Connecticut western news., 1886-04-21
ONLY A COMPANION {

sIt seems to me I don't look as we'll as usual tonight" said Mrs. Major Dart burg:
 She shook her jet-black curls in ser pentine cataract about her face as she spoke, and critically surveyed herself in the glass.
 Mrs. Major Dartburg had been young CT, and she had been prettier, but she was surprisingly we'll gotten-up for all that. By gaslight you could scarcely have told that she was day over thirty years of age. And, as she invaribly took the precaution to be accompanied into ''society" by her companion, Miss Orms- by, whose special duty it was to observe and correct all mistakes of costume, con- plexion and curls before other eyes could possibly take note of .hem, Mrs. Dart burg felt tolerably safe.
 Mrs. Dartburg was widow in search of rich husband. The deceased major had been inconsiderate enough to die and leave her without an income which was decidedly incompatible with her wants-and the only thing left for her was to marry some one who could supply the awkward deficiency
 So Kate Ormsby was taken every year to some gay watering place or brilliantly thronged springs.
 Kate was very unlike her patroness, as she sat there pale and quiet in her blue dress. Her face was oval, with limpid, hazel eyes; features pure and straight and masses of raven black hair coiled in heavy braids at the back of her head. 'Insipid looking!" Mrs. Major Dartburg declared. Kate cared very little for the verdict, as long as her salary" as Mrs. Dartburg preferred to phrase It, sufficed for the support of her two little orphan brothers.
 ''No," said Mrs. Dartburg, querulous- ly, 'I don't look as well as usual, and if Mir. Truxton is to be there, I want to look better. Mr. Trlixton has estates in :, the West Indies, owns yacht and drives four-in-hand. I tell you what, Kate, you must put on little more rouge on the left cheek! And, Kate-if you would only leave off wearing those dow- dy black dresses! really am beginning to be ashamed of you when we go into the ballroom. Do get something new and stylish-a black iron -grenadine, or 6 China crape."
 ''i have. others to provide for besides myself,n said Kate, quietly. 'T cannot afford the new decorations of which 70, speak, Mrs. Dartburg."
 'sBut I'm not aware that I am called upon to support all the beggars and or phans in creationI" said the widow sharply. ''Here-put this spray of pur pie pansies in your hair-they are quite mourning enough, Pm sure"
 Mrs. Dartbnrg's scarlet-lipped smile was unwontedly sweet that night, as sht courtesied low 10 MT. Truxton, the ricl widower.
 "He's handsome," thought the hus- band huntress. "Dear me, he can't bt over forty, and as straight as an arrow P
 And she chatted away in her most fas- cinating manner as she walked through the rooms, leaning on Mir. Truxton's arm
 "A very agreeable woman," though the millionaire, 'though not as young a she has been! Knows everybody, ant seems exceedingly amiable. If I should marry again-and, really, little Ton needs woman's care when he is at hom for the holiday-it certainly is wortl thinking about"
 These were the disjointed meditation that passed through Mir. Truxton's min, as he politely listened to the widow. chit-chat, and asked questions about tn various occupants of the crowded room.
 '9Who is that tall girl by the windowa he asked, ''with the black eyes and tn pretty hair?"
 'sHow strange that you should notic herl Why, she is my companion, Kat Ormsby, sort of poor relation, whom keep with me out of pure charity"
 ''Very kind of you, am sure," sai' MT. Truxton, and he thought again tha with such an amiable parsonage as thi his motherless little boy would hardl, fail to be happy.
 'It's 8 trial at times" went on Mrs Dartburg, who was determined to neu trafze the admiration which bealned i MT. .Truxton's eyes, as he glanced bacl over his shoulder toward Kate's oueenl form, flor her temper is exceedingly UT certain"
 Mir. Truxton felt himself more an more attracted toward this angelic ere, ture, and he took the first opportunity ask: 'FWhether she was fond of children
 'I adore them," said the widow, clasl ing her hands.
 sI am glad of that" said Mir. Truxtol sT have little boy of my ownr'
 How transparent is mani Is it an e uond@ that Nm. Dartburg felt as sl Is asszess lS..zsxs