White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1858-01-21

sciOus guilt. Inc next moment sne turned
haughtily away and addressed Ne Major. Now,
for the first time, Preston became convinced OF
the existence Of the engagement respecting
which he heard SO much. Burning with NORTH
cation, after sitting few seconds, during which
Kate did not once address him, he arose and alb
ruptly took his leave. r.,
"Ske loves him." he exclaimed bitterly
" Dazzled BY the glitter of a coronet, she casts
aside her old ard tried friend like worn out
trinket. Oh, God! was it for this FASTENED
home7 was it for this treasured her memory
through long years7"
For hours he remained alone, now pacing his
chamber with rapid strides, now burying his face
moodily in his hands. He recalled all his vari-
Gus interviews with Kate, and strove to remem-
Der every word and look; the result was to curse
himself for his egregious folly in fancying for a
moment that she loved him. But after while
his feelings grew less exasperated. He reflected
on Hates manner that morning, before the arri-
val of Maj. Lindsay, and hope once more dawned
in his bosom.
al will lose no time," he said, /" in learning
my fate decisively. shall see Kate at her aunt's
ball, and her manner there will determine my
suspense. If she is cold and naughty, will
understand that she wishes to rebuke my pre-
sumption this morning. In that case will tri-
fe here no longer, but at once join Gen. Mari
on. Macdonald, my foster brother, loves me
too well to desert me, but he has been crazy to
be gone this fortnight past. will order him to
get pass and have everything ready in case of
the worst, which my heart lorebodes."
1t was after arriving at this determination,
and receiving Macdonald's message, that Pres
ton gave himself up to his melancholy, nor did
he rise from his responding position until it was
time to dress for Mrs. Blakely's ball.
The sound of gay music. the flashing da-
mond, and the twinkling of light forms met his
sight as he entered the ballroom; but he had
eyes only for one object; and he soon sought out
Kate amid her crowd of admirers. Never had
she looked so transcendently lovely. 1t is
thought of taste and fashion now -a-days to laugh
at the enormous hoops and powdered hair of eur
graDdmothers; but let US tell you, good reader,
that a belle of the present age, with her defOr-
med tournure and Dutchsamplitude of skirt,
though she may create sort of matter-of-fa fact
sensation, very suitable for this money making
generation, never awakens that deep sentiment
of alteration, that respectful, awe.struck, Sir
Charles Grandson feeling, bestowed upon the
beauty of the last century, august in silver It's
sue and high-heeled shoes. The veriest stick
Ter for modern ease would have given up the
point at sight to Kate. She wore, as was then
the ustom, petticoat of rich brocade, single
yard Of which cost more than the twenty els Of
string Haunted by beauty now. Over this
was a robe of white satin, made high on the
shoulders, but opening in front so as partially to
reveal the swelling bust, and expose the richly
gemmed stomacher and glittering petticoat.-
The edge of this robe from the neck down was
trimmed with q quilting of blue ribbon. The
tight sleeve, with bands like the trimming Of
the robe, reached the elbow; and the deep ruff
ie of ValenciOnnes lace, which nearly hid the
round white arm, heightened with rare art the
beauties it affected to conceal. Her hair was
gathered back from the forehead, richly pow
dered, and trimmed coquettishly with blue rib
bon. Now, if there be any heretical repudator
of the past, denying the brilliancy that powder
gave fair. complexion, we wish he would go
and look at one of Copley's portraits, or, what
is bctter!-could have seen Kate then! We
trow his mouth would have watered! We doubt
if Justice is done those good old tines. All
those were the days Of courtly danes and high
bred cavaliers-when the stately minuet still
held sway-when gentlemen bowed reverently
over the hand they scarcely dared to kiss-when
it was the GROWING felicity of whole evening
devotion to hand partner to the table BY the
tips of the fingers. Nowadays people bounce
through frisky quadrilles, while gallants tuck
the arms of mistress under their own as eozily
as an old codger would his umbrella.
Preston was advancing towards Kate, when a
buzz of admiration announced that Major Lind
saw was about to lead her forth to the minuet
He won accordingly only a hasty courtesy in
reply to his bow. He was meanwhile subjected
to the modification of hearing from dozen by.
ISLANDERS the rumors of Kate's engagement to
the Major; and one OF two eHiciously applied to
him to confirm the rumor, knowing his intima-
cy with the family. Whenthe dance was con.
cluded, which attracted general admiration
Major Lindsay still remained at Kate's side
Never before had Preston noticed such meaning
and delicate assiduity in his attentions. Between
the incidents Of the morning and those of the
evening, no wonder Preston's anger remained
undated. Still he made several attempts to OBJ
tain moments fete- a-tete with Kate; but the
crowd of her admirers frustrated this. Al
length, towards the close of the ball, be ap
preached her.
al come to bid you farewell, !" he said abrupt
"; "to morrow leave Charleston"
leave Charleston" repeated dozen vol.
ces in dismay. "Wbat shall We do without
you7'' Kate alone betrayed neither surprise OF
emotion. "Ah. indeed" was her unconcernet
reply.
Preston turned pale with suppressed NORTH
cation at this indifference; mere friendship, h
said to himself, demanded some expression o.
regret at least. His feelings were not allayed
by what followed. -le suciT y,i
You're not going to join Marion, are your
said Major Lindsay, in tone Of triumphan
banter, little imagining how near be was to thu
truth. Has he frightened you by the grea
oath he has sworn to avenge his nephew, Wit
was shot As rebeli / hear he threatens som'
mighty deed. Only thinkofhis doing anything
With that brigade Of inrincible tatterdemalion