Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-09-06
CHAPTER VII.

Mrs. Dalton felt very dull without
her daughters She had not many re-
sources, and had no very near neigh
bors, except deaf old lady, who could
never have been an amusing companion
in her best days She did not like walk
ing out by herself, was tired of novels,
and was altogether in fretful and dis
satisfied frame of mind.
The breakfast things had been cleared
away, and she was just thinking what
she should do with herself all the morn
ing, when Sarah came to say that a
lady had called, wishing to see her.
"Who is it, Sarah?o she asked.
81 don't know, 'um," Sarah replied.
"She didn't give no name; she said
'um.'
"Show her into the drawing-room,"
said Mrs. Dalton.
She followed her unknown visitor in
to the drawing-rOom. and saw before
her rather tall, fine-lOOking woman,
richly dressed in black silk and Grape.
Her figure and lower part of her face
gave the idea of a woman still young,
though her complexion was SallOW.
Her eyebrows were black and well de-
fined, but her hair was quite gray, and
drawn away in plain bands under
"liOH . cap 1It flCpN 4bAL1 VI 4lCI
bonnet partly shaded her face, and she
wore blue spectacles. She bowed grace
fully as Mrs. Dalton Joined her.
Struck by her ladylike appearance,
Mrs. Dalton begged her to be seated.
She took chair that stood against the
window next to Mrs. DaltOn's work
table, alleging a weakness of the eyes
as a reason why she avoided having the
light upon her face.
Il have taken the liberty OF calling to
inquire about the character of a serv-
ant-Ann Turner" she said, referring
to a paper she held in her hand. Il
ought to have waited for an appoint
ment, am aware: but / am in haste,
as l am about to leave town. This must
be my excuse"
1.-The character of a servant?' Mrs.
Dalton repeated in surprise. Il am
afraid there is some mistake-1 am not
parting with a servant"
Mrs. Dalton, of Garden House?"
said the stranger, interrogatiYely, again
referring to her paper.
THAT is my name," returned Mrs.
Dalton; but this is not Garden House.
1t is Ivy Cottage
"Oh, dear; then am afraid l have
made a mistake" the stranger an
nounced, but without Offering to move
from her seat. Il am so sorry 10 have
intruded."
She sighed, and put her handkerchief
up to her brow, as if weary.
pray don't mention it-and don't
hurry" said Mrs. Dalton. You seem
tired"
II am tired" the lady confessed. Il
have been inquiring everywhere for
Garden House; and then L asked FOR
Mrs Dalton, and was directed here.
Perhaps you could tell me where TO find
Garden House?''
Il don't know of any such place
about here" returned Mrs. Dalton;
s'nor did I know that any one Of the
same name lived in the neighborhood." d."
dalton or Cation" said the lady
s'the name is not very distinctly writ
ten. asked for Galton first, and then,
when the tradesman | inquired OF mem
toned Dalton, thought that must be
it. Seeing the large garden when the
gate was opened, felt sure l was
right"
"Yes. the garden is large-it covers
nearly half an acre." communicated
Mrs. Dalton, not sorry TO indulge IN a
little chat. Its an expense to keep
UP. or at least would De II it was prop
eTfy kept in order, and / dare say
would be worth good deal for building
on But it is NY own property, and the
house is large enough for me and my
two daughters. TIE only inconyeni-
ence is its distance from the gate"
II should imagine that must be an
inconvenience in wet weather or IN
winter said the stranger. But it 8
pretty house-the growth Of ivy makes