Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1888-12-13
DICKS GOVERNESS.
The Romance of Her Life, and a
Few Words About Myself.

We were all IN the library, Lucia,
her mother, Dick and myself, when
Dicks new governess, Margaret Ogil-
vic, was ushered in.
Aunt rose as she entered, and for
mally took her hand, and after COM
monplaee or two regarding her jour-
ney, rang for the servant to show her
to her room.
"What do you think of hcr?" asked
Aunt Howard, as tho door closed be-
hind her.
Lucia's lip curlcd rather supercili-
ously as sho said:
''She looks as If sho had spunk
enough to manage Dick, at any rate. !"
Dicks crimson stockinged legs gavo
defiant wave from his position upon
the rug, while I spoke up impulsively,
as was my wont;
81, for one, think she is lovely!"
My heart had gone right out to the
clear, pale face, with its great, pa
thetic, gray eyes.
"A lovely governess" interjected
Lucia. "Gortie, you always were q
fanciful child"
My cousin we'll knew that in no bet
ter way could she wound my feeling
than by calling me child.
Tho next few days soon proved that
the new acquisition to our household
was a cause OF great relief, for Dick
succumbed to what he never had met
before--a master spirit
No more did tortured Nep fling his
howls out upon the quiet air; cats wend-
cd their way about the fences without
their dread OF small boys and tin cans,
and all around the Elms peace reigned
supreme.
Miss Ogilvie was certainly treasure,
so said Annt Howard, and with that
dismissed her from her thoughts.
It was not so with me however, for,
as | have said before, liked her from
the first moment saw her, and as my
doings at the Fins were mover COM
mented upon, the school-room saw mo
as often as it did Dick.
Miss 0gilvie was beautiful, as | ac-
knowledged to myself on further ac-
quaintance, and Dicks loving subiec-
ton was owing perhaps more to the
charm of her sweet, mournful eyes
than to her force of command. From
spoiled tyrant | could see that under
her kind supervision he was fast grow
ing to be an affectionate, manly boy.
Lucia sometimes rallied me upon my
Glow tastes but she did not often
trouble herself about me.
was sixteen. and OF course not
"out' in society; and therefore, though
tho drawing-rooms were frequently
filled by Lucia's gay friends, / had no
desire, even had an invitation, to join
their number. / occupied an anoma-
lous position at the Elms. When my
mother died she left me to my aunt's
keeping. BY her | had always been
treated kindly, but felt that to Lucia
my presence, if not exactly disagree
able, was a nuisance. So it was no
great deprivation for me to spend tho
evenings in the school-room, even,
though sometimes the blood would
Jingle in my veins as delicious strains
of music would rise from below.
There was only one of Lucia's friends
whom ! had desire to meet His
name was Mr.. Darlington, and he
owned large place not very far from
US. had heard his many destinations
dilated upon SO often that | felt n
strong curiosity to see such an Adonis
among men.
One afternoon Margaret q had
learned to call her so at her request),
Dick and / started out for ramblc
Dick was the guide, and by his direc-
ton we had progressed a long distance
through the woods which stretched on
al sides near the Elms, when on turn
ing to go back. we found we had lost
our way.
Dick, you must have taken o wrong
turn exclaimed Margaret.
While we were consulting together,
suddenly, with loud "Halloar' Dick
sprang forward, and ran toward a
couple of gentlemen who were ap-
preaching. They soon neared US, while
Dick, holding one OF them Familiarity
by the hand, vas volubly explaining
our trouble. | instantly recognized,
from Lucia's enthusiastic description,
the Mr.. Darlington she liked so we'll.
Gracefully dofring his hat, and COM
ing to my side. he said:
dick informs me that you are his
cousin, Miss Ward. / am well ac-
quaiuted with his sister; though / now
have the pleasure of meeting you for
the first timo-perhaps you have heard
my name--Mr. Darlington. Then
turning to his friend ALLOW me to
present to you, Mr.. Gainsborough. .
Quickly recovering my composure.
| in turn introduced Miss Ogilyie
could not help noticing how very
pale her face suddenly grew, and what
strange, dilated expression her eyes
wore; but as we walked homeward,
soon forgot all else save the handsome,
dark eyes which met my glance with
an answering smile in their brown
depths.
Truly, Lucia was right! Mr.. Car
rington was one Of the noblest and
handsomest of men.
We parted at the gate | had not
been long in my room until the door
opened, and Margaret came in. / saw
something was agitating her even be-
fore she spoke
'Gertrude.' she exclaimed, did Mr..
Darlington tell you how long his
friend was to stay with him?n
No, | do not think we spoke of
him, | answered. slowly, wondering
at her manner and words.
She regarded me a moment, as il
doubtfully; then seating herself at my
feet, and taking my hand, she said;
My dear friend (for feel that yo1
are one), let me tell you my story, and
you wins,aderstand why | asked, and