The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-09-07


"How long have you been from
homer"
"Seyeral months" / answered
"And how have you Jared during
those several monthsf"
ST have not been happy"
"Have the people you had dealings
with been kind to you?"
"Some have and some have not"
"Where did you live before You came
here?"
al would rather not tell that, Mrs.
Lawton, II you please. ] have good
reasons for wishing to keep 1t secret"
She watched me with intense interest
for short time.
"Miss Owens" she said, directly, II
do not wish to pry into your secrets'
have no right to do so. Yet how am
to assist you unless / have your conf
dence? You are stranger to me, and
before take you into my home ! ought
to know something of your past life."
The intimation that she was thinking
Of taking me into hor home filed me
with thrill of the widest Joy, and in
stantly my heart warmed to her.
"Mrs. Lawton," I cried, 81 would
willingly reveal to you everything con-
nected with my past If l felt that my
safety would admit of 1t. Mine is pe-
culiar and trying situation, and to re-
veal the incidents Of my existence for
the last month might place my happi-
ness and my very life in jeopardy"
'I do not know what your situation
is, OF course" she replied, "but can
assure you that you have nothing to
fear from revealing your history to me,
II IL Is clear, as / am sure It is. II we
are TO be friends and companions we
must have mutual confidence and trust"
From that moment | trusted Mrs.
Lawton fully. felt that no harm could
possibly result to me from making her
acquainted with my history from first
to last. was anxious TO make the rev.
elation to her, too, for hated secrets,
and dreaded the possibility of being
misjudged.
Mrs. Lawton," said, "you are q
stranger to me, but trust you. / will
tell you everything"
"Very WE'LL" she answered, quietly.
'T am sure you will lose nothing by It, I"
Then told her all Of my experiences
from the time left home, leaving out
only all references to viii Hanley and
Charles Cornell. told her Of the kind
ness Of Mr.. and Mrs. Cornell, Of the
GOODNESS Of my cousin, Of the warm in
terest Of Mr.. Bernard, and Of his sub
sequent conduct, and Of the slanderous
reports that were put afoat by his col
leagues, Miss Perkins and Mrs Bond.
She listened attentively until ] had
come to a finish, then, laying her hand
on mine, said:
II believe you, Agnes. have the
greatest faith in every word you have
uttered"
~ am so glad you believe me-"
cried, hardly restraining my tears. 81
was 80 much afraid you would not"
"But do. There is that In your
looks and manner that forbids doubt
of your honesty and truthfulness.
liked you when FIRST saw you at the
door, and like you better now. an
queer woman In most respects, Agnes
and dare say my sudden liking fol
you Is one.of my queer freaks. People
will say 80, at least But II doesnN
mstter, !or have little to do with peo
pie and they have little to 90 with me
live my own life In my own way, an;
bother no one else and ask no one Il
bother about me. But l will talk o
that ut some other time. You have hao
no dinner, have youP"
mo, ma'am." replied.
"Well, then, you certainly want !
now. You are to remain here three o
four days, II you will"
Three or four days?" exclaimed
in tone Of deep disappointment &c
hoped was to remain" Then re
membering myself, Ipaused and blushe'
, in confusion.
"You hoped you were TO remain
longer2" Mrs. Lawton questioned.
Eyes, ma'am," | replied ~ hope,
you could employ me In some way"
81 don't know about that" she said
al am n queer, grim, unpleasant oil
woman, and you may find living wit
me unbearable. ! should be glad :
have you here, for have taken
strange fancy TO you, and II you care +
stay you shall But you must have
few days to decide. You must come :
understand me better before you max
! any agreement. Remain three day
and then we will talk the matter owe
again. Now lay aside your things an
come with me TO dinner"
Iobeyed, and a few minutes later W
sat down TO little table in largC
airy room and were served with tn
choicest Of viands. My hostess talke
little during the meal, and for th
greater part Of the time seemed deepl
absorbed in thought. Once glance
up TO find her eyes riveted on me In
curious gaze, and the instant her eye
met mine she let them drop and Aus
suffused her face.
After dinner she took me a
through the house and showed me II
various rooms. There was librar
well supplied with books, and | e.
pressed my admiration Of II.
"Do you like books?" she asked.
~ am very fond of them," / replied
"Then," she said, make yourself I
home here. The books will help you
get through the long, dull days
Thine will not drag" answered, "
I have plenty Of duties"
"You will have but one duty, NJ
that Is TO get what enjoyment you CO