The Portland daily press., 1862-11-01
MISCELLANY.
KATE osBoRNE's ELoPEMENr.


be persuaded to allow you to gaze into them,
between the long heavy lashes, as thick, and
almost as long land this is a rare attraction) on
the lower eyelids as on the upper There was
a spice of fun, withal, in those wonderful eyes,
that showed itself, spite of all efforts TO keep
it down; and gave evidence that sweet Kate.
gentle as she was, was not without her power
of self defence, to be used on occasion.
But the occasion was long wanting; for Kate
when We first knew her, and live or six years
afterwards, lived secluded, with her father and
an old aunt in retired village, in Yorkshire.
There she was Worship ID at distance,
by the curate and some haif-iozen countryiied
beaux, who thought her long, bright curls and
well proportioned figure, and, above all, her
splendid dark eyes, the very attributes of an
earthly goddess.
But Kate was not destined always to remain
immured amid the elm trees of Knottingley.
She came to bid us adieu, one spring morning
with tears on her long lashes, and sob in her
white throat. informing us that she had receiv-
ed an invitation from a cousin In London, who,
almost as great beauty as Kate herself, had
married distinguished member Of parliament,
and was now Il fashionable belle in fashionable
circles.
For long time after this, we heard little of
our dear Kate flor she was no correspondent
save fiying rumors, that she had created an i'm
mense sensation, and had received offers innu-
merable from some of the highest ''elgibles"
in the gay world.
We have omitted to state that our favorite
possessed very nice fortune in the funds, to
the tune of some ten thousand pounds.
Having just attained her majority, this might
have had some influence in attracting suitors
for her hand; though We were then, as now,
unwilling to admit so sordid an element into
the scale with Kate's personal and mental
charms.
However, truth will out, and our readers
must digest il after their own fashion,
The next news OF KITE was considerably
more startling Indeed, it so much unuerved
us, that we let fall a cup of exquisite gunpow-
der tea, on our best Turkey carpet, scaldng,
into the bargain, the silky right ear of our
graceful little Italian greyhound.
Kate has eloped-yes, actually eloped, or
rather as other reports stated. she has been
run away with against her will, by terrible
bandit of a man, and forced to marry at the
pistols muzzle. The news was so extraordi-
nary, that after the first surprise, we refused
to believe 1t; but most puzzing letter from
Kate herself, assured us, that it was at least
in part, perfectly true. The letter, though.
did not prepare us for what actually followed
afterwards, namely, visit from Kate.
She came flying in, arrayed in the most ele-
giant Regent street attire, but with a warmth
and earnestness about her that showed that
the fashionable world had no power to corrupt
her heart; or to damage in the least that hon
est and loving simplicity of character. which.
with all her beauty, and all her fortune, consti-
tuted her principal charm.
"Why Kate!-Kate Osborne!' we began.
"Mrs. Arthur Lorrimer. il yon pleased" re-
turned she, drawing herself up with playful
assumption of dignity.
II beg your pardon, Mrs. Arthur Lorrmer
Then 1t Is all true about your marriage?"
This was said more with view of introduc-
ing the subject than from any remaining doubt
we had.
"'rrue? OF course it is! Why should you
disbelieve it, you dear old"
As we have not yet revealed our sex or age,
we shall not say what the beautiful Mrs. Lor-
rimer deigned 10 call us.
"But Kate dear Kate! do tell me how it
came about! You to elope land without even
the spur of oppositionw
Il did not elope II was run away with.'
$50 report said. Yet you seem well and
happy, and resigned TO your tate, which does
not always happen In these cases of abduction"
After great deal of teasing and tantalizing
Kate gave us the history OF her escapade
which we will repeat in pretty nearly her own
words-at least as nearly as we can remember:
"Mr. Lorrimer," said she, was first present.
ed to me at ball. had been prosecuted that
evening beyond expression; such set of in
and and iulsome odors, mouthing their alec-
ted compliments, and striving to make me be-
ieve myself the veriest angel that had ever
appeared in the realms of fashion. was sick
of it all, and determined at the risk of ac-
quiring an unenviable reputation for sell-con-
ceit and singularity, to make my own terms
beforehand with the next 'eligbe" who pre-
sented himself Just as / had arrived at this
determination, / perceived Mr.. Arthur Lori
mer approaching me, evidently for the purpose
of obtaining an Introduction. Here was fine
opportunity of commencing the new role. He
gracefully, yet nonchalantly begged the honor
Of my hand for the next dance.
Il shall be happy to dance with you," said,
upon one condition"
"Name it."
"Promise that you win not pay me any
court"
Il PROMISE" and the gentleman kept his
word.
To reward him for his obedience. danced
with him every time that we met. A very
pleasant intimacy sprang up between us,
which, purely friendly as it was, had the effect
OF keeping former sutors at a distance, tor
which, you may be sure, was truly thankful
One splendid morning we happened to meet
at a dGeuner a la fourchett, given by Lady
Lonsdale ut her pretty village on the banks of
the Thames. Everything was perfect; the
guests were well chosen, and bored each other
as little as possible. Mr.. Lorrimer and /
walked about the grounds together Some
how or other we strayed from our companions,
and found ourselves alone in beautiful shady
walk. noticed that he became agitated; but
this affected not TO perceive.
All at once he stopped short
Miss Osborne" he said and though his
voice perceptibly trembled, he looked straight
through me with those penetrating blue eyes
of his; "Miss Osborne, have proposition to
make to you."
"Speak freely" replied, playing with the
cords of my mantelette.
"Will you take me for husband?"
Seriously"
Seriously, or gayly, which you wil'
"And this Is your promise not to pay court
to mew
at is for the surer keeping of that promise
that make the proposal. Look at me well,n
and he drew his tall figure to its utmost hight.
am not altogether bad looking fellow
Such as am offer myself to you, with all my
qualities, good and evil in the bargain. If
you can like the tout ensemble we will be mar
ried"
You are a terrible creature" calculated
"Do you think woman's heart is to be car
ried by storm in this way?"
swell, will give you twenty-four hours to
reflect upon your answer"
.Three days, or refuse at once"
"Very well. Mind, shall not give you an
hour longer"
"Promise me that meanwhile you will speak
no more on the matter"
II promise"
And we chatted upon different subjects I'M