Smyrna times., 1857-03-25
Original storg.
Written for the SmyrnS Times. --4=
KATiE'S, STRATACEM.
BY. OLIVE *ssst !

IT was a beautiful evening early IN October,
the sun was Just about to hide himself behind
the dlstant mountains, when two gentlemen on
horsebacIs were to be seen leisurely riding along
the pretty and picturesque-looking road that
led to the village of kosedale. One OF the
gentlemen seemed 10 be about fifty years of
are. though in reality he was some years older,
bnt the hand of Tune had dealt gently with
him he was in the prime OF llte-tall and
noble looking and his countenance Showed that
he was on easy terms with the world. He re-
sided IN Boston, but owned splendid country
seat, few miles out of the city, where his
family generally repaired during the heat OF
summer. His companion was not more than
tSenty-two, and was not quite SO tall, but was
finely tuSIned, and possessed of a face regularly
h1ndsone, full of intelligence, and generally
bright with animation; but RoW,l something
seemed TO have depressed his usual flow OF spr-
lis, aud made him rather gloomy looking.
AS they rode slowly along they Game to
whure the road branc1ed off and there was
anuiher rpad leading to the left.
Here, the elder gentleman, or we may as well
give his name, Colonel Lawrence, paused, and,
looking at his companion, said, Frank, so you
think you will defer your visit to the Grange
until morning !-if SO, | must proceed without
you, though much against my will"
Yes, 1 shall certainly keep on to Rosedale,"
returned Frank Linton " and you need not be
at all surprised if you do not see me for day
or two, as brought my fishing. tackle, or at
least, James has it and, by the by. it's strange
hehasn I osertaken US, having had ample time to
do SO in the last hour or two" -
I think / see him now," said the Colonel
"yes, here he comes but, Frank" he continn-
ed. "are you not going to take James with
you." 4a .+f- -. aa.' i. 1s~
"No," replied Frank, +" prefer to be alone;
when he comes up, will merely take carpet
bag, aud you can keep the rest with you. |
think you lad better take seat in the carriage,
as tits getting quite cool already, and let james
ride your horse" !"
al do not feel at all satisfied with such an
arrangement" said Colonel Lawrence, mus
insly; " I think, my boy. you had better re-
consider your plan.-it looks very strange to
say the least of it; young gentleman starting
To see bis afianced bride, and then changing
bis smind. and going half a dozen miles in ano-
ther direction. II you were TO see Kate, you
would thank your stars, boy, that such an angel
was within your reach, as it is not often that
such girls as Kate. Weston are 10 be found in
these days" iia- -la so 70 lHe ees. ,=
at may be true; do not wish to underate
any Of the lady's good qualities or rare attrac-
tions,---but bride must not be forced on me, if
she wishes to be loved, y said Frank, bitterly.
al have mo doubt the lady is as much aserse to it
as yourself, but, IS you know, your fathers were
friends, and wished their children to unite; and.
asyour fortunes are about equal, they left their
wishes in writing, that the onelwho refused to
comply was to forfeit their fortune. which was to-
80 toepricilthe other. Idmtruly ysorry to thwart
your wisaes in any way, my dear ,Frank; but
your fathef's commands were imperative, and
4. as yotr guardian, would not be true one
did, NOT try to.cafry out his plans.'1l' 20 .'s.
The esrtiage. now drew near, and Frank mad
his earpet.bag taken t1aud firmly strapped
behind hint and told bis valet to go on with the
Colonel The gentlemen then exchanged sdieus
= a--...a atas4 ef<ub oan g. gTfll p q.nr4
e"1 ssrs,s's' iiaas ,ss1sdi sasage.. 4, t.aa..s
baFranls Linton, as the reader is already in
formed, was betrothed to Kate w estou, by their
mutual pafents, ia early ehildhood.s Their faith
srs were college -chums ia youth, and 6rn
friends in msnhood, although, after they were
married aesd settled toitheir respective avoca-
tions, tIiey did not meet as oftena ~ Formerly.
but exchatiged visits once year aysb yieswi
Frank was three o., four years Kate's senior,
and. as his parents died when he was about ten
years old. they had never met he having spent
hisyacltiuns with HE guasdisa, either aBos-
ton or in the country. Afser he efsduated,
.whichthel did with the highest honorp, he. BY
tbe'desire of his father. went 70 Europs-his