New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1860-01-06

presslon; perhaps, which ls more natu-
raj, it WAS both combined, out Preston
had not hcen lon, at home before lie
formed the resolution to take part with
his countryman in the war then going
on; and the sudden appearance of Gen
eral Marion on the Santee, where he be-
gan partisan conflict with the inva-
ders, opened to him a favorable way for
carrying out his design, which he only
postponed until he could part with Kate
on better terms. lie fattered himself
that she herself was secretly on the side
of the colonists, for her father had once
held a commission under the provincial
government, although since the fall of
Charleston and the apparent conquest
of the colony, he, like many others, had
been induced to take royal protection,
and ground his arms as neutral.
/ One morniug Preston found Kate a.
lone in her little parlor. 1t was rare
that ;he was without visitors, for Major
Lindsay, at least, was usually at her
side. Kate wore q pretty morning
dress, and was sewing, her little tiny
foot that rested on a cushioned stool,
peeping provokingly out beneath the
snowy muslin. A woman one admires
never looks lovelier than when occupied
in this truly feminine employment; and
as Kate made room for Preston beside
her, with her sweetest smile, he though
she has never seemed half so charming
Lovers can imagine how happy Preston
soon was. He and Kate talked of old
times, she busily plying her needle, but
every now and then looking up with an
imation into his face. His heart beat
quicker, and he longed to tell her how
he loved her; it would, l fear, have set
your head, or mine, reader, topsy turvy
at once. A dozen long forgotten Incl
dents were called to mind; how Preston
had once rescued Kate from the river,
how they both wcpt when her old nurse
lied; AMI score of other things. The
color of both heightened, and Preston
felt every instant rs if he could snatch
the dear girl to his arms. In the eager
ness of conversation, all at once Kate
placed her hand familiarly on his. "a
| "And do you remember" she sail,
gazing up with sparkling eyes into his
face, ''do you remember when the pony
ran away with you? Oh! l was half
dead with fright, and screamed Justify.
Those were happy days! I wonder if
we are ever as happy as in chill lhood?
I sometimes wish we were back again
| on that old lawn" and she sighed.
:'Do you indeed?" said Preston, his
whole face lighting up, and he to,k her
hand by an impulse he could no longer
resist. E. .v.| '
At that moment the words that would
have decided his fate, were rising to
Prcston's lips, and Kate, as if secretly
forewarned, began to tremblc and be
confused, when the door was flung
omen. and the servant in a loud voice
announced Major Lindsay. L. ii g..
Ifany of my readers has ever been
interrupted when about to declare him
self; and come plump down from rapture
to f olishness, he can imagine Preston's
chagrine at the entrance Of the visitor.
However, he had tact enough to think
of Kate's embarrassment, aud as he rose
to make his bow, adroitly placed him
self 50 as to conceal her for moment,
and allow her time to recover from her
confusion.
i The Major gave both parties on the in
stant, suspicious glance, but his soft
est smile Immediately succeeded, and
with easy assurance, taking the seat
J Preston had vacated, he gliled into a
strain of brilliant small talk, such as
; would have done honor to any gallant
of the day, Incompatible at compliments
and snuff boxes. Preston was angry
: at this uncerem ,nious supplanting bul
even more angry to see how quickly