The suburban citizen., 1901-09-14

u ebNAS AtANg W SlN IN
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 a clear view
Of her visitor ere the door closed be-
hind her. She appeared to be young
and very pretty girl. Of a tail. 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 plaiuest
description, the dress she strove to
hide beneath them was Of the costlleSt
silk, richly trimmed with lace, and
her gloves and shoes We're 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 step
or two nearer, and stretching out her
hands entreatingly. Il want employ
ment and shelter, and though l 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 a timid
woman, so 1t never entered her mind
TO imagine that this trembling girl
could be one Of a band of thieves.
trying to gain admission with a view
TO rob her mansion, nor was she one
OF those who see a 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 a moments thought.
you are both tired and agltated.
see. Have you come from dis
tanceF"
"I-I-that isl beg you will not
ask me- replied the stranger.
VIII you give me your name?"
After a little hesitation, the girl
murmurcd in a low voice:
Call me Jessie Pallama, please"
THAT is not her name" was Mrs.
Buttons mental conclusion; but she
asked again, "Wlll you not condde to
me the trouble that forces you TO your
present necessity? / will not betray
you. unless indeed, It is something |
could not dare to keep secret"
Il cannot said the girl, resolutely
though in a very sad voice. IF you
repulse me, l 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
Il am, no doubt, doing very fool
ish thing; / am listening TO the die
tates Of my heart, apart from the sug-
gestions Of my judgment Come up
stairs with me. II you remain here,
1t must be in a garb that viii not ex-
cite the wonder of my servants. /
have woOlen dress which / have
seldom worn; It can be arranged to
lit you, and will do for the present" 3"
A murmUr Of thanks was Jessie's
reply, and she followed her new mis-
tress 10 small chamber on the right
OF her own sleeping apartments.
This will be your room, Jessie"
she said with n smile, "and | shall
exercise the right of locking you in
every night after I retire, thus max.
ing your object in seeking secrecy
perfectly harmless to every one.p
Certainly, madam. Only let me
stay here quietly, and I will do any
thing or agree to anything you NAV
suggest."
When Jessie Pallama descended TO