Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1861-04-05

Ned felt that this state of affairs was
maddenng. lie could not have her car
rIed off before his face and, eyes without
one word Of remonstrance. He had once
venturcd to call, but her manners at that
time were so gay and carelessly easy that
no could not summon courage to speak Of
their former betrothal,; so he smotheIed,his
heartache, laughed and chatted as gaiy as
the little lady herself.
II he had but known how she longed. to
put her arms about his neck, and tell him
how much, how very very much she loved
him, we are not sure but our friend Ned
would have been transported immediately !;
but Katie ChcLter was not one to commit
herself in that manner, with him flirting
with Miss Franklin before her very eyes,
AS L before remarked, gentle reader, Ned
felt that he could not live under this sys.
pense, aud determined ca seeing her, and
knowing the worst, if it was to be. Ac-
cerd'ngly tho next morning found him, as
early ms politeness would allow, awaiting
the appearance of Kate, in the parlor of
her aunt. At last she came, looking
charmngly irresistible, in rose col ored
wrapper, with amber facings, AS he trip
ped across the floor and took her hand in
welcome, he could have died that moment
for one kiss from those cherry lips.
Leading her to sofa, and placing him:
self beside her, lie began with
Katie'-but he could 20 no farther :;
somehow, something in his throat choked
his utterapce, apd be felt that if something
melted it must be in tears. There she sat
looking up into his face very seriously and
quietly, though he felt tho little hand which
be still retained slightly tremble. How he
wished she would say something to relieve
his embarrassment, but still she was silent,
though now the peaciled eyelids were
dropped very low oyer the bright eyes; and,
had he looked into them, he might have
seen them heavy with tears.
Where now was the self.suf6ciept Ned
Harlsa the spirited, independent Katie :
Softly his arm stole round the slender
waist; there was slight. very slight move
ment of resistance, but Ned only clasped
her closer, and whispered low, for he felt
that he could not trust his voice.
Has my little pet, my darling, forgot to
love her Neds'
Katie struggled to reply, but could only
lean her head upon his shoulder, sobbing.
Then there followed passionate embraces,
burning kisses; Ned assured her that he
didn't care straw for the rouged and false
hearted Minnie; that lie had loved Katie,
and her only, all the long time; and
smoothing back the hair from her flushed
face. with quivering lips craved her forgive
ness for the wrong he had done her, in ba:z
lieyipg her untrue.
Hioing her face on his bosom, she aver.
red that it was she only that should ask
forgiveness; that the only had done the
wrong then she told him how she hated
all those heartless daudie., how she bad
wept in secret, fearing that he loved her
no longer.
Neds only reply was rain of kisses on
her neck, face and hands. How supreme
ly happy WAS Katie; in that one short hour
was concentrated the happiness that had
not been hers for months. Long they
fingered, until the dinner bell sounded,
warning them of the lateness Of the hour.
Kate glanced confnsedIy in the mirror at
her tumbled tresses and disordered collar.
Ned laughed, took her head between his
hands, kissed and embraced. her, and, with
the mysterious words, "Only one short
month";" left her.
There was some dissatisfaction amid the
friends at the brevity of the time-only
one mopth-hHt Ned averHled all obieo,
tons; and, meantime is wandaring aimless.
ly about the house, being quite sure, how.
eyer, ta be within the whsreaboHts of = GER
tain pair of bright eyer, making her play
and and sing at the most inconvenisnt sea.
sous, as punishment for keeping him in
ignorance of her musical talent
| Our friend Charlie, with numerous other
desperate fellows, al the first intalligence Of
the coming wedding, Wan exceeding vroth
but in consideration of officiating rs
groomsmau, With the dsserted, and ssome..
what displeased Miss Minnie for a partner,