The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-09-11

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lV when 4 servant announced:
"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 ct 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 a young
and very pretty girl, Of q 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
it captive as she gazed at her with
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 entrcatingly. II want employ
ment and shelter, and though I have
neither recommendation nor reference
to offer, I 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 heart"
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 ta gain admission with a 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.
''Sjt down here near the window"
she said, after q moments thought.
You are both tired and agitated, I
see. Have you come from dis
tance?"
"I-I-that isl beg you will not
ask me-" replied the stranger.
will you give me your nama?"
After a little hesitation, the girl
murmTred in q 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? I will not betray
you, unless, indeed, it is something I
could not dare to keep secret"
II cannot" said the girl, resolutely,
though in very sad voice. IF you
repufsc me, must seek further; but
j 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 q very fool
ish thing; I 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,
it must be in 4 gar5 that will not ex-
cite the wonder of my servants.
have woolen dress which 1 have
seldom worn; it can be arranged to
fit you, aud will do for the present"
4 nurmur Of thanks was Jessie's
reply, and she followed her new mis-
tress to small chamber on the right
of Eer own sleeping apartments.
This will be your room, JESSIE"
she said with q smile, land 1 shall
exercise the right Of locking you in
every night after 1 retire, thus max
Ing your object in seeking secrecy
perfectly harmless to every one"
Certainly, madam. Only let me
stay here quietly, and I will do any
thing or agree to anything you may
suggest"
When Jessie Pallama descended to
the drawing room again she looked
like different being. Her glossy and
abundant hair was smoothly drawn
back from her beautiful brow. and
her fine form was we'll displayed in
the dark brown wooden dress she had
ingeniously altered to fit herself.
Her place, as defined in few
words by Mrs. Button, WAS to be that
of q companion and reader, as the
elder lady's sight was failing. Jessie
deeply appreciated her kindness, and
they soon became used to each other.
Within few weeks Of hel entrance
into the household, Miss Pallama. as
Mrs. Buttcn always called her to the