The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1905-02-24
g! don't know anythins-indeed. do

not"
There was savage look about him, as
though he would have liked to have
squeezed something more out of my
throat. Then he took out of desk be-
side him a small gold locket, and passed
1t to me. saying. This was sewn up
In your frock when you were brought
here. l don't think she who brought
you knew anything about it,
1t contained the portrait Of a very
beautiful young woman--a foreigner,
| should have imagined; dark hair, olive
tinged complexion, also a lock Of brown
hair; and upon the Jack was engraved
| the initials "F. B." and "E. NJ" Joined
| together by true lovers knot.
1.-The woman who brought you here"
he went on. was tall: and big-boned;
thin. white lips; a nose like a parrots
beak; light gray eyes, as cold as stone.
She wore front of dark brown hair,
dressed In small fat curls, and bound
round the forehead by band of narrow
black velvet: she was dressed In black
silk. and wore a muslin handkerchief
crossed upon her BOSOM"
While he spoke, veil seemed lifted
from my memory; the woman seemed to
stand before me. I had trembled be-
fore those cold. stony eyes. That por-
trait, too-my heart told me 1t was my
mothers. and a shadowy remembrance
came upon me that had been at some
time fondled by such face.
The Rev. Obadiah Porter was evident
ly disappointed at the result of his reve-
lations. He snatched the locket out Of
my hand. and then locked 1t up in the
desk again.
"Well, well, If you can't remember,
you can't" he said. irritably. but
when you are alone, or in bed. try and
think. Who knows?-you might be the
child Of some great or rich people," he
added, cunningly. "Think what an ad-
vantage 1t would be If you could find
this out! But we won't talk any more
Of this at present. 1 have something
else to speak to you about. Silas, it has
much troubled me, for some time, to see
a youth Of your appearance and proba-
BILE prospects doing mental work. I've
long been thinking whether I couldn't
more probably employ you; and, after a
talk with my daughter, I've come to the
conclusion that you shall, henceforth,
assist her In the care of the boys"
My duties as tutor were to commence
on the next day. really felt very CRATE
to him for what appeared, to my unso-
phisticated mind, a great kindness; and
so told Martha when went back to
the kitchen.
well. don't know about being crate
full, Silas," she cried. depend upon it,
masters serving his own turn. Miss
Judith's getting very tired of the work;
and If she was to 60 away, what would
he do? 1t wouldn't suit him to have
stranger in the house. Now don't YOU
see that he couldn't do without you
that you're the very thing he wantsy'
Martha's worldly view of the matter
somewhat dashed my exalted feelings of
gratitude; vet, for all that. l still felt
very thankful for the change.
CHAPTER Nv.
In less than a week l found myself
sole tutor to the Rev. Obadiah Porter's
pupils. Martha was right; Miss Judith
had grown tired of the work, and, seiz.
ing the opportunity OF my initiation, re-
linquished 1t altogether. I now dined In
the parlor, but took the rest of my meals
in the kitchen, where l also spent NV
evenings. By and by Martha called NV
attention to a great alteration that had
taken place in her mistress. There was
worn, anxious look In her face; and
she seldom quilted her own room. Then
we began to notice that Mr.. Rodwelps
visits grew more infrequent, and at last
ceased altogether.
One day. Mr.. Porter informed me that
he was going to London for a few days.
Such an event had never happened in
my memory; 1t was to me the climax of
all the changes.
ITO you, Silas," he said, 81 commit
the care Of the precious lambs Of my
fold, and you must also give an eye to
household affairs. as my daughters
health is not strong at present It Is a
great trust, but you will prove worthy
of 1t. You are almost like a son to me.
Silas."
He paused upon the last words like
one struck with sudden idea, and while
he stood gazing at me, strange look
stole across his face. For the first time
nj his life he took my hand; his clasp was
cold and clammy; he meant to be kind
and caressing. but had never felt so re-
PEELED against him. 1 shuddered, with
a boding presentiment of evil.
While he was away Miss Judith took
all her meals In her own room. Thus
the house was almost entirely under the
care Of myself and Martha.
On the fifth day after his departure,
at 5 in the evening, Mr.. Porter returned.
was in the front garden. Now this
ground was kept sacred to him and his
daughter, but having a great love of
flowers. and having acquired some
knowledge Of gardening, had Of late
been privileged to tend the beds, and
prune the shrubs Of this exclusive spot.
I had no desire to presume upon this
privilege, as l greatly preferred the more
extensive grounds that lay at the back,
which were free to all. A wall of about
ten feet in height separated this garden
from the road. When l saw Mr.. Porter
come through the gate, was busily en-
ployed In cutting away the dead bios
SONS from very fine rhododendron bush
which stood near one Of the parlor win
dows. Although I was in full sight, he
did not perceive me. The bush stood
between me and the window, which was
wide open, and entirely concealed me
from any one who might be within.
heard my master enter the room, and a
minute afterwards he was Joined by his
daughter. whom heard eagerly ask him,
What he had done-had he been sue
cessful?'
He has gone to Paris" was the reply.