The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-08-27
KATIE GRAY.
CONCLUDED.

There were unusual festivities ut the
hall during the month that the Pelhams
stayed there, and Yolande made the con-
quest Of every man who came. They all
hung over her chair, flattered her, sought
her society, and she had smiles for them
all; her eyes were bright for each in turn,
her voice low and caressing. was also
there too; as matter of course, I was
invited, and I could not keep away.
Charlie came very seldom to the rectory;
after the first ten days there was always
some excuse; when he did, his manner
was listless, and he had little to say.
And IL was silent too; my heart was
full. dared not speak lest he should
hear the tears in my voice. Oh, Charlie!
when think now, to-day, how loved
you, how my heart was torn with anguish
when I saw your love slipping slowly,
surely away from me- my eyes rain tears,
my voice is broken by sobs. Oh, my
darling! my darling! if you could only
have known how true and faithful my
heart would always be to you, would you
have cared so much more for bright eyes
and brilliant wit than the love that
never would have failed you till your
life's end or mine?
At the hall watched breathlessly, my
tCIy SOoi III aJ CS saw llu RIOWIuR
restless. moody, miserable, when Yo-
lande talked with other men; saw him
brighten and soften when she turned to
him, and then saw her let her madden
ing eyes Il felt they were maddening to
men) dwell yearningly, lingeringly on
him, and fall slowly, sadly, consciously
away, and she would sigh little, low
sigh, then smouldering, stifed fire
would blaze up suddenly in his face
Then hated her-oh God! how hated
her.
Do weary you, little mother, sitting
there so patiently, your hands folded,
your eyes still wet with divine pity?-I
am to the end now.
It was one afternoon in February, q
clear cold day, with bright sky. 1 had
been expecting Charlie; he had promised
to come down and fetch me; but Maggie
came instead We sat together for some
time, and then 1 fetched my hat to go
with her up to the hall. It was almost
dark when we reached the door.
$50 into the wing-room, Katie"
she said, 81 want to see Stevens; 1 will
be'with you directly"
The door was ajar, and entered. The
room was nearly dark, and I went up to
the fireplace and put one foot on the
fender. Suddenly started-I was not
alone-the sound of voices came from
behind the half-drawn curtains that
covered the embrasure of the window.
''Iolande, 1 must so away; cannot
bear this torture any longer. 1t drives
roA mad to see other men looking into
y.ur eyes, and you smiling at them"
'That is strange, Mr.. Calvert, when
you yourself are engaged"
The words were cold in themselves,
but the voice that uttered them was so
low and thrilling, even felt down in my
falling heart the effect they were intend
ed to produce.
II know am n blackguard," came
the quick response. II loathe and de-
spise myself She is the dearest, best
little creature in the world; but oh, Yo-
lande! I believe you ore witch, fiend
something more than human-you
turn the blood in my veins to fire; am
almost mad when look into your eyes
or touch your hand"
'Do you love me, then, so much?"
My heart stood still until the answer
came in deep concentrated voice
$50 much that if might have you in
my arms this minute, would pray That
we might both lie, that no other might
hold you SO again.
Sick, faint, staggering, I crawled from
the room, and then as felt the keen,
cold air blow against my cheek, I fled
out into the darkness and home to the
old rectory. Oh, that night, that night!
should ever forget if 1 lived on forever
like Tithonus? Thank God, the lives
that are SO bitter are but span! 1t is
wrong to say that! Oh, how often, how
often, have longed for the eudl longed
passionately and vainly.
Papa was away from home All the
next day sat in stupor over the fire;
then late in the afternoon, the door
opened and Charlie came in He came
up to kiss me as usual, but I shrank
away, not because felt bitter or angry,
but because I knew it was an effort to
him, now he no longer loved me.
katie" he said, and at the sound of
his voice all strength left me, and burst
into crying "Katie," he said again,
softly, "poor little girl! what is it?''