Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1892-02-02
THE GoVERNESs.
By FRANK Il. srAurFER.

The train shot out of sight in the
blackness of the night; a pencil of
light from the station lamp, simmer
ing upon the wet platform, dlmly OUT
lined the figure Of young girl, clad
in a waterproof. A carriage drove up,
with the curtains closely drawn, and
a loud but not unpleasant voice called
out: IS,
"This way, please"
A drive over a rough road brought
them to oommodious residence, sur
rounded by grounds ample enough
for park. As it was late she was
shown at once to aroom.
She arose early the next morning,
awakened by the brightness of the
atm mosphere and the sweet singing of
the birds.
She had given her name as Kate
Conover, and had come to accept the
position of governess in the family.
Presently the lady OF the house
knocked, and entered the room. Evi-
IDENTIFY she was much pleased with the
new arrival. for her eyes rested upon
sweet, frank face, a graceful, COM
pact form, and an attire as neat asIit
was sensible.
Ao1AlS GAHSClt0s W 1luht YOU 30
young" Mrs. Cameron said.
." Mop" asked Miss Conover, "stiil
you will find me proficient ElH
"Oh, to be sure" Mrs. Cameron
hurriedly said. please walk down
to breakfast"
The breakfast room reached, she
said: -
Miss Conover-Brice Rutherford.
| my nephew"
The name startled the young lady
so much that her self-possession
almost failed her. She bowed in rec
ognition OF the introduction and then
turned her attention to the two
children who were to besunder her
charge.
During the morning meal she cast
several fGrtive glances at Brlce
Rutherford, not quite sure whether
| he was the man who had driven her
from the station or not. He was re-
ticent then-he seemed to be reticent
now. He was young, handsome, re-
fined, with, perha 8, rather an exalted
opinion OF himself.
ISwas not remarkable that during
the summer he began to take con-
siderable interest in the pretty little
governess. He was thrown almost
daily in her society, and her frank
ness was especially charming to him,
because he was not much disposed to
be frank himself
His interest at last assumed more
feryent shape, and finally led him to
make a declaration of love. A look of
triumph crossed her face, but it es-
capped his notice, for she was seated
in the shadow.
This isn't unexpected" she re-
piled, but
Brice Rutherford frowned at the re-
mark, and waited for her to conclude
! it.
"You see. you don't know anything
about me-" she said, starting in
afresh.
"oh. but fatter myselfI do" was
his reply. 81 never act without prop
er consideration"
mean as to my-my-antece-
dents," Miss Conover said. "As to
my-my-purposes -
II don't care about your antece-
dents" he interrupted. "And as for
your purposes, hope one OF them
will be to make me Us happy as you
can"
"Oh, to be sure" replied she.
Well, I am glad that we under
stand each other, and
But, don't know that we do"
interrupted che, in turn. 81 know
that you proposed to me, but I can
not recall that accepted you"
"OhP' he calculated, with crest
fallen look. .-s...s,.
Miss Conover laughed softly, and
said I am willing to hold your offer
under advisement"
! - ~
Piled.
But 1t must" rejoIned she. "I
think I am according you a great
"Well maybe you are," he said
I'm excessively grateful
I'll give you my answer IN Septem-
ber," Miss Conoyer replied. THAT
isn't far OF, you know. %
Well, no, it isn't" assented he.
and that closed the conversation.
In the early part of September busi-
ness took him to the city and he was
absent week. When he returned to
his aunt's country seat he found that
the pretty little goyerness was no
longer there. He was almost dumb
founded.
Where is she2" he asked.
81 don't know" replied Mrs. Cam
eron. "Among her friends, no
doubt"
"she is coming backp"
"No; much to my regret and the
disappointment Of the children
Brice Rutherford stared at the car
pet.
Did she leave message for mea"
he asked.
"a letter. at least" replied Mrs.
Cameron. "I notice that there is one
oa her bureau directed to you.
He hurried upstairs in a manner
not in keeping with his habitual dig
nifty. When he opened the envelope
he was surprised to find one of his
own letters In It, although ne had
never written to her. A look Of con-
sternation spread over his face as he
read it.
In his boyhood he had had little
! sweetheart named Rose Ralston. It