The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-01-22
THE GOVERNESS.

nC bLdin SliOt out vi clRllI Ill tlIt
blackness of the night; pencil of
light flom the station lamp, Skinner
ing upon the wet platform. dimly out
lined the figure Of young girl clad in
waterproof. A carriage drove up,
with the curtains closely drawn, and
loud but not unpleasantly voice call
ed out
This way, please"
A drive over rough road brought
them to commodious residence, sur
rounded by grounds ample enough for
a park. AS it was late she was shown
at once to a room.
She arose early the next morning,
awakened by the brightness of the at
mosphere and the sweet singing Of the
birds.
She has given her name as Kate Con
over, and had come to accept the posi-
ton Of governess in the family.
Presently the lady of the house
knocked and entered the room. Evil
IDENTITY she was much pleased with the
new arrival, for her eyes rested upon a
sweet, frank face, graceful, compact
form and an attire as neat as it was
sensible.
~ hardly expected to find you so
young" Mrs. Cameron said.
mo" asked Miss Conover, still
you will find me proficient"
Oh, to be sure" Mrs. Cameron
hui1iedly said Please walk down
to breakfast"
The breakfast room reached, she
said: " Miss Cadovef-Brice Ruther-
ford, my nephew"
The name startled the young lady
50 much that her self possession almost
failed her. She bowed in recognition
of the Introduction, and then turned
her attdntion to the two children who
were to be un Ter her charge.
During the morning meal she cast
several furitive glance at Brice Ruth
erford, not quite sure whether he was
the man who had driven her from the
station or not. He was reticent then
he seemed to be reticent now. He
was young, handsome, refined, with
perhaps rather an exalted opinion of
himself.
1t was not remarkable that during
the summer he began to take consider
able interest in the pretty little COVER
ness. He was thrown almost daily in
her society, and her frankness was es-
pecially charming to him, because he
was not much disposed to be frank
himself.
His interest at last assumed more
fervent shape, and finally led him to
make 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, butt
Brice Rutherford frowned at the re-
'emark and waited for her to conclude
"You see, you don't know anything
lbout me-" the said, starting in afresh.
"Oh, but fiatter myself do" was
lis reply. 81 never act without prop
,r consideration
" mean as to my-my-antece-
lents," Miss Conover said. 'As to
ny-my-purposes"-
81 don't care about your antece-
lents,o he interrupted. " And as for
your purposes, hope one of them will
oe to make me as happy as you can
sob, to be sure, replied she.
"Wen, | am glad that we under
stand each other, and"-
but | don't know that we do,o
Interrupted she, in turn. Il know that |
you proposed to me, but | cannot re-
,all that | accepted you"
"Ohw he calculated. with a crest
fallen look
Miss Conover laughed softly and
said, " am willing to hold your offer
under advisement."
''That win not satisfy me-" he re-
Piled
"But it must" reioined she. II
think am accordingyou a great deal. "
Well, maybe you are,' he said,
with a grimace. 81 can't say that I'm
excessively grateful"
"I'll give you my answer in Sep
tember," Miss Conoyer, replied THAT
isn't far off, you know"
"Wel, no, it isn't" assented he, and
that closed the conversation.
In the early part of September bust
ness took him into the city, and he was
absent a week. When he returned to
his aunt's country seat he found that
the pretty little governess was no long
er there. He was almost dumbfounded.
"Where is she ?" he asked.
81 don't know replied Mrs. Cam
eron. " Among her friends, no doubt"
:" She coming back p
"No, much to my regret and the
disappointment of the children"
Brice Rutherford stared at the car
pet.
" Did she leave message for me ?"
he asked.
A letter, at least" replied Mrs.
Cameron. Il notice that there is one
on her bureau directed to you.n
He hurried up stairs in manner not