Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1869-12-01
WHOLE NUMBER 399.

why Kate, child, what ON earth is the
matter; you are as white as a sheetv
He had just caught sight of Kate's
pale face, and glanced inquiringly at
Audley, who answered:
DO not be frightened, Judge, the dan
ger is all over now; nobody hurt, thanks
to your daughter, with a gracious bow
to Kate.
He then proceeded to give full ac-
count of the mornings adventure to the
Judge, cOmplimenting Kate whenever
il was possible.
Poor child, said her father, when Au-
dley had finished his recital, no wonder
she tainted. The idea of my Kate kill
ing a snake! I can hardly believe it;
why she's had perfect horror of them
from her infancy. Once, when she was
quite a child there was a hOidenish
young rascaI-a cousin Of hers-staying
with us; poor fellow! he is dead now.
Well, he found one of these common lit
tie gata-snakes, and threw it round the
child s shoulders for necklace; although
the thing was dead it frightened her so
that she almost tainted, and never since
can she endure the sight of one
Audley admired and appreciated kate's
courage more than ever now. He told
her so, too, but in such words and in
such a way that I could never write
down, nor yoI either.
II was late in the afternoon when Au-
dley again Wended his way 10 the cot
tage. He found the Judge seated in the
porticO in front reading his paper
"HOw is Miss HaughtOn this EVENING"
asked Audley.
Much BETTER replied the Judge; in
deed she is almost herself again. Will
you be seated Orperhaps you would pre-
fer going in search ofKate. She has just
stepped out for a short walk around the
bend of the road there"
The Judge glanced at his paper Au-
dley readily took the hint, glad Of the
chahce of seeing Kate alone. As he
turned the bend in the road that Judge
HaughtOD bod pointed out he discover
ed Kate at some little distance. She
had stopped near GH old gnarIed tree
that grew on the roadside.
How lovely she looked standing there,
in heecy white muslin, white roses twin
ed among her dark cUrls A few rapid
PAGES brought Audley to her side.
4 see you are tTifle neTvons yet he
said as he took both little trembling
hands in his.
Again he attempted to pour forth his
thanks for what he was pleased to con-
slider the preservation Of his life. She
interrupted him.
You have said enough, Mr.. Ashton;
beside, you attach too much importance
entirely to the affair. Please do not men
ton anything connected with it again.
I have almost as great an aversion to be
made heroine Of as have to snakes,
and you cannot imagine my dread Of
Them
She shivered slightly. Seeing that
she really desired to dismiss the subject
and that it was disagr9eable to her, AU-
dley made no more illusions 10 it.
They talked on pleasantly enough for
while; nothing Of Importance in their
conversation; all the time his eager eyes
searching hers rs if they would read her
very soul.
Kate felt the influence of the soft dusky-
summer-air, Of the sweet dreamy still
ness that reigned around most Of all of
AUdley's presence. She feared he might
begin his old role of lOve-making, and
felt thatshe could not, i'll her present
weak, nervous, state, sustain the apuar-
ent indifference she had formerly DraCtic-
! ed; she might bctray some emotion and
commit herself. She must remain here.
"Itis time we returned to the house,
/ she remarked. 'Papa will be uneasy"
He knows l am with you, and why
not stay here; it is very pleasant" lie
said.
yes thought Kate too pleasant bv
far but she said:
Because I prefer returning
On reaching the house, they found
that the Judge had finished his paper
and gone to attend some meeting
among the lawyers at GlenwiId: SO the
servant girl said.
Fate was determined that the lovers
should be alone this evening at least.
The moon was up now and shed its
serene silver radiance upon the two seat
ed beneath the vines that clambered
over the porticO.
Audley was the first to break the 81
lence.
81 start to Europe in u few months -
he said, abruptly; 81 believe I told YOU
this morning.
Yes, you mentioned it,
And l want you to go with NE Kate,
he spoke as if he had not heard at all.
Mr.. Ashton =
She was dumbfOundered at his audae-
ity and bruskness.
Yes, Kate, as my Wife
She was startled more than ever at I
these words. Her only answer was /
most incredulOus smile. He could see /
this smile distinctly by the bright I
moonlight, and was quick to discern its .
meaning.
You don't believe in me- he cried, al .
most fiercely, seizing herhan You've
no faith in me .
No, Mr. Ashton not one whit
COldly, deliberately, cUttingly. the
words fell from her lips.
But, 0 Kate, my darling, 7 do love
you"
The voice was fraught with tender
emotion and passionate eagerness
now.
Look at me, Kate, and listen to me
you never would befOre-but [ must
speak now, for may not see you for
years; perhaps never again. Love is too
tame an expression for the feeling | have
for you; it is worship, alteration. o my
precious darling, my sweet treasure, +
you will nOt-yOu cannot send me from
You. Let me prove by lifelong devo-
lion how tondly [ do love You. Kate
will you be mine -
% Audleyr
Only two werds; yet the tone, the I
voice, the manner, all sounded hope and ,
happiness to AUdley AShton's heart.
Long enough had Kate struggled
against her love and hearts pleadings. / 5
Il was all over now. She knew that he 5
owed her.
Several months later, seated on the !
lecl OF Il steamer bound for Liverpool,
vas Audley Ashton, and his Young
ride resting on Il low seat ut his feet. +
Kate, darling, he said, while his fin q
,ers threaded the rich brown hair and g.,
Dyed with the dark curlS, 'arc you the '
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