Things"
''Tell me one thing!"
HE asked me who my mother was, and
told him hadn't got none"
Mr.. Monks face once more grew black as
night.
$50" he said, ''poking and prying and ask
ing questions. thought as much. He's q
scoundrelly vagabond!"
mo, he amt" said Matt, bluntly.
"Matt, my girl, ;" said Mr.. Monk, taking no
notice of her interruption, 81 want you to
promise me something"
"What is itr'
'Not to 60 near that painter againI'
Matt shook her head.
"Shan't promise, she said, "cause I shall
90. My likeness amt took yet-he takes a
time, he does. I'm going to put them things
on tomorrow and be took again."
For moment the light in his eyes looked
dangerous, then he smiled and patted her
cheek-at which cares she shrank away.
whats the natter" he asked.
Nothing" said Matt. II don't like to b
pulled about, that's ALL"
"You mean you don't like meT'
"Dont know. That's telling.n
"And yet you've no cause to hate me, Matt,
for I've been a good friend to you-and al
ways shall, because like you, Matt. Do you
understand, like your
So anxious did he seem to impress this upon
her that he put his arm around her waist,
drew her toward him and kissed her on the
cheek, q ceremony he had never performed
before. But Matt seemed by no means to
appreciate the honor; as his lips touched her
cheeks she shivered, and when he released her
she began rubbing at the place as If to wipe
the touch away.
If Mr.. Monk noticed this action on the part
Of the girl he deemed it prudent to take no
notice of it. He said a few more pleasant
things to Matt, and again patted her cheek
affectionately; then he left the cottage, taking
William Jones with him. Ten minutes later
William Jones returned alone.
"Where's he7" asked Matt.
''Meanin' Mr.. Monk, Matt-he be goner
said William Jones.
Gone for goods" demanded Matt, impa-
tently.
''No, he amt, Matt; he'll be down here to-
morrow, he will; and you'd best be at homel"
Matt said nothing this time; she only turned
away sullenly and shrugged her shoulders.
Matt. " said William Jones, presently.
'sWellr'
'Mr. Monk seems uncommon fond Of Won,
he do"