American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-08-10


ten blind; nor could Kate discover if Neville
loved her or not. At times there was that in
his tones that made her heart thrill: but if the
most ordinary acquaintance would approach
Neville always sauntered away indltferenty,
with some gay remark. Kate chded her own
weakness, but in vain: absence is the only cure
for such a passion, and the wedding parties
were yet not half over. She feared Neville
was fit, because she had been one herself
and many an unhappy hour she spent in So
cret, angry at herself, at him, and at the world
In such a mood she was when called on to
dress for a ball at the house of their entertain
ers. Kate entered the room on Nevlle's arm,
but he Immediately left her side to address a
beautiful girl who was sitting opposite.
'Ah!' she heard two gentlemen say, who
were ignorant of her vicinity, Neville has found
Miss Benton out already, and that gives color
to the report that they are engaged. She is
splendid match-beautif rich and from good
old Virginia family!'
Ooh! learnt, at Washington, this winter
that they were certainly engaged, was the re-
ply.
Kate heard no more. Offended pride, COM
bined with anger at herself almost took away
her self-command: and she was greatly relev
ed when gentleman approached just as the
music struck up, and asked her to dance. She
took his hand and was led out.
Excuse me- said Neveille, accosting her
companion, but believe Miss Spencer is en-
gagged to me, this set. appeal to her.
She shall Decide said her partner, blandly.
Kate remembered we'll the engagement, but
she was vexed, and rejoced at this opportunity
for revenge accordingly she said pointedly,
Il shall dance with Mr.. Morton You know,
Mr.. Neville, it is not always easy to remember
whether one has made promises or not, when
one is plagued out of ones life for them
NeVllle's naughty face flushed as he bowed
coldly without reply. Kate had no sooner
spoken than she felt ashamed of her rudeness,
indeed almost terrified at what she had done;
but she gave no outward sign of this; and when,
during the evening, she met Neville, she return
ed his cold salutations as coldly as they were
given. She did this, too, even after she had
heard that Miss Benton was not engaged to
him, but about 10 be married to another-such
strange thing is human pride!
'What have you done to Mr.. Nevile?' said
the bride to her. q hear you were quite rude
to him. All Kate, will you never have done
jiltng better men than you deserved
Kate felt cut to the quick at this reproach,-
She turned crimson. Yet she replied,
Surely am not accountable to MIR. Neville
for my conduct! may even break promise
to dance, hope, without treason: it is consd
cred no great crime to break betrothal now-a-
days. The gentlemen grow presumng, when
they complain to ones friends
'Mr. Neville has made no complaint to me-
he is too proud to do So said her friend grave
ly. But my husband overheard your CONVEX
sation. Now, Kate, know you are ashamed
of what you have done: be frank and apologize
for your rudeness.'
Hates eyes flashed haughtily.
'Nayr said her friend. Refuse or accept a
lover as you will ; but never be unlady-like.'
Her friend had spoken frankly; and the words
were not without their power, for Kate had a
noble heart. After moments pause, she saw
Mr. Neville, who was at the other end of the
room, slept out into the balcony, which over
looked the garden. He was alone. She could
never have a better opportunity. She would
apologize, she said, and then be colder than
ever. Without a word, but only giving a
glance at her friend, Kate crossed the apartment
and followed him. She hestated moment:
then laid her hand on his arm, still holding the
curtains half open behind her, He started
abruptly, for he had been plunged in moody
thought.
MIR. Neville, she said, in a low tone, Il be-
lieve | was rude to you Just now. Excuse
She could proceed no further, with look of
wonder and delight, Neville turned around,
clasped her hand, and interrupted her.
Say nothing of it, dear Miss Spencer, he
said: then, embarrassed by the warmth into
which he had been surprised, he stammered,
'this surprises mel did not think you would
do t-nobe, generous creature!'
Kate was agtated violently. The eagerness
of her companion had drawn her away from the
window; the curtain had dropped, and her hand
! remained and trembled in that of Neville Thus
she stood for second.
Il love you continued Neville breathlessly.
But dare scarcely hope. You are above your
ex,-and will be generous to me. have long
loved you. Tell me may hope
! DO not ask me, at least now, said Kate, in
low, entreating tone, speaking with great diff
ficuty, and in much agitation and she lifted
her eyes pleadingly to those ofNeyille's as she
sought to withdraw her hand from his.
! Neville could have clasped her in his arms,
for his whole frame thrilled with the assurance
of love which that look gave but delicately
bowling over it, he released the fair hand; and
Kate, like frightened deer, darted away, and
| hurrying to her chamber, locked her door and
! burst into tears
Numerous were the inquiries made for Kate,
but Neville had whispered to the bride that
| Miss Spencer had retired with violent head
ache; and no one knew the truth till many
months after-ifthey even knew it then--when
Neville stood up at the altar with Kate, and
they mutually exchanged those vows that cease
only with life
And in this way-dear coz!-did Harry Ne
vile pop the question!
Excursions TO ANNAPOLIS. The Annapo-
lis Republican speaks in high praise of the cor