Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-02-26
Kate LEES LOVERS.

81 am sorry, Mr.. Norton, if word or
deed of mil e has ever led you to make
this declaration. l assure you never
had the least suspicion that your affec-
lion for me was more than that of
friend / am so accustomed to think
you as such, that never suspected that
you cared for me-"
The speaker was young lady of
seventeen summers, the daughter of
wealthy merchant of the city. But the
scene of this dialogue was a charming
villa in KensingtOn. Very lovely she
was, as she stood leaning against the
window, looking up half-frightened into
the face of the gentleman whom she was
addressing. Her dress of delicate blue,
with fall of snowy lace at neck and
wrist, set off her delicate beauty, pure as
the opening rosebud; and her golden
ringlets surrounded with halo, the face
upturned to his.
''You are young yet Kate, +" he said.
81 would not ask you to give up your
freedom; only give me hope, and will
wait for you as long as you desire. May
wait and hope on, Katie ~
81 know | am young, Mr.. Norton,
but not too young to decide. owe you
the TRUTH" she ssid, the blood crimsoning
her white forehead and as tried friend,
can trust you with my secret am al
ready engaged"
Ethan am too late" And the frame
of the handsome young man trembled as
he buried his face in his hands.
Looking up, some m m9nts after, bis
face white and haggard, as from long i'll
ness, he said, gently csressing the golden
head bowed so piteously, MAY you be
very happy, my Katie. once hoped to
call you my own; now all that is passed.
cannot say give you up willingly, for
1t takes the sunshine from my life; but if
he is worthy of you, l will give you up,
and may the good father bring you all the
happiness IcOYet for you, my little friend;
and turning quickly, he left the room
'Just my luck, exactly" sobbed Katie,
after he had left her alone. ''TO think
that he loved me, and when l would give
almost anything in the world TO please
him, since be has been 80 kind, the very
thing he wants l must refuse him"
And Ia lie sobbed as if her heart would
break.
Crying Why, Katie, what ails you
This is new freak of yours. What is
the matter, Katie ?"
And the gentleman seated himself be-
side her, and turned to find the reason
# her tears; but she would not answer
him.
81 met Norton on the stairs, he con-
tinued, Sand he looked as if be had lost
hi5 last aud only friend. Has he any
connection with those swollen eyelids,
Katie 2"
ooh Henry, that ia Just it" And
Katie told him all her troubles, adding,
Il am so sorry, for be has been so good
to papa"
''And so you refused him, eh You
need not trouble yourself the least; he'll
live through 1t. never did like the fell
low," he continued, his brow growing
dark, as some unpleasant memory crossed
lis mind; ''aud l am glad some one on
whom | have some claim can make him
feel as an ordinary mortal. "
"You shsn'U talk so of MIR. Norton,
Henry Grey" and the blue eyes flashed
tnreaieningly. "He has been one of our
very best friends during dear paps's ILL.,
ness, and l shan't listen to such Ian
guage.n
"Phewl Who are we nowf" And
the young stockbroker (for such he was)
opened his eyes in astonished wonder at
this unexpected outburs: from the unusu-
ally goOd-natured Katie.
Il am a friend of Mr.. Norton; and
after all bis proof of friendship to me
and mine, am not going to hear OF any
ones talking of him in that style, much
less you of all others, Mr.. Grey"
"Ha, ha, hal" laughed the stockbrokef,
seemingly much amused. 'Really,
Kstie, you are actually growing hand
some. Whist treasure was lost to the
stage when you promised to be Mrs.
Grey. But we went quarrel about him.
| have no doubt he is fine fellow; only
every one doesn't know it, snd he"
"Henry Grey" threatened Katie.
'Beg pardon, but had not forgotten.
~ the wsy, Kit, the Wandering Min
strcls sing at Lady Chatterton's this even
Ing, and | want to hear them.
Thank you, Henry; but do not care
II 60"
Il care to hear the Wandering Min.
,,rcls; of course you do. l will call for
you at seven, he said, rising TO go.
Thank you, SO; ! do not wish to 60
out ct all tais evening" ....
And Kate leaned her cheek against her
hand, and looked down steadily upon the
carpet, seeming to forget his presence.
but have set my heart upon going,
he answered impatiently, ''aud 1 cannot
go alone, inst for a whim. Come, Kit,
don't 60 INTO mourning over that luckless
wight of yours, and deprive me and your
self of an evenings fine entertainment.
s'You forget that is forbidden sub
iect. " she said; "and as l am not well,
must finally decline to accompany you.
And now, please don't say any more,
She added wesrily.
every WELL" said Grey, hsughtly; ''st