The weekly ledger., 1857-07-25

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whole theme of heavenly goodness opened to
her mind.
From this topic he passed to the subject of
astronomy, and Kate listened with eager in
terest while he pointed out some Of the con-
stellations, and then related to her some of
the curious NEUROLOGICAL stories which the an
clients associated with them.
They walked very slowly; and as Kate dis
covered that her companion did not know the
most direct way to her house. she led him a
long way out of the nearest route. But home
was reached at last, and ere they parted the
maiden reminded him that her parents had
invited him to call upon them, and she hoped
he would not forget. He promised that he
would not, and took his leave.
Without going into an extended show of
Developments we will simply say that Kate
Proctor was in love! She loved Chas Lind
say with her whole heart; he had taken it
captive. He had charmed her fancy, and at
the same time seized upon her esteem and re-
spect. She not only carried in her mind the
image of a handsome young man. but in her
soul she held the assurance that he was noble
and pure. So she not only loved, but her
love was strongly fortified.
The following day but very little was said
about Mr.. Lindsay; Kate seemed to avoid
the subject On the day succeeding that,
when Mr. Proctor came home in the evening,
he brought Mr.. Lindsay with him. So Kate
spent another evening in his company
When the maiden laid her head npon her pill
low that night she loved. She tried to hide
the fact no more. She first examined her
heart, and she found that "Charles"-she low
ed the name-had the whole of it, Then she
examined her judgment, tn she could find
no reason why she should not love him; but
she found hundred reasons why she should
love him, and cherish, respect and honor
him, too.
On the evening of the next day Mr.. Proc
tor called Kate aside, and told her he had a
matter of Importance upon which to speak
with her. She gazed wonderingly indeed into
his face, for he looked very serious and ear
nest.
"My child" said he, "I have seen Mr.
Lindsay this afternoon, and he has asked me
if he might sue for your heart and hand
He says you are the first person whom he has
loved as he now loves and he feels assured
that you would make him happy always. |
know that he loves you, Kate; and | know
that he is worthy Of you. Do you think you
could love him?-Whatl tears!W uttered
the parent in surprise as he saw his daughter
bow her head, and noticed the big drops
/ trickle down between her fingers II had
not thought that it would offend you so.--
Surely, my daughter, you do not feel that be
is un--n
Mr. Proctor was interrupted by Kates fal
ling upon his neck and as she did so she
murmured:
30, | do love him dearly, father love
him with my whole heart can't help these
tears"
The parent caught his child to his bosom
and in earnest tones he said:
"Bess yon Kate-bless you. / should
love to see you his wife, for | love him my
self May he come and see you tomorrow
morning? He is to leave for Harrison in the
afternoon"
OF course Kate said he might come.
And he did come. And he and Kate had
a long talk together; and they told each other
plainly of their love.
"And now" said Lindsay. after they had
conversed long while, con Sunday evening
| shall be here again. cannot ask you just
now to give me final answer But at thai
1 time and it is only the day after tomorrow
Il may ask you if you will give me your love
for life"
Kate rested her head upon his shoulder
and told him she would think seriously of it
She meant it pleasantly, for she had thought
enough, in her own estimation.
Sunday morning came, and at nine o'clocl
Charles Lindsay made his appearance.
81 thought that you were not coming til
evening"" said Kate, as she gave him warn
grasp
Il thought would come and go to meet
ing with you," he returned. 'You have NJ
objections"
mot any very serious ones" she replied
smiling.
AT the proper time they set out for th'
church
"Our new minister was to preach to-day,
Kate said, on the way.
$50 | understand" returned Lindsay; zane
that is one reason why am SO anxious to b.
here"
''Do you know him?'
"I know him pretty WE'LL"
"What kind of man is he?"
"Well, he is spoken very well Of / thinl
he means WE'LL"
"Then he isn't much of minister, is hep
"There may be different opinions upon tina
point. Suppose we compare notes after W.
have heard hm?'
"Well well. But he shan't board with us
Don't you think it would be very unpleasan
to have him poking about the house all tn
time am sure couldn't endure it-coul
Yon p