Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-04-29


 to Know somsthinR q your past if" ]" The intimation that she was thinking of taking me into her home filled me with thrill of the widest joy. and in- stantly my heart warmed to her.
 Mrs. Lawton," I cried, 'T would willingly reveal to you everything con nected with my past if felt that my safety would admit of it. Mine is a 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"
 II do not know what your situation is, of course," she replied, ''but I can assure you that you have nothing to fear from revealing your history to me, if 1t is clear, as I am sure it is. If we are to be friends and companions we must have mutual confidence and trust. 1" From that moment trusted Mrs. Lawton fully. I felt that no harm could possibly result to me from making her acquainted with my history from first to last. I 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 a \ l tell you everything"
 "Very wen," she answered, quietly II am sure you will lose nothing by it..
 Then I told her all of my experiences from the time left home, leaving out only all references to Will Hanley and Charles Cornell. I told her of the kind ness of Mir. and Mrs. Cornell, of the coolness of my cousin, of the warm in- terest of MT. 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 I had come to finish, then, laying her hand on mine, said:
 ''I believe you, Agnes. I have the greatest faith in every word you have uttered"
 "I am so glad you believe me-" I cried, hardly restraining my tears. ''I was so much afraid you would not''
 "But l do. TSere is that in your looks and manner that foTAids doubt of your honesty and truthfulness. I liked you when first saw you at the door, and like you better now. am queer woman in most respects. Agnes, and dare say my sudden liking for JON AS OAAS OA 4OCCA 4ACdhSs 1COP1C will say so, at least. But 1t doesn't matter, for have little to do with peo- pie and they have little to do with me. live my own life in my own way, and l bother no one else and ask no one to bother about me. But will talk of that at some other time. You have had no dinner, have you?"
 "No, ma'am," replied.
 "WnlI then ~foi in1xy now. You are to remain here three or four days, if you will"
 "Three or four days?" I exclaimed, in tone of deep disappointment. "I hoped I was to remain" Then re- membering myself, paused and blushed in confusion.
 longer?" Mrs. Lawton questioned.
 ''Yes, ma'am," replied. 'I hoped you could employ me in some way"
 ''I don't know about that,' she said. "1 am queer, grim, unpleasant old woman, and you may find living with me unbearable. I should be glad to strange fancy to you, and if you care to stay you shall. But you must have a few days to decide. You must come to understand me better before you make any agreement. Remain three days and then we will talk the matter over again. Now lay aside your things and come with me to dinner" obcyed, and few minutes later we sat down to a little table in a large, airy room and were served with the choicest of viands. My hostess talked little during the meal, and for the greater part of the time seemed deeply absorbed in thought. Once I glanced up to find her eyes riveted on me in a curious gaze, and the instant her eyes met mine she let them drop and flush suffused her face. After dinner she took me all through the house and showed me the | various rooms. There was a library well supplied with books, and I ex- pressed my admiration of it. Do you like boolSs?'' she asked. "I am very fond of them," I replied. '"Then," she said, make yourself at home here. The books will help you to l get through the long, dull days
 ''Time will not drag" answered, eff have plenty of duties.'' "You will have but one duty, and that is to get what enjoyment you can out of your stay with me. have shown you the house, now make yourself at home in it. Three days from now we will talk this matter over again."
 The Proposed Ship Canal,