Des Arc weekly citizen., 1869-03-02

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 As he approached, his lovely mis tress hailed him with an arch reproo for his delay; but when she reached out her hand to welcome him, she saw that his face was flushed and his eyt disturbed; and, changing her tone o1 censure to one of solicitude, she inquired anxiously:
 "Are you i'll, Harry ?" s
 l. The pressure of the hand--the eager look of inquiry-the tremulous tone oi affection which accompanied these few words startled Harry from his self possession and he replied
 "No-no-not at all ill 1--I-" e
 "Harry dear Heary!" exclaimed Kate with passionate earnestness what has happened? Feline, Harry! tell me anv .sss R m8F l It was instantly obvious to the young man that his engagement for the morn- ing-which he held himself bound in honor to fulfil-w ould in. some way certainly be intcrfered with by his mistress, if he allowed her. to be in- formed of it; for, whatever might be his notions of chivalric obligations, and however imperiously he might demand her acquiescence in them, he still knew that dread of personal danger to him. self would overbear, in her mind, all other considerations He, therefore, felt it necessary to equivocate and de- ceive her. The train of argument, which of course went through his mind in far less time than is required to note it down, resulted in his saying promptly
 "For heavens sake, Kate, don't alarm yourself in. this manner! Noth- ing has happened"
 It is not to Dc supposed that this reply was altogether satisfactory, but as Harry, in his attempt to mislead Kate had broken the spell of his own forebodings, he was now able to regain his self command; and he then soon succeeded in making jest of her fears.
 After an interview such as lovers know how to protract and no one knows how to describe, they parted; Kate inspired with bright visions of happiness, and Harry, in a state of wretchedness, the nature, but not the extent, of which may be readily con ceived. He hurried to his room and without any preparation for the nor row cast himself on the bed where his agony found poor relief in fit of uncomfortable weeping.
 In this condition, he fell asleep.
 It often happens, by some strange contrariety of nature, that our dreams have relation to the subjects not nearest our hearts: what has occupied our thoughts during the day usually gives place, in sleep, to something of more remote interest-as if the soul, when momentarly disencumbered ofthe cares of life, shook off it's dependence on the body and pursued the bent of its own fancy, regardless of the wants and woes of this tabernacle of clay to which its ordinarily held in subjection. But Harry's experience did not, at this time, conform to the rule.
 After he had slept awhile, he dream ed that he was hurrying, stealthily and alone, to the scene of mortal strife. A little in advance of him was an old man whom he had several times tried to avoid by changing his route, but the stranger, without appearing to be con scious of Harry's motions, happened so exactly to regulate his course by that which Harry took, that the impa- tient youth found it necessary to brush past him, at the risk of being interrup- ted, ii he would reach his destination in due season.
 He had just ovcrtakcn tho old man, and was rapidly striding onward, when the latter, with promptness and vigor mot to be expected in one of his years, grasped Harry's arm, saying
 "Hold a moment, young man; you arc Harry Bradford, believer"
 "That is my name, old gentleman replied Harry, with stare of astonish- ment, "but as I have not the pleasure of knowing you, must beg you to defer your civilities. am in haste
 "Stay moment, nevertheless" con. tinued the stranger, seeing Harry about to move on in spite of him-''il you will not. at least walk slower, that may accompany you knew your father, Harry. and can surely claim ol his son the privilege of a parting word just as he is about to rush unbiddcn in. to eternity"
 \ "Who are you, then, and what would you say P exclaimed Harry, not littl, startled to find that his purpose as wei as his name was known to the stranger q am your friend replied the old
 man, ''and my name is Common Sense Why are you determined to throw away your life ?"
 "Sir," said Harry, ''I am engaged ir m affair of honor--a matter witt which, sancy. you can have no con cern."
 s'I have little to do with honor a !, young men understand it; but l an desirous to serve you. Tell me, these : fore, what is your predicament?' A quondam friend and rival lover jealoas of my success with lady insinuated something to her prejudic in the presence of gentlemen. Istrucl 2 him He challenged mo and aI bound to fight hims'
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