The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1871-12-23

resolved to purchase it, for vague, sweet
dreams of wife and home began to steal
over me. | placed the matter in the hands
of my solicitor, telling him to keep my
secret, and not let the purchasers name
become public.
Lynedale Hall was in grand commotion.
Her ladyship decided that the Christmas
ball should be given on the thirtieth, and
the whole place was in ferment of prepa
ration.
Kate and spent many happy hours in
helping with the decorations, and twining
the scarlet berred holly and shining laurel
with dark green fir. We grew very friend.
ly over it, and began to think that such a
face as hers smiling in my home would
make it like heaven for me.
q am so fond of dancing" said Kate
to me, one morning, 81 shall enjoy this ball
very much"
So shall I, II you will dance with me
Kate" ! said "not without"
She half promised. Judge Of my sur.
prise when, two hours afterwards, met
her in the grounds, her sweet face stained
with tears.
What is the mattet, Kate" cried.
You have been crying Tell me what it
is.n
"I drew her arm in mine, and led her
through the shrubbety, where the snow lay
white upon the trees.
"Whst is it?" Iasked again. "Tell me,
Kate.n
ought to be ashamed of myself for
crying" she said "but Lady Clara has
decided that am not to go to the ball"
"Why notT' asked.
." have no dress,' said Kate; "and
with so many visitors at the Hall, Lady
Clara thinks there is nc time to see ebout
one."
"Where does Lady Clara come from p
asked, quietly.
From London," replied Kate. "Dres.
ses for my aunt and cousin were ordered
three days since"
I" Buy dress, Kate" suggested.
al have no money" she said, simply,
with smile. "My uncle buys. everything
for me. He will not know want this until
it is too late"
"What thing Il is to want money"
said. And Kate looked at me with sym.
pathetic CLEAN in her eyes.
al do not care very much" she said,
"but had promised to dance with you"
l clasped the little hand that lay on my
arm, and Kate's sentence was never fin.
ished.
That very moment went to my room,
and wrote a letter to Madame Cerise, the
Court milliner for excellence, and inclosing
check for what know now to be ridic =
ulously extravagant amount, ordered from
her magnificent ball dress, with every
detail complete. l described Hatcher
SIZE, appearance-and left the rest to the
well.known taste Of Madame Cerise.
Kate's sunny temper never showed itself
SO clearly as now. Although she believe /
there was no hope for her, she took just as
much interest in the ball, and never com.
pla ined to her uncle.
The all important day came round. Lady
Clara gave me very distinctly to understand
that the room in which slept was wanted I;
but John privately begged of me to take no
notice. "Lady Clara was over tired and
anxious" he said.
1t was soon after noon when parcel was
sent me BY Miss Challs. Iopened it, and
found most beautiful handkerchief, EN-
broidered with hair, and the sender implor.
ed her uncle's old friend to accept the little
present.
Ny pretty, simple Kate | took it, and
thanked her the next time we met.
| That evening, about two hours before the
ball began, was with John in his favorite
retreat, the library, when Lady Clara enter.
ed. Barely recognizing my presence, she
began at once.
"Is it possible, John, that you have or.
dered this box for Kate from London ?'' |
can hardly believe even you capable of such
folly ~
~ have ordered nothing" cried John.
~ did not know Kate required anything
What do you mean?''
''There is a box just come from London" !"
cried Lady Clara, addressed to Miss Kate
Challis, containing the most magnificent
dress ever saw-far better than or my
daughter can afford. Shoes, gloves, fan,
opera cloak, wreath, boquet, and all com
plete. If you did not order it, who did ~
"Most certainly, did not ?' said John
emphatically. SIS there no bill or memo
randum, or anything by which you eau tel
from whence it came ?''
"Not a wordr' she replied" not folt
of paper ~ :.
How l blessed Madame Cerise for atten
ton to my wishes
"what does Kate say herselfa' asked
John.
''Kate!" cried Lady Clara, contemptu.
ously. "She pretends to be surprised; bu
il seems strange to me. do not like any
thing underhand -"
John rang the bell impetuously.
"Send Miss Challis to me at once ~ he
said; and in two minutes she came in,
smiles aud tears struggling for mastery,
looking so pretty, and SO shy, so happy, and
so puzzled, | longed to clasp her in my
arms, and kiss her tears away.
"Kate," said John, "can you guess who
has made you this very handsome and val
liable presentg'
"No, uncle," she replied "no one has