Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-11-25

cure for such passion, and the wedding par
ties were not YET half over She feared Ne
vile was hrt, because she had been one her
self; and many an unhappy hour she spent
in secret, angry al herself, at bin, at all the
world
In such a mood she was when called upon
to dress for ball at the house Of their enter
iainers. Kate entered the room on Neville's
arm, but be Immediately LEFT her side 10 al.
dress beautiful girl who was sitting opposite.
"Ahl" she overheard 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 a splendid match--beautiful, rich, and
ola splendid old Virginia family -
"Oh, learnt at Washington, last winter,
that they were certainly engaged was the
reply
Kate heard no more, offended pride, com
bIned with anger a; herself, almost took away
her selfcommand. She felt the blood rushing
10 her brow; and she was greatly relieved
when gentleman approached her just as the
music struck up and asked her 10 dance. She
took his hand and was lead out.
Excuse me-" said Neville, addressing his
companion, 'butI believe Miss Spencer is en-
gagged 10 me this set, appeal 10 her."
'.She shall decide" said her partner bland
y."
Kate remembered well the engagement, but
she was vexed, and reioiced at the opportuni-
~ for revenge; accordingly, she SAID point
edlv:
81 shall dance with Mr.. Morton. You
know, Mr.. Neville, il is not always easy to re-
member whether one has made promises or
not, when one is plagued out Of ones life for
them"
Neville'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
returned his cold salutations as coldly as they
We're given. She did this too even after she
had heard that Miss Benton was not engaged
to him, but about TO be married 10 another
such strange thing is human pride.
"What have you done to Mr.. Neville" said
the bride to her, 81 hear You were quite rude
to him. All Kate, will you never be done
jilting better men than you deserve ?"
Kate felt cut to the quick at this reproach.
She turned crimson. Yet she replied:
'Surely | am not accountable TO Mr. Ne
vile for my conduct | may even break
promise TO dance, hope without treason: it
is considered no great crime nowadays 10
break beirothaI The gentlemen grow pre-
sumng when they complain to ones friends"
''Mr. Neville has made no conplaintto me;
he is too proud TO do So" SAID her friend
grayely. But my husband overheard your
conversation. Now Kate, know you are
ashamed of what you have done: be frank
and apologize for Your rudeness."
Hates eye flashed haughtiy.
"Nayl" said her friend .sRefuse or ac-
cept lover as you will; but never be unla-
dy like"
Her friend had spoken frankly, and the
words were not without their power. for Kate
had noble heart--aiter moments pause,
she saw Mr.. Neville who was at the other
end Of the room, step out in the balcony,
which overlooked the garden. He was alone.
She could never have better opportunity
She would apologize she said, and then be
colder than ever. Without word but only
giving glance at her friend, Kate crossed the
apartment and followed him. She hesilated
moment, then laid her hand on his arm, still
the curtain half open behind her He started
abruptly, for he had been plunged in moody
thought.
''Mr. Neville" she said, al believe was
rude 10 you just now. Excuse me-"
She could proceed no further for with look
ofwonder 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 in
10 which he had been surprised, he stamlaer
ed "this surprises mel did not think you
would do lt-noble, generous creaturei
Kate was agitaied violently. The eager
ness Of her companion had drawn her away
f.. H.
and her hand remained and trembled in that
of Neville. Thus she stood for second.
al love you" continued Neville breathlessly,
''but dare scarcely hope"
lou are above your sex--and will be gen
erous TO me. have long loved you. Tell
may hope"
"Do not ask n:e, at least not now.' said Kate
in low entreating voice, speaking with much
difficulty, and in much agitation and she lifted
her eyes pleading to those Of Neville as she
sought to withdraw her hand from his.
Neville coaId have clasped her in his aims
for his whole frame thrilled with the assurance
of love which that look gave; but delicately
bowling over il, he released the fair hand and
Kate, like frightened deer. daried away and
hurrying TO her chamber locked her door, and
burst into tears
Numerous were the enquiries made for
Kate but Neville had whispered TO the brIle
that Miss Spencer had retired with violent
headache; and no one knew the truth ill ma
ny months afier-ifthey knew it then-when
Neville stood up at the altar with Kate, and
they mutually exchanged their vows that
cease only with life.
And in this day--dear coz did Harry
Neville pop the question.
<s