The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1870-12-17

But Fairfield waited to hear no more.
He had, in fact, already heard too much
for Miss Haverstone's future anticipa-
tons.
"Saved ~ he muttered. "This visit
was o special plan Of Providence. Say
nothing of my CALL" he confined, ad-
dressing the servant, whose i'll concealed
glee betrayed she knew what was going
on 10 there, and slipped q half crown into
her hand.
you're gentleman" she calculated
sand I'm glad ye have found that crea-
ture out. She knocked Miss Kate-the
sweet, pretty angel down stairs when
she was mad with rage, and hurt her
back. Her aunt wants to take her to
Paris. to the doctors, but that vixen
won't let them, until she's married"
(which will never be-" he muttered
to himself, 'if everybody thinks as do
now."
He went home. He sat down. He
meditatcd. He made up his mind at last
He was bachelor, he was we'll off, he
had no relatives, he was independent, aud
he would do as he pleased.
lie went over to Haverstone's villa
before the usual visiting hour.
"Teil Miss Kate that l wish to see
her." he said to the servant.
The good hearted woman laughed out
right; she clapped her hands as she car
ried the message. Miss Kate was dear
to her heart.
ITO see her !" Amelia CALCULATED.
"Who can 1t be? BE sure, Kate, aud
get out of the parlor before Fairfield
comes"
With that injunction ringing in her
ears, Kate went down to the parlor. Mr..
Fairfield rose to meet her.
"Mr. Fairfield !" she stammered, blush
ing. He looked at her. Miss Amelia's
beauty dwindled by the comparison he
made. This little creature, with her
abundance of soft, golden hair, and blue
eyes, and wistful face, was far more
beautiful than Amelia Haverstone's had
ever been.
Yes, Miss Kate"
"Did you ask for me ~
"I did Sit down here beside me. /
have something to say to you"
She obeyed him silently. She was
| trembling with modification. This man
had ridiculed her on account of her mis-
fortune. she believed, and now she was
| doomed to sit beside him.
Il know why you shrink from me, he
said softly. Very unintentionaliy, l
overheard little of your family conver-
sation this morning, aud was happy to
have your sisters true character revealed
to me-"
"Mr. Fairfield" she calculated, im-
possible :"
But not impossible-a blessed reality.
find that the shock does not hurt me!
| never loved your sister; was only be-
wildered by her for time. But find
that do love somebody else. Can you
guess who it is 2'
She 10, ked up frankly into his face.
How should | know ? She had never
been out in society with Mr. Fairfield,
aud knew nothing OF his preferences.
''Shafl tell you p
elf you please"
ssYourself"
She caught her hand quickly from
him, aud tears sprang in her eyes.
This is too cruel jest" she cried.
81 f my affliction has made me appear
ridiculous in your eyes, you need not
mock me-"
You misunderstood me-" he said
gently; 81 mean what say. love you
too dearly to mock you. | want too
marry you, and take you to Paris with
me, and get you cured.
She hid her face and wept; no. tears
of sorrow, but rather those of joy. The
great, good gift of life, which she had
coveted, had come to her at last
do your tears mean yes?' he asked
and. though he obtained no response, he
was satisfied.
He left her. She went to her own
room. and he went home. But MIR. Hav
erstone, when he returned home to dine,
was all radiant with smiles.
ssMr Fairfield came to see me to day."
be said aud Amelia gave little pleased
start.
"Did he propose, uncle p she asked.
"Ycs, but SO differently to what [ ex-
pected. He asked for Kate's hand not
yours
"Kate's! Impossible You've made
mistake p' she calculated.
'Nonc whatever. He wants to marry
her Immediately, and take her to France"
"And you knew it p Amelia cxclaim-
ed, turning to her sister. That was
who your visitor was last nj sht, you SLY
MINK you We been fawning and crying
to him, you 'vc-"
sternly. "Last night WIS only the sec-
ond time he ever saw poor Kate. He
told me the whole circumstance himself.
He called here to see you yesterday
morning, and overheard you venting
your rage on your aunt and sister. He
was Disguised with you, and equally
charmed by Kate in proportion TO the
contrast between you. Please take warn
ing !"
She sprang from the table and ran to
her room, where she had violent attact
of mysteries. The prize she had tried to
win was lost.
Four weeks later, Kate was married,
and started for France.
A year later, she came home perfectly
restored to health and strength Amelia
was still single, but she vouchsafed no
word OF welcome to Mrs. Fsirfeld.
It may be regarded as settled that two
railroad trains cannot pass each other on
I