Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-12-02

themselves and with each other. A steady. res
dilute determination on his part 70 resist the
cries to scorn-an equally strong determination
on hers TO bring the scofer to her feet while she
escaped seot-free herself-had ended, as such
conflicts always must, in the complete subjupa-
ton of them both, and i'm formal proposal from
MI Campbell 10 Miss Rachel Somers for her
niece,s hand So matters stood on the eve of that
Thanksgiving day, which was destined 10 he
the turning point in Kitty Somers' life.
III.
The morning of the great Puritan festival
davned with that soft mist over the Iandscane
wnien oei3ngs 70 Indian summer in all parts of
America, but which in Newport mingles with the
sea-fog, and produces a luminous haze through
which all objects take golden tiAge
NIFTY was up and in the kitchen at what she
csned me "sereeeh OF dawn" assisting old Ke-
zah IN her preparations for the ponderous feast:
Ior uere was not only the family dinner to pre-
pare mat day, but arrangements to be made to
supply twenty-four of Miss Rachel's pensioners
with turkey, form Of cranberry jelly and a
pumpkin pie each. These Kitty never failed to
Iut up and distribute with her own hands, ac-
conPanying each gift with some kind inquiry or
merry jest, which added tenfold to its value
l hen, her morning duties ended, Kitty walked
dt murely at Aunt Rachel's side to the place of
worship, having first dOnned her most bewitch-
ing toilette" wherewith to distract the minds
ana ensnare the hearts OF all the youthful MEM
otrs OF the congregation, both male and female.
Morning service over, no time was to be lost in
arranging the abundant and luxurious repast
upon which KeZiah had expended her best skill
LOT the distant branches of the Somers family
VINO were summoned to the Thanksgiving feast
lived at Narraganset, and were Obliged to take
the afternoon boat on their return.
AL day Kitty was in her brightest and most
sparkling mood, andas Roy Campbell-who had
been admitted to the family gathering-watched
her hthe figure fitting from Uncle Zeke to Aunt
marty, and listened to the merry ring of her
voice as she laughed and coquetted with the
younger Pomeroys, he was more than ever i'm
pressed with the versatility OF her rare gifts and
me lmpossibiilty OF ever concentrating them
upon one object in life. At last, however the
Festivities of the day were over Every one de-
ciared that it had been the most delightful and
wonderful Thanksgiving they had ever known
that they might miss the boat, and have TO
stay all night"-an observation which caused
Kitty to fit silently out Of the room and put the
nall clock thirty minutes forward.
linen she and Roy accompanied the family
party TO the end Of the long pier, and after de-
posting the elders in sheltered and comfortable
them from the shore. 'Thank goodness, that's
oyer!' exclaimed Kitty, as the boat pushed of
into the blue waters of the bay. "Fve been 80
reward"
(Which YOU are going to have Immediately,
replied her lover, looking down tenderly into her
upturned eyes 1--WE have still an hour of day.
lieht1guite long enough to walk to the cliffs and
watch the FOG coming up over the sea-"
-, Yes" said Kitty, with weary sigh; ait win
And must get up a little spirit and color for
the dance tonight"
Roy Campbell made no reply; it was early
days yet to censure or admOnish. and although
his mind was unalterably fixed upon keeping
Kitty at home that night, yet he knew her wen
enough to use some tact and diplomacy in carry
ryiDg out his determination. They walked on
for some minutes in silence, glancing in from
time to tine at merry groups gathered around
humble boards, until they reached at last the
broad avenue which opens upon the cliffs. Here
Kitty ran lightly forward, skipping from rock
TO rock, until she reached a jutttng point which
extended far out in the water, where, pulling of
her hat and veil, she stood, with the salt spray
beating into her face, waving her hand tri-
umphantly to Roy, who was some distance be-
hind. Her lover thought he had never seen her
looking 80 lovely as she did at that moment,
and for an instant his heart relented and he
questioned whether it were worth while to bring
a cloud over the brilliant beauty OF that face by
opposing her childish wishes. And then the re-
collection Of kitty's wild and reckless spirits in
scenes of gayety rose before his mind, and with
It the image OF the willy; smooth, insinuatng
during all the previous summer.
Z" Isn't 1t lovely?' exclaimed Kitty, as her
" and sat down on the rock beside
ones veins"
.sAnd it shines like diamonds in your hair.
hltty," said her lover, gazing with undsguised
admiration al the abundant tresses, in which the
salt drops cleaned and giistened, and then at
the brightness of the cheek and lips, which the
breeze had freshened, without deepening the
boom. "M y darling, }" he added, drawing nearer
to her, and taking one of her hands, which Law
Of the eternity of the bond Which binds Us To-
gether to-day. Will you wear IL always for nv
sake ?' And as he spoke Roy slipped upon her
nngeI hoop OF alternate opals and diamonds
waiting for her reply. But Kitty's eyes seemed
TO be searching for the coast Of Spain, so fxed
were they upon the most distant line of ocean
which the steadily increasing fog enabled her
To see. /" Kitty dearest" continued her lover
will you promise to think Of me and love me,
just little, when you wear this ring?"
cts great deal too costly and gorgeous" she
exclaimed at last, with her usual impetuosity
and bursting into shower Of tears as she spoke
ut looks like badge of slavery"
The words had no sooner passed her lips than
Kitty was sorry that she had spoken them, so
intense was the look Of pain that passed over
her lovers face.
"Forgive me- she said, putting her hand
into his again: Il did not mean to hurt you; but
indeed, Roy, this ring is great deal too hand
some for poor girl like me TO wear"
dearest, !" was the lover-like reply. "See, it has
the date, Thanksgiving day, 1s63'-the hap
piest day Of my life, Kitty. so far. You'll give
he added. - don't wish to Be eIacting, but i
night"
Campbell fervently-for there was depth as wen
as sparkle in Kitty's effervescent nature-but
a .peryersity and obstinacy, with which Aunt
as S. nae ,anly eatted during her childish
had once set her mind to do. She was young,
too, and scarcely understood the Importance
that her lover attached To this one act of sub
mission ON her part; and 50 she pouted little
and started on her hOmewsrd way with the ring
still upon her finger, and strong spirit OF insub-
Z ordination striving for the mastery within
I" shall see you this evening" shall not
dear" said Roy, as they stool on Miss Somers'
steps. a. Promise me that shall, Kitty.D
NO, won't promise" replied Kitty angri-
ly; SITS unkind and unreaspDable, and III
promise nothing"
As she spoke Keziah opened the door. Roy
Campbell raised his hat. Kitty smiled, and
waived an adieu. And so they parted with a
love stronger than death Juggling at their heart
strings, and yet with settled purpose on both
sides TO part rather than give up.
Wien Kitty SOmeTs came home, flushed and
excited, from the ball that night her hands fun
OF flowers and ribb0ns-the trophies of her eve
nihgs triumphs-there was an OmnOus stiffness
and darkness in Aunt Raehels little parIor
which struck like chill TO her heart
Miss Rachel, contrary TO her usual custom
was still UP, and sitting with her Bible open on
Der knees, gazing gloOmily into the embers OF
the wood fire which were glowing OH the hearth.
here was no smile OF welcome OH her face As
Kitty entered, and her voice was inexpressibly
sad as She pointed TO a letter which lay upon the
table and said:
Mr. hal hao haap