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

| Mr.. Lee CHANGED to remark upon Mr..
Norton's long absence from their house;
but Katie would try to change the subject
as soon as possible, anxious to spare her
friend from any unpleasant memories it
| she could.
Daily and almost hourly they were
thrown into one another's society; and
| Katie experienced q new feeling of rest
and confidence as she rambled day after
day among the beautiful scenery of the
Welsh mountains- ...--.---..
The summer was far advanced; and
still our friends fingered, 10th to leave
their quiet Welsh village for the noise and
din of the great metropolis; but Mr.. Lee
finally said one morning at breakfast, that
he must return home, as some business
required his immediate attention.
The last day on the mountains, Katie
started alone to take farewell look of
her fsvorite valley. Seating herself upon
the rock, she sat thinking of the past. Z.
''One year ago, to day" she said. siust
one year ago, and how changed am9 If
/ had known-if had only knownln
And leaning her head upon her hand,
she looked sadly down into the distant
valley-far, far below where she sat. A
well known step aroused her, aud blush.
ing crimson that the subject of her
thoughts should be 30 near her, she moved
g little and made room for him at her
side.
$50 you are taking a farewell look at
our old favorite, Miss Katie2" he said,
accepting the seat she offered him, "Are
you sorry to leayel"
eyes, ! shall not soon forget It. Mr..
Norton. This has been very pleasant
summer, and regret the return to Lon
don, with its endless routine of gsyeties
and its slavery to fashions rule. Iwould
like to stay here forever"
'eYou would not find 1t so pleasant here
in the winter months, Miss Katie. fear,
after experiencing one of the severe
storms in these mountains, you would
begin to wish for your London home"
81 presume l should. 1 forgot that
summer was not perpetual institution"
Katie laughed. .'sBut this has been such
a pleasant summer, and ! have been so
happy here"
SIT was the happiest summer of my
life, " be exclaimed, suddenly turning to-
ward her, sand only for one thing,
should be the happiest man in the world.
Dear Katie, forgive me, but have not
forgotten that the prize that / covet more
than any other, in the world belong TO
another; and the thought adds bitter
drop to my cup of happiness"
Kstie's heart throbbed unanimously as
she listened to the impassioned words.
Here was her happiness almost within
her reach, if she would just put forth her
hand it was hers. Should she put down
timidity, and make for herself and this
man sunshine for all life
'FOrgive me, he said, after a silence
of q few moments; 81 would not offend
you, even at the cost of my life's happi-
ness. Tell me you forgive me, Katie.
"I have nothing to forgive, Mr.. Nor
ton," Katie answered, her heart throb-
bling painfully, as she added with a great
effort, "You are mistaken in your sur
mise have been free from my engage
ment for year. If you want me, am
yours" And she hid her face upon his
shoulder"
"Do you mean what you say, my dsT-
ing" he exclaimed, clasping her closely
lin his arms. ''My Katie at lastl" and he
covered her face with his kisses.
Then Katie told him all the history of
the last year and he listened to it all, his
brow growing dark at Mr.. Grey's insult
ing words; but becoming bright again at
her expressions of faith in him.
The sun was sinking low behind the
tops of the mountains when they return
ed to the house. Mr.. Lee sat alone in the
parlor when they entered, and walking
up to him, Mr.. Norton said, 81 love your
daughter, Mr.. Lee, and we have come for
your consent to our union"
''You are the only man in the world
who should have her," he answered, ''but
believe you are worthy of her. May
you be very happy, my darling" he con-
tinued, kissing her crimson cheek; ''you
have been a good daughter, and will
prove a good wife. God bless you, my
Katie"
The wedding came off in good time,
and happier fireside is not to be found
in all England, than the home of our
friend Katie, who reigns supreme in the
hearts of husband and father.