Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-03-26
VOLUME 18.--,NUMBER "a.

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lHule parlor. Ii was rare that she was without
ylsiters for Major Lindsay, at least, was usually
at her side Kate wore pretty monng-dress
and was sewing her lutte tny foot, that rested on
cushioned stool, peeping ProvOkingly out be.
meath the snowy muslin. Awoman one admres
never looks loyelier that when occupied in this
truly feminine employment; and as Kate made
room for Preston beside her, with her sweetest
smile, he thought she had never seemed half so
charming. Loyerscan imagine how happy Pres
ton soon was. He and Kate talked of old times,
she busily plying her needle, but every now and
then looking up with animation into his face
His heart beat quicker, and he longed to tell her
how he loved her; itwould, fear, have set your
head or mine, reader, topsy.turvy at once. A
dozen long forgotten were called to mind:
how Preston had once rescued Kate from the rv-
er, how they both wept when the old nurse died,
and a score Of other things. The color of both
heightened, and Preston felt every instant as if
he could snatch the dear girl to his arms. In the
eagerness Of conversation, all at once Kate pa-
ced her hand familiarly on his.
sand do you remember" she said, gazing up
with sparkling eyes into his face, "do you re-
member when the pony ran away with you'll
OH | was half dead with fright, and screamed
Justify. Those were happy days-I wonder if
we are ever as happy as in childhood. some
times wish we were back againon thatold lawn"
And she signed.
"Do you, indeedl" said idPreston, his whole face
lighting up, and he took her hand by an impulse
he could no longer resist.
At that moment the words which would have
decided his fate were rising to Preston's lips, and
Kate, as if secretly forewarned, began to uemble
and be confused, when the door was flung open
and the servant in loud voice announced Major
Lindsay.
If any of my readers has ever been interrupt
ed when about TO declare himself, and had TO come
plump down from rapture 10 foolishness, he can
imagine Preston's chagrin at the entrance OF the
visiter. However, be had tact enough to think
of Kate's embarrassment, and as he rose to make
his bow, adroitly placed himself so as to conceal
her for moment, and allow her time TO recover
from her confusion. The Major gave both par
ties, on the instant, a suspicious glance, but MS
softest smile Immediately succeeded, and with
easy assurance taking the seat Preston had vaca-
ted, he glded into a strain of brilliant small talk,
such as would have done honor TO any gallant OF
the day, incompatible at compliments and snuff
boxes. Preston was angry at this unceremonl-
Gus supplanting, but even more angry to see how
quickly Kate recovered herself, and dashed out
into the strife of repartee, with spirit and ease
superior even to the Majors. Preston chaied,
and thought she might have been little less IN
torested. At first he was silent and reserved,
then he began to be uneasy, and once or twice he
yielded to his irritability in words. He cursed
his folly for imagining, as he did five minutes be-
fore, that she thought more Of him than she did
of others. He fixed his eyes half frowningy,
half contemptuously on Kate. She colored inn
mediatey, he thought with conscious guilt. The
next instant she turned haughtily away and adj
dressed the Major. Now, for the first time,
Preston became convinced of the existence of
the engagement respecting which he had heard
so much. Burning with modification, after sit
ting few seconds, during which Kate did not
once address him, he arose and abruptly took his
leave,
"She loves him." he exclaimed BITTERLY
"Dazzled by the glitter of a coronet, she casts
aside her old and tried friend like a worn-out
rnket Oil God, was it for this | hastened
home! was it for this treasured her memory
through long years?"
For hours he remained alone, now pacing his
chamber with rapid strides, now burying his face
moodily in his hands. He recalled all his vatl-
ous interviews with Kate, and strove to remember
her every word and look the result was to curse
himself for his egregious folly in fancying for
moment that she loved him. But after awhile
her feelings grew less exasperated. He reflected
on Kate's manner that morning, before the arrl-
val of Major Lindsay, and hope once more dawn
ed in his bosom.
81 will lose no time," he said, Sin learning my
fate decisively. | shall see Kate at her aunt
ball, and her manner there will determine my
suspense. If she is cold and naughty will un.
derstand that she wishes TO rebuke my presump-
ton this morning. In that case, will trifle here
no longer, but at once join General Marion.-
Macdonald, my foster-brother, loves me too we'll
to desert me, but he has been crazy to be gone
this fortnight past. will order him to get pass
and have every thing ready in case Of the worst,
which my heart forebodes."
1t was after arriving at this determination, and
receiving Macdonald's message, that Preston
gave himself up to his melancholy, nor did he
rise from his Responding position until it was time
to dress for Mrs. BlakeIey's ball.
The sound of gay music, the flashing of dia-
monds and the twinkling of light forms met his
sight as he entered the ballroom; but he hac
eyes only for one object and he soon sought ou
Kate amid her crowd Of admirers. Never bac
she looked so transcendently lovely. ltis though
a mark Of taste and fashion nowadays to laugf
at the enormous hoops and powdered hair of oul
grandmothers: but let us tell you, good reader
that belle of the present age, with her deform'
ed tournure and Dutch amplitude of skirt, though
she may create sort of matter-of-fact sensation
very suitable perhapsfor this money-making gen
eration, never awakens that deep sentiment o
alteration. that respectful, awe-struck, Sir Charles
Grandson feeling, bestowed on the beauty of tht
last century, august in silver tissue and high-heel
ed shoes. The veriest sticker for modern east
would have given up the point at sight Of Kate