Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1886-04-01
AGNES.

ed INTO the room her face took an anx
ious expression, as she saw the bowed
Young head and heard the smothered
sobs OF the mistress OF whom she was
so unselfishly fond. What IS it,
dear? Did the letter bring bad newsl
Tell me all about it, and maybe tell
ing of your troublell make it easier
TO bear"
Agnes raised her head and looked
bout her in a dazsd sort OF a way for
an instant. Then, with an effort. she
controlled herself sufficiently to speak
and unburden her mind of the sad
truth which so heavily pressed 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 Cousin Earnest He will take
care OF you"
A crimson flush chased away the
girls deathly pallor.
Hush, Mrs. Willard Don't speak
to me OF him again; he is married
The news came this morning"
"Shame on him, and he engaged TO
you. He is black hearted"
mo, Mrs Willard; he's only tickle
and thoughtless. He fell desperately
in love with the pretty young thing
he has married, and they have made
runaway match. / am glad he has
found out the nature of his liking for
me before instead of after our union
had taken place. lie had a cousinly
feeling for me, that was all.
Agnes spoke with dignity which 81.
fenced her listener at once.
"Well, come and have your lunch
now. broiled a bit of chicken for
you, and l hope that it will taste
nice. Fretting won't mend things a
Bit
She coaxed Agnes into the dining
room and gave her cup Of Mocha,
laid the morning paper beside her
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 attention. II was the
following.
WANTED-A HOUSEKEEPER- SHE MUST
w be active and good tempered as well as
competent to direct the dsmesucs under her par
tcuar charge.
II shall have TO earn my living
now, thought Agnes with a sigh
and | kept house for papa so why
can't for some one else2 At any rate
] will answer this advertisement and
find out what kind Of duties are re
CURED
She wrote note and sent it to the
address given. The following day
brought a reply from Mr.. Durant re
guessing to call at the writer's house,
giving It's number and the name OF
the street After a long walk she
reached the place 1t was quite an
imposing mansion. A carriage was
drawn up before it, and a livered
footman ran up the steps and pulled
the bell, glancinR curIously at Agnes
as he did so.
A servant came to the door. Agnes
gave him her card and he moved nois
lessly away, returning TO say
please, miss, walk into the Ii
5rary.'
A gentleman was seated at table
writing, ne turned his head as Agnes
entered carelessly at first, then cur
iously. His eyes were very dark anC
bright. and their expression was one
Of much surprise.
II hope you will pardon me, ~ sale
be, ''for saying your youth is agalns
you
Agnes tried to make her voice steady
as she answered but in spite OF her eff
forts it trembled.
II never had any trouble with ou
own servants, sir, and l thought
might manage other People
but l see my mistake
II must again ask pardon for intrud
ing my opinions upon you. But why
may l ask, have you selected thi
employmentG'
'It was a sudden impulse whicl
led me to answer your notice. Poo
papa has been gone from me a Who'll
year, and now have Just heard tina
all the money he has left is lost.
must earn my living some way
II like your spirit The taking G
such a responsible place as that OF q
recting the spirit of my househol
machinery would not be feasible; bu
have an invalid aunt who is aboI
to part with a companion-a lad
who has come into a small propert
lately and does not need the posluo
any longer. IL you succeed in NAL
ing favorable impression upon th
old lady, who is rather queer in he
way, il viii be a much easier employ
ment than that of housekeeper.
will conduc! you to her and see no.
the plan succeeds.
Agnes modest face attracted the il
valids fancy, and she was engaged /
take the place the following weel
She fulfilled her duties every day
and after several months becam
much attached to her mistress. He
death came suddenly. and was q Yer