Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-06-01

at the dinner stable. slr:" asked the
housekeeper.
Il don't know. wonder how old
she is. have no idea
"I'i put one at her place. and II she
doesn't need Il can take IL away"
Bates spent the time till the arrival
of his ward walking through the rooms
prepared for her or trying TO read the
+ evening paper. constantly smiling in
/ spite of himself at the prospect Of hay-
/ ing a child In the house. Suddenly he
heard carriage drive up and stop be-
/ fore the house. Springing to the front
+ door. he opened II just as girl appar-
/ emily about eighteen years of age
mounted the steps. She stood looking
at him, he nj her.
4 suppose you are the governess?"
said Bates.
THE governcssT'
Have you got the child In the ear
riage?'
What child?'
The little Sinclair girl
Il am Lillian Sinclair"
/ "WbatT
Are you Mr. Bates?'
| Il am, aud | am expecting my ward,
the little daughter OF my boyhood
/ friend. Timothy Sinclair | supposed
of course some one would bring her to
me. and rs you have arrived when she
is expected naturally But don't
stand here. Come into the house"
why, Mr.. Bates" said the girl after
they were inside. did you suppose
your ward 20 be childY'
Because the letter notifying me OF
| the charge quoted the words OF Mr..
Sinclair referring to her as a child"
Did you understand when those
words We're writtenr'
mo"
'rhe win 10y which my father com
mitted me TO your care was made
twelve years ago. when was six years
old"
Bates stood in that dazed condition
usual with one whose expectations
have been suddenly shifted.
And you. young lady. are my
wardi"
Il am If you are Mr.. Arnold Bates"
"H'mph" This was spoken aloud,
but there was more that he thought.
what the dickens am going to do
with herr
The young lady was also evidently
| put out. Il supposed you were an old
man" she said in disappointed tone.
Il am. in the eyes of people OF your
age; I'm thirty-six. Well. come In TO
dinner Wen talk 1t over"
| He ushered her into the dining room
The girl took OF her wraps. and Bates
in his confusion. without noticing what
he was doing. pointed to the high
/ chair.
The girl burst into laugh.
"Take that thing away" he said to
a servant.
The chair was removed and replaced
ny one fitted for a grown person.
There was very pleasant dinner.
| The housekeeper occupied a position
at the table. and when the coffee was
served Mr.. Bates said to her:
''Mrs. Winfield, do you suppose you'll
do for a chaperon for this young
LADY,"
Certainly. I'm old enough TO be
her mother, and yours. too. for that
matter"
VERY well. She'll remain with us.
would suggest your making some
| changes in her apartments more be-
| fitting her age Never mind: I'll do 1.
| myself And, rising. he hurried up
| stairs
/ Lillian Sinclair heard something
drop in the hall Going out there. Il
large wax doll lay ON its back staring
at the ceiling. A dolls baby carriage
came next, then q box of baby dishes.
In a few minutes there was a heap in
the hall, and Bates shouted over the
banister to a servant to remove the
rubbish" After while he came down
and informed his ward that her room
was ready for her.
Never did guardian give more time
and attention TO a ward. Bates de
serted his club to supervise the finish
ing OF Miss Sinclair's education. and in
year after she came to live at his
house announced to her that he was
looking for a husband for her. She
declined all the candidates he brought
forward. and when he was discourag
ed at having failed to please her he
consulted Mrs. Winfield.
ia. sir. said the housekeeper
'sshe'n never marry any one but you
One week from that time ting guard
ian and ward were engaged. and even
tually the room originally designed for
the lady's play room was used for the
purpose by her daughter
JAMES CARTER SCOTT.