The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-27
who is itf" inquired. "Do know
the gentleman 2"

.eSO oACN3 suO uduuSOWt Opa0S
iard," replied Kate. You may remember
him by the beautiful flowers he sent me just
before his departure. He didn't come often
to uncle's, but would have proposed be-
lieve, If had given him any encourage
ment." G,,1F
Then l was sorry for 1 remembered the
gentleman perfectly as high-spirited,
proud young man, rather romantic, but
very scrupulous in observing all the little
niceties of behavior, and disposed to stand
upon his dignity. thought, too, that be
deserved better than to be made the victim
of deceit both silly and heartless, which
did equal injustice both to him and an alb.
sent husband.
All that I could say about it Kate
laughed at. If had forseen any danger,
my objections would have been increased
ten fold, and urged with proportionate
earnestness; as it was, l anticipated moth
ing worse than some manifestations of anger
on bis part on the discovery of her real
condition-whlch l supposed must occur
soon-and tatte to her discredit in conse-
quence. So l resolved, if the mischievous
hoax was persisted in, to disabuse its victim
on the very first opportunity that presented
itself.
Unluckily, on the very next day receiv,
ed letter recalling me to New York to
meet an only brother, who had been absent
for ten years in France as the agent of
great business firm in New York and had
returned with French wife from Marseil-
les, whom had heard of aud written to,
but never seen. l was such little thing
when John went away, that | scarcely re-
membered him, except as a tall, good look
ing young man, who had to lift me up In
bis arms to kiss me at his departure but
OF course l wanted to see him and my for
eign sister-so | set off Immediately.
The pleasure found awaiting me drove
Kate and her affairs out of my head for a
season, though | wrote her letter, incdon-
tally expressing hope that her joke at the
Spaniard's expense had come to an end,
and that he had taken it in better part than
she deserved. la this persuasion I said
nothing about it to MIR. Fletcher when he
came to see me; very unfortunately, too,
business kept him in New York for over a
forth ght, though be was anxious 10 get
away ali the time.
In the third week OF bis absence, re-
ceived letters both from Kate and Ella,
which surprised as well as vexed and
alarmed me. The deception, commonwealth
g mere spirit Of heedlessness and coquetry,
had been continued until neither the oEigi-
majors nor the foolish abettors liked to risk
the responsibility OF disclosure which, ua-
fortunately, accident had not effected. Ella
wrote as trivously as ever, and Fate mani
tested no more apprehension of danger than
was implied in lightly expressed remark
that "if she didn't take care she might get
scolded when George came back" as, how
ever, she wished be would do.
I took my newly acquired brother into
my confidence on the subject, and my anxi-
ETY. was considerably increased by what he
informed me respecting the character OF
Hates Gdmirer, whom he had known Ill
Europe.
II am afraid your friend has got herself
into bad scrape," he said ; for Diego
Perez is mar OF strong passions, like most
Spaniards proud as Luc!ler, too, an IL
ordinarily susceptible to ridicule. Is Mrs.
Fletcher handsome
YES" l replied, " extremely So"
"Then he IS just the man to fall insanely
in love with her, and the affair may serious
ly compromise her reputation and Georges
honor. Something must be done immedi-
ately to put stop to it.
John had begun to entertain warm
friendship for Mr.. Fletcher, d presently
assented to a proposition of mine that We
he, his wife and myself-should 90 to New
port, where be could renew his acquaintance
with the young Spaniard for the purpose OF
undeceiving him with such care and pre-
caution as be found necessary.
Hearing OF our project, George begged
US to postpone our departure Tor day or
two, which we could not refuse, and, just
on the eve of the boats starting, he came
OF board and sailed with US.
was uneasy during the passage; more
the less 50 in consequence Of his high spirits
in expectation OF rejoining bis wife. My
secret or Father that which l shared with
my brother, oppressed me SO that sometimes
imagined that had dreadful torebod
i-g OF what was going to happen. lay
awake ter iong time IL my berth, too,
and, when [ tell asleep it Was to be haun~
ted by harrasslng, painful. lndescrloabie
dreams, worse to endure than iorgetlulness.
So that | was relieved wnen we arrived ct
Newport and got sale in the cottage.
Kate gave us the warmest OF welcomes,
for she really longed Tor her husbands re-
turn, and was glad to see all OF US. AS
soon as obtained an opportunity, ques-
toned her about the Spaniard. She blush
ed and begged me not to be severe in my
Judgment OF her, though she had teen very,
very foolish, producing letter which she
had that morning received from him.
Pm afraid he is in earnest, Nina, dear"
she said. Read it, and tell me what to
do. If really believe he means all he says,
it would frighten me dreadfuly."
1t did brighten me. The man still mis-
erably deceived as to her condition, had
written such letter as very few women
| could receive without alarm. de told her
that be loved her dearly, madly, passionate.
| ly; that the facination which she exercised
over him enthralled his whole nature that
he must win her or die-without her life
had no charm. Pleading extravagantly
for her hand. and promising life long ado
ration in return, he stated bis fortune and
position in life, praying for speedy an
4 lurGr