The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1847-11-06

"Ncville has found Miss Benton out al
ready; and that gives color to the rcpor
that they are engaged. Sh" Is splcndi'
match-beautitul, rich, and from gooc
old Virginia lamilyn
ooh I learnt, at Washington, this win
fer, that they were certainly engaged,
was the reply.
Kate heard no moro. Offended pride
combined with anger at herself, almos
took away her sclf-command: she felt tn,
blood rushing to hcl brow: and she wa:
greatly relieved when gentleman ap-
preached Just as the music struck up, and
asked her to dance. She took his hand
and was led out.
"Excuse me-" said Neville, accosting
her companion, :sbut believe Miss Spcn
Ger is engaged to me, this set. ( appeaI
to her"
"Shc shall decide" said her partner,
blandly.
Kate remembered well the engagement
bat she was vexed, and rrjoiced at this
opportunity for revenge: accordingly che
SAID, polntedly.
"T skall dance with Mr.. Morton: You
know. Mr.. Neville, it is not always easy
to remember whether one has made prom
ises or not, when one is plagued out OF
ones life for them"
Nevle's haugliy face flushed as he how
ed coldIy without reply Kate had no soon,
er spoken Than she felt ashamed of her
vudeness indeed almost terrified at what
she had done: but she rave no outward sign
of This: and when, during the evening she
met Neville, she returned his cold saIu,a-
lion as co!lIy as they were given. She did
This. too. even after she had heard that Miss
Benton was roi engaged to him, but about
10 be married TO another-spch strange
Thing is human pride,
s.What have You done 10 NJ Nevilie'"
said the bride to her. 81 hear you were
quite rude to him. All. Kate will Won new
er have done jting better men than you
deserve?3
Kate felt cut to the quick at this reproach.
She turned crimson. Yet she replied,
..Surely ! am not accountable TO Mr..
Neville for my conduct may even break
a pron,se to dance, | hope, without treason;
ii is considered nc great crime TO break a
betr0thal nova days. The gentlemen grew
presumne, when they complain TO ones
friends
"Nr. Neville has made no complaint 10
me- lie is too proud to do Sc" said her
friend. gravcly. "Bnt my husband over
heard your conversation. Now, Kate, |
know YOU are ashamed Of what you have
done: be frank, and apologize Tor your rude
ness.h
Kate : eyes flashed naughty.
"Na,r' said her friend. "Refusc or ac-
cent lover as you will; but never be unla-
dy-like.'
Her friend had spoken frankly; and 'l'e
words were not without their power, Tor
Kate had a noble heart. After a moments
pause. she saw Mr.. Neville, who was at the
other end of the ROOM step out into the
balcony, which overlook ed the garden, lie
was alone. She could never have a better
opportunity. She would apologize, she
said and then be colder than ever With
on, 4 word bat only giving a glance at her
friend Kate crossed the apartment and fol-
lowed him. She hesitaed momenl 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
"Mr. Neville,r she said in a low voice,
n believe was rude 10 you just now. En-
cuse me -"
She could proceed no further, for with a
look of wonder and delight, Neville turned
around, clasped her hand, and interrupted
her.
"Sev nothing Of ii, dean Miss Spencer >
he said: then, embarrassed by the warmth
into which he had been surprised, he STAN.
mcred, this surprises mel did not think
YOU would do it-uobIe, generous creature
Kate was agitated Violently. The eager
ness of her companion had drawn her away
from the window; the curtain had dropped
and her hand remained and lrembled i'll thai
of Neville. Thus she stood for a second.
81 love vou" continued Neville, breath
essly; "but dare scarcely hope You ar,
above your sex--and will be generous t'
me. lhave long loved you. Tell me may
hope"
!Dono ask me, nj least not now, sai'
Kate, in low entreating tone, speaking
with great difficulty; and i'll much agitation
and she lifted her eyes pleadinsy to hos'
of Neville as she sought to withdraw he
hand from his
Neville could have clasped her in h
arms for his whole flame thrilled with TIN
assurance of love which that look gave; bu
deIicatey bowling over IT, he released TIT
fair hand; and Kate, like frightened deer
dared away, and hurrying 10 her chamber
locked her door and burst into tears.
al,