The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1893-04-06

W. - ~ aE y T.
My father kept a quiet inn, chiefly
for farmers and country traders, in
that day, so long ago, when I first
saw the little French lass, Amelie
rd'Astigneau. You never knew that was
the true name of your fathers grand
mother, she that was known as Dame
Emily Withwell. Well, it is an odd
story r. z
A few guests came to us sometimes
from the ships which anchored in Bos-
ton harbor. One morningit was about
tho autumn Of 1774, I think-father
came hurriedly into the room where I
was at work with mother We were
making pillows for the inn, remember,
and mother, who had sprained her
ankle, was resting the bandaged foot
an cushioned cricket as she sewed.
Nancy said father to Inc, eve
1have two guests from the ship Carlot,
ljust in port. They are French, I
think, though the man speaks English.
There is child with him--a child of
quality, I judge. have given them
sthe best oak chamber. Go and attend
the child. Your mother cannot walk,
and care not to trust to maid"
+ went straight away without any
concern, for it was often my place to
welcome guests whom father wished to
treat with special courtesy. l was
-wel-grown lass at that time, eighteen
DC nineteen perhaps, healthy and rosy
checked. and folks said not i'll to look
sCIon; but let that pass.
When knocked and entered the oak
loom, saw standing by the window a
grave-looking. middle aged man and a
little girl Of six Or seven years. The
mans rank could hardly be guessed
from his dress, which was OF fine quail
tty but plain; and although he was Of
good address, he carried himself not
with the air Of a lord. 'a'- ..-.
: The little girl, however, wore cloth
ing of costly material and finest make,
though now somewhat sOiled and
frayed by wear Jon Shipboard. She
was u pretty little creature, with
brown eyes and a cloud of soft golden
hair AS I entered she made some re-
mark to the man, speaking in French.
Speak in English, please, mademoi-
'selle,' he replied. ''Mademoiselle must
try and remem Der. She can pronounce
carefully, and it is the English she must
speak in this country"
eyes, Monsieur Francois" replied the
child, meekly. There was a Wistful
rinquiring look on her pretty, childish
face My heart warmed to her from
that first sight.
Then the man came forward anC
looked at me searchingly.
"You came to attend the child?" he
asked, speaking as one not accustomed
to the English tongue. But you are
mot one of the maids?''
II am the landlords daughter"
replied. "My father Gid not wish tt
trust to a maid"
''You are kind" he sail, co1lrteously
-"What I wish is that the child hay'
especial attention while we remai'
here. I would say that there will b.
ample payment for the service
II will see to it, SIR made answer
"A breakfast and bath and bed TO
the little lady-that is required first,
suppose"
''Precisely," he replied, "and I woul
gladly engage you to attend to be
wardrobe. She has few clothes here
you will see," pointing to small ira,
cling case. Can you purchase an
have made new supply within th
week. a|-
~. I looked closely at the texture an
quality of the child's frock. doubte
II such clothing could be found
Boston, and I told him so. gt=
'But that is not what wish!' l
exclaimed. "Quite the contrary. 1t
but supply Of the plainest clothing
comfortable and neat, but common
such as is worn by the children of tt
4people-the peasants-I mean the far1
sing people, that is what desire"
l am sure there was surprise in n
face.
Especially he continued 81 wi
her present clothing to be careful
repaired and packed with the ne
Nothing must be destroyed or throw
away"
Somehow the kind look which
bent upon the child, whose tiny ha,
he was holding as he talked, res
-sured me, and answered it should
as he wished.
So took the little maid away to r
own room. She was tired and wo
and needed sleep, as could see
late eagerly the sweet milk and bre
and roasted apple which broug
Then I removed he. dainty cloth
.admiring much the fine lace up
them, and gave her a warm la
before y wrapped her in a little mig
robe. When co,nbed out the mas
OF golden hair found them sat
tangled.
'I think, missy, you have not i
your hair DIRE ssed much on shipboar
I said.
"No, mees." she replied, in her O
broken speech. Monsieur Francoi
he try, but he know not how. hat
-ia3Rs4 oid thorn-on shin -
Monsieur Francois?'' I said 9
as not your father then?"
oh. no, nor she cried. II hat I