New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1860-01-20

ana see Wnecncr lie meant IOf Df2NalO.'
Tctorted Kl e; then II at once remem-
"trin the .thusiasn int, which she
ha been hurried. she c,lorei, and re-
sumel her work in some embarrassment
NJ n Lil}sav sri:ie a mutterej ex-
ecration on his American rival, for he
"e..an t, fear. from the spirit Kate
ha ! slo sn, that the chivalric exploits of
Capt. Preston were making deci !el
impression ON her heart. The desper-
sc laling which the rebel officer had
shown within the last few days, Major
Lindsay halattributel, in his own mind
to a desire on the part of Preston to
l"zzle his mistress; but Katc's beha-
yior toward himself had been 50 fatter-
ing, in comparison to that bestowed OH
other. that until this moment, he hal
consoled himself that these exploits had
been thrown away. lie sat, therefore,
silent an; moody; and the conversation
ceased.
Gradually, one by one, the visitors
trimmed of and returned t, their quar-
'crs nntil only Cyl. Watson and him
self were left. The Col. and Mrs.
B!akely had sat down to a game Of
cards in distant corner Of the apart
ment. Here was an opportunity to de
eide his fate. 1t might be the last time
he would find Kate alone, for the cam'
was expected to move in few days.
The occasion was not to be neglected.
and, doubtful as he felt for the issue, he
arose. and leaning over her, said in a
low voice.
Il fear, my dear Miss Mowbray, that
I offended you by what I said of Capt.
Preston, iorg,t for m 'mont that he
was an oil playmate of yours. You
cam Vt tell how panied l am that any
thing ! have said should displease you
at matters little-I am not at all
,lisplcaS.l, replied Kate, keeping her
ryes on her work., her heart beating
violently. Capt. Preston nee}s no de-
fender in me, nor asks one. l but
spoke generally in behalf of my coun-
trynen.
Major Lindsay saw her emhsrass-
ment. and misinterpreting the cause,
lrew favorable omen from it.
'.You relieve my heart from a bad
he said. II rather bear anything than
your disp!casurs. Indeed, you must
long have seen how l loved you. Nay,
DO not ris. from the table. worship
the very ground you trel,l OF my life
itself is bound up in your smilc-all [
have, heart, fortune, reputation, l lay
at your feet
lie would have continued in the same
i,npassioned strain, but summon.ng up
all her self-com.n,nd, rose with dignity
1T pains me to hear this, Maj. Lind
saw" she said, II will be frank. That
you sought my society, l saw, but that
you lived me, | never believed"
The face of Major Lindsay fushel,
bus he controlled his features, and de-
taine,l her as she would have move
away
Do not bid me despair he sail. Ii
tile l may be allowed to hope. Let me
fancy that my devotion may win me this
fair hand.
mo time can alter my sentiments,
sail Kate collly.
i will serve fpr you rs for second
Rachel and tie Major still deta,ne,l
her. r..........
Nay, can listen to this no more.
You forget YOURSELF sail Kate, severe
ly. ...
At this instant, and before Major
Lindsay could reply, Kate saw tat her
aunt had finished the game of cards, an
was coming toward her. The Major
with chagrn turned away. lie woal'
have riyen worl Is if the :ete-u-tete coulu
have been protracted, for then he woulJ
have enIeavcreu to discover If Kate re-
ally loved Preston, or was Indifferent t..
all.