The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1860-06-27
McGREG0R, IOWA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE e. 1850.

ncntly. I wandered about, indeed, with
even more than my usual Inconsistency.
think that the danger I had been in
had given me such shock, that | could
now feel thankful that the temptation had
been removed. The memory made me diff
ficult to please, and cautious against giving
reign to my feelings.
1t was autumn, and London was a desert
Suddenly remembered my friends, the
Llewellyns, had given me warm invita-
ton to their place in Wales; had not seen
my native principality for years, and
resolved to pay it visit. To look at my
engagement book and see that had no.
thing important to tie me, to make arrange
ments for substitute in case of any emer-
gency arising, was the work of an hour
wrote letter announcing my arrival, and
had everything packed in readiness to start
next morning. I'D.
As I travelled westward l found that
much rain had fallen, and in one place
torrent had washed away the rails. The
consequence of this was an hours delay,
and on my arrival at the terminus I found
the coach had already started.
There was, however, another later in the
day, and I booked place in it. The
clouds now cleared away for some time,
and | enjoyed the drive. but presently an
other shower came on.
The Llewellyns evidently had not ex-
pected me by this conveyance, for when we
reached the corner where the road to
Llandethryn branched off, there was no
one too meet me. had my luggage taken
into cottage by the roadside till should
send for it. and learning that had only
mile to walk, set off on foot with my una
bre la. =
A quarter of mile on I came to little
hamlet, but did not pause, for SDw no.
thing to be gained by stopping As J
passed one Of the cottages, the do0 0opened
and out tripped quaint little being, who
appeared as much at home in the rain as if
she were mermaid.
Wrapping her closely and worn hood
like over her head, she had an ample red
cloak. Her dress, whatever it might be,
was gathered up under this drapery, leav-
ing visible an exquisitely shaped-well,
ankle
She gave me one sly glance, and then
tripped on as unconcernedly as if well
dressed, not altogether frightful London
man was quite common sight in the viii
lage.
This, however did not suit my notions,
for the glimpse had caught had convinced
me she was pretty and lively looking.
"Here, my pretty oner' l cried after her,
"haye part of my umbrella, if you are 60
ing my way, unless you are water
kelpie.''
She stopped short, and dropped a low
courtesy.
"My cloak keeps me dry. If I have
your umbrella you will be wet, look you"
she said, with that peculiar accent which,
after my long absence, seemed strange even
to my Welsh ears.
"Nonsense ~ | returned. There is
quite shelter enough for both, my dear, if
we keep close. Here, take my ARM
She took it with a roguish smile, even
while saying:
II feel afraid. You are fine gentle
man, and am only poor village girl"
IL never saw a lady with brighter eyes, or
more beautiful hair l said, taking up
trcss of pure gold which struggled from
beneath her picturesque head-dress. There
is no one should like to have here instead
Of you-what is your name?"
kitty sir"
"kitten it should be, you frolicsome little
thing. Keep your eyes away, you sorcer-
ess, you are bewitching me-"
She laughed low, pleased laugh, that
would not have been out of place in Lon
don boudoir.
We had now come to turpid stream
crossing the road. 1t was not deep, evil
IDENTIFY, for there were tracks showing that
carts and carriages passed through it, but
there was no perceptible passage for those
on foot
"The stepping stones are covered" she
said, with a look of dismay; ''what can we
do ~
"Those pret y little feet shall not be wet,
wade for it; but | think | can see the
stones well enough to cross without
that"
caught her up in my arms, for she was
as light as feather, and carried her across
"Now, must take toll" said, suiting
the action the word. had not set her
down yet, and she could not resist
"How dare you, sir? l am very angry,
look you," she said, with pout,
"Well, have looked, but I don't see
it." | replied, cooly; 'if you were, you
would be an ungrateful little baggage, for
| am wet to the knees, so if it had not
been for me, you must have staid on the
other side, or have had rare ducking"
"Well, if you meant no harm | must
forgive you, but you might have asked
me first she said coquetishly.
By the time we had reached the house,
she had quite captivated me, pro tem.- :
There was something very piquant and at
tractive in her look.
had been rather surprised at her turn
ing into the grounds with me, but when we
had got near the door, with laughing
goodbye she ran down side path to the
back of the house.
1t was one of the servants, then, with
whom had been making love; but what
of that, thought, she was pretty enough
to tempt an anchorte.
MY peal at the bell quickly brought to
the door a servant, who admitted me into1
the hall.
An open door led into billiard room,
and Llewellwn hurried out to give me a
cordial welcome.
"How wet you must be-" he.said; ''you
ought to change at once, but my things
would be too wide and too short for you.
All, have it Charlie will accommodate
you; he is Just about your build.'
One in hand, Lord Charles Devereux had
quietly sauntered out after our host. | was
delighted to find him here, for he was a great
favorite with me. He was not very bright,
certainly, but there was not more warm
hearted, good natured fellow in Her Majes-
TVS service, and he was, as he deserved, a
universal favorite.
"Why, Lloyd, old fellow" he said, 81
thought from your not turning up, you had
been tooling the mail yourself, and spilling
the concern. So you want some toggery-
well, dare say can find you something"
| had no douht of it. for dress WAS one