Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-10-25
JESSIE PALLAMA
By Ella NJ. Hess.
RS. BUTTON was alone in
her handsome drawing room
when q servant announced:
"a young lady to speak

"A young lady to speak
to you, madam, If you please"
"Show her in," said Mrs. Button,
kindly; but the words were scarcely
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
OF her visitor ere the door closed be-
hind her. She appeared to be young
and very pretty girl, of a 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
1t captive as she gazed at her with
out speaking, for, though the hat and
shawl she wore We're Of the plainest
description, the dress she stroye to
hide beneath them was of the costliest
/ silk, richly trimmed with lace, and
her gloves and shoes We're the finest
that could be procured. -,r-'~. ..,7.s..
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 n step
Jr two nearer, and stretching out her
hands entreatingly. Il want employ
ment and shelter, and though I have
Neither recommendation nor reference
to offer, l beg you to forego both, in
my case, and let me serve you. Oh,
do, dear madam, and shall bless YOU
from the depths Of my grateful hearth
She was greatly agltated; her voice
trembled, and it was evident that
pent-up emotion was overcoming her.
Now Mrs. Button was not q timid
woman, so it never entered her mind
to imagine that this trembling girl
could be one of q band of thieves,
trying to gain admission with Il view
to rob her mansion, nor was she one
OF those who see a designing rogue
In every applicant for aid; but the in
congruitles of the young lady's ap-
pearance troubled her, and made her
hesitate before speaking.
"Sit down here near the window"
she said, after a moments thought.
You are both tired and agitated. I
see. Have you come from a dis
tanceY
"l-I-that isl beg you will not
ask me-" replied the stranger.
"Will you give me your name"
After little hesitation, the girl
murmured in low voice:
"Call me Jessie Pallama, please"
"That is not her name," was Mrs
Buttons mental conclusion; but she
asked again, viii you not confide to
me the trouble that forces you to your
present necessity? 1 will not betray
you, unless, indeed, 1t is something |
could not dare to keep secret"
L cannot" said the girl, resolutely,
though in very sad voice. "If you
repulse me, 1 must seek further; but
1 ehtreat 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.
Ihere was moments silence, and
then the lady continued:
Il am, no doubt, doing a very fool
ish thing; l am listening to the die
tates of my heart, apart from the sug-
gestions of my judgment Come up
stairs with me. If you remain here,
1t must be in n garb that will not ex-
cite the wonder of my servants. 1
have woolen dress which have
seldom worn; it can be arranged to
Mt you, and will do for the present."
a murmur Of thanks was Jessie'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 smile, land l shall
exercise the right of locking you in
every night after retire, thus max
Ing your object in seeking secrecy
perfectly haymless to every one."
Certainly, madam. Only let me
stay here quietly, and will do any,
thing or agree to any hing you may
suggest"
When Jessie Pallama descended to