The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1901-09-12

~ her handsome drawing room
" when Il servant announced:
"a young lady to speak
10 you, madam. if you please"
SHOW her in said Mrs. Button.
necessary, for the "young lady was
close at the servants heels.
The twilight was yet lingering. and
the room was mostly in shadow: but
the hall outside was brilliantly lighted
and Mrs. Button caught clear view
hind her. She appeared to be young
and very pretty girl. of tall, slender
figure. clear skin, and dark brown
hair and large dark eyes: but it was
her dress that chiefly caught Mrs.
Buttons surprised attention, and held
out speaking, for, though the hat and
shawl she wore were of the plainest
description. the dress she strove to
hide beneath them was of the costliest
silk, richly trimmed with lace. and
her gloves and shoes were the finest
that could be procured.
Please, dear madam, do not judge
me by my appearance, but in pity
listen to me and grant my prayer"
said the pretty stranger coming a step
or two nearer. and stretching out her
hands entreatingly. II want employ
inent and shelter. and though I have
neither recommendation nor reference
10 offer, beg you TO forego both, in
my case, and let me serve you. Oh.
do. dear madam, and l shall bless you
from the depths Of my grateful hearth
She was greatly agitated; her voice
trembled, and it was evident that
pent-up emotion was overcoming her.
Now Mrs. Button was not timid
woman, so it never entered her mind
to imagine that this trembling girl
could be one of band of thieves.
trying TO gain admission with n view
TO rob her mansion, nor was she one
Of those who see designing rogue
in every applicant for aid; but the in-
congruities of the young lady's ap-
pearance troubled her and made her
hesitate before speaking.
''Sit down here near the window, !"
she said, after moments thought.
You arc both tired and agitated. [
see. Have you come from "A dis
tance?"
'I-I-that isl beg you will not
ask me- replied the stranger.
"Wlll you give me your name?"
After little hesitation, the girl
Inurmured in low voice:
Call me Jessie Pallama, please"
That is not her name," was Mrs.
Buttons mental conclusion; but she
asked again. "Will you not confide to
me the trouble that forces you TO your
present necessity? l will not betray
you, unless. indeed. 1t Is something |
could not dare TO keep secret"
II cannot" said the girl. resolutely
though in very sad voice. IF you
repulse ME, / must seek further; but
l entreat you, in pity"
Stay" said Mrs Button, decidedly;
and the girl who had partly risen.
dropped into her seat with an intense
ly thankful sigh.
There was moments silence, and
then the lady continued:
u am, no doubt, doing very fool
ish thing; | am listening to the die
tates of my heart. apart from the sug-
gcstlons of my judgment Come up
stairs with me. If you remain here.
IL must be in Il garb that will not ex-
cite the wonder OF my servants. 1
nave woolen dress which | hive
seldom worn; 1t can be arranged TO
ut you. and will do for the present. -
A murmur of thanks was Jessle's
reply, and she followed her new mis-
tress TO small chamber on the right
OF her own sleeping apartments.
This will be your room, Jessie. ("
she said with a smile, "and | shall
exercise the right of locking you in
every night after l retire, thus max.
ing your object in seeking secrecy
perfectly harmless to every one."
Certainly, madam. Only let me
stay here quietly, and l will do any
'hing or agree to anything you may
suggest"
When Jessie Pallama descended TO
the drawing room again, she looked
like q different being. Her glossy and
abundant hair was smoothly drawn
Dack from her beautiful brow. and
yer line form was well displayed in
ehe dark brown wooden dress she had
,ngcnlousIy altered to fit herself.
Her place. as defined in q few
I44r A.