The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-11-17
ONLY KATE.

Mr.. Fairfield sat in the drawing room Of
Mrs. Haverston's neat little villa, at Noting
Hill patiently awaiting the young lady he had
called to see.
He had met Miss Haverston, with her uncle
aud aunt, at Southend, and as she was very
stylish, and at the same time. an agreeable
young lady, he had become intimate with her.
This was the first call he had ventured to make
since his return to London, and he was wond
cring how she wonld receive him. He did
not send his card to her. because he wished to
surprise her pleasantly, as he hoped
'Be sure aud keep out of the way" he
heard sharp voice say. II should be asham-
ed out Of my wits if any onesaw you limping
about"
There was no response to that injunction,
and moment later, Miss Haverston entered.
She was tall, handsome young girl, who
seemed born to command; and yet there was
soft bewildering light in her brown black
eyes.
Miss Haverston!' Che said rising up.
"Mr. Fairfield p she exclaimed. is it
possible that it is you | am SO happy to meet
you once again p
Their greeting over, they settled into a
quiet little chat; and Mr.. Fairfield was very
much surprised to find how swiftly time had
fed when he arose to 60 She invited him
to call again, and he accepted her invitation,
and called frequently.
He was her escort with her aunt to the op-
era, theater balls, in fact, to every place of
amusement. In that way several months
passed, and he was meditating asking Miss
Hovarefop to oooonpon,, hin, +hro,,<.L I:p
One evening he called rather earlier than
usual, and went into the music room. Some
body was playing quaint little song, and
singing in a soft, sweet voice. He had no
doubt as TO who somebody must be, so silently
stepped over to her side
Amelia" he said gently
The figure On the stool turned round sud
denly.
Pardon me, am only Katc.' she ejacu
lated
"Pardon me- he returned. I" I have made
mistake. I was quite sure that it was Miss
Haverston. as was not aware that she had
any lady visitors
81 am not visitor" she responded. II
am Amelia's lame sister"
ooh! thousand pardons p
He could say no more. He was wondering
why Amelia Haverston had never spoken
about this invalid sister. 1t could not be that
she was Indifferent to her Amelia's heart
was too tender for that
"Amelia will be here in few moments,
sir" she added as she took her two little
crutches and leaned heavily on them
Before he could speak, she had left the
room, and he was alone
Miss Haverston entered. She apoligized
for keeping him waiting SO long, and seemed
all sweetness.
II was not aware that you had sister, be.
fore, Miss Haverston,' he observed
"No! Did l never mention her to yon !? she
said Il thought had And yet feel SO
sad when I think of her aff1iction, that hate
to al!ude to her at all
There was wonderful pathos in her voice,
which touched him He had not misjudged
Amelia-it was only the extreme sorrow
which she felt that had kept her lips from
speaking of Kate. He often went to the
house after that; but he never caught a
glimpse of little lame figure, whose mourn
full song had rung in his ears ever since.
81 would like to sec your sister," he ven.
tured to observe, one evening. why does
she keep herself SO secluded p
Because she is so sensitive" was the re-
Spouse II have tried to induce her to come
in here but in vain
He had to be satisfied with that reply, tho
he felt great curiosity to see her. He mag
ined, by the outlines Of her face, which had
been partly defined in the twilight, that she
was pretty, of course, but not SO pretty as
Amelia.
The next morning he called again He had
some concert tickets, and he would just step
in moment on his way to the city.
"You need not announce me" he said to
the servant II hear voices in the break fast
room, and 1 will go there and surprise them"
The maid servant gave mysterious smile,
aud muttered, "much good the surprise will
do you, if Miss Amelia is ranting as usual J"
He did not notice her omipous words but
kept on,