Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-01-07


to withdraw the suggestion, and offer the
appointment to another.
The conversation briskly carried on
among the others was seemingly of no in
terest to her, as she never changed her po-
sition, or raised her eyes from the page be-
fore her. She did not even look up when
the door presently opened, and Mrs. Ellery,
the matron, entered the room. But her
name, uttered by that lady, claimed her
notice, and she lifted her head with an en-
quiring glance, mingled with an expression
of something like annoyance at the inter
ruption., ,
Gus tone, 81 wish tospeak to you in private.
Come with me into the next room."
Several pairs of wondering eyes followed
the two as they withdrew to the farther end
of the dormitory, where there conversation
was out of reach of inquisitive ears.
''Something's up" briefly remarked
Clara.
"Perhaps one of Mags distant relatives
has come to claim her." suggested Sophy.
"You know those Bartons that she is always
talking about 2" auSs.-viJr 80.
81 am happy to say don't know them, if
they resemble her" said Clara. "They are
welcome to carry her off if they want to" ="
"Mrs. Ellery looks as if she had the world
|
'sSee how impressively she is talking"
Don't stare at them," ordered Sophy.
''If the business concerns us we'll find it
out in good time."
"Magdalen," Mrs. Ellery was saying,
''this may be very advantageous opportu-
nifty for you, and 1 advise you to take due
thought before you reject it. You have
made no secretof your anxiety to leave the
Asylum, nor do think it unnatural, know
ing your past circumstances and your pres
ent views, that you should feel this anxiety.
At the same time, as you are not obliged yet
to seek asituation, you may continue to find
home among US if you prefer doing SO,
and shall endeavor, as have always done'
to make it a happy one for YOU"
"You have been very kind to me always"
Magdalen answered, in a constrained tone.
II have tried to be so, my dear. At any
rate, wish to leave your choice perfectly
unbiased, while at the same time, as l have
| lust said, incline favorably towards the
proposal have received"
| "DOeS companion mean a servant Z" ask
ed Magdalen with deepening flush on her
cheeks.
"By no means; particularly not, as l
should judge, in the present case. Mrs:
Fairfax seems a most gentle and refined
person, and with her I feel assured you
would suffer no kind of degradation. Will
you come down now and speak to her? We
must not keep her waiting too long,
81 will be ready in minute or tWO," re-
piled Magdalen. "Don't wait for me,
please"
every well, you can follow me to the
parlor."
When Mrs. Ellery had gone, Magdalen
went to her dressng-table to smooth her
hair and arrange her collar, scrutinizing, as
she did so, her image in the looking glass,
with an anxious and critical air.
II wish did not have on this horrid dress,
she muttered to herself. The dress was re-
ally not Objectionable, consisting as it did
of a dark gingham, nicely made, and
white frilled apron, but it was hateful in
her eyes as being the prescribed garb OF
she could venture, she went slowly and
with beating heart, down stairs.
In the little parlor used AS reception
room Mrs. Ellery was talking to lady.
young, slight and fair dressed in the deep
est mourning, and with an expression OF
deep sadness on her sweet face. She raised
pair of soft dark eyes to Magdalen, as the
girl entered the room, walking very erect
with a half defiant, half shy look and air,
caused by mingled embarrassment and
pride.
'tThis is Magdalen Frost" said Mrs. Ell,
lery. "Magdalen, this is Mrs. Fairfax, the
lady I have been telling you of. l will
leave you together, she added, rising from
her seat, that you may come to better un-
derstanding than you might in the pres
ence of third party.
Mrs. Fairfax also rose, extending her
hand, which Magdalen somewhat hesta-
tingly took. "Will you sit here beside
me?" she said in gentle and winning
tone, indicating place on the sofa. Mag
dalen obeyed. =,
81 have been inquiring of Mrs. Ellery,'
continued Mrs. Fairfax, "as no doubt she
has informed you, whether she could re-
commend to me some good girl among her
pupils who would be competent to fili the
post of companion. lam not strong-l have
been in great ttrouble-"her voice faltered-
''and I am ordered abroad for change of all
and scene. I am anxious to secure the so.
ciety of an intelligent person who will de-
vote her time to me, who will care for me
if l should be ill, who will, in fact, prove
an assistant and friend, and relieve by her
companionship the loneliness of my posi-:
ton. In return for these services shall
bestow all the kindness and consideration
which would give relative, with a liber.
al allowance Of pocket money, furnish all
necessary clothing, and spare reasonable
time for recreation and amusement. am
not exacting, and usually get on we'll with
everybody.
"You are going abroad?" asked Magdalen
with sparkle of the eye.
Il am, and just as soon as l can effect
this arrangement. l dare not go alone.
Of course l must stipulate that whoever ac-
companies me as companion is pledged to
return with me when come home"
"And Mrs. Ellery thought might suit?
half inquiringly, half doubtfully rejoined
Magdalen.
'She did. She recommended two or
three other girls, but advised me to give
you the first choice"
"And you are willing to have me :"
am willing to give you trial. Mrs
Ellery has proposed that you should come
to me for Il week, that we may become
acquainted. If, at the end of that time
we are mutually satisfied, our compact Will
be made"
Magdalen drew a long, tremulous breath
81 Should like to CO." she said in a low
tone; adding, with involuntary but sup
pressed energy, as she pressed her hands
tightly together, "Oh, so much"
Mrs. Fairfax regarded her earnestly.
"Are you not happy here ?" she asked.
"No!" cried Magdalen with fervor.
MAY ask the reason ?''
"Would you be happy, Madam, to spend
your days in a place like this, among sc
many low people, who cannot sympathize
with or understand you-whO care nothing
about your being of good birth-who ridi'
cule your ambitiOn-who are all on one com
mon place level? / am lady," said Mag
dalen, speaking rapidly and losing all shy
ness in her new excitement. "My father
was a merchant, my mother was Il clergy
l. l.