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

Z"
''Of course you can but Grey told m,
this morning that you had promised t.
accompany him to hear the WANDERING
Minstrels sing to- might.
81 never promised him." she answered
quickly, "and l am not going; anG
papa" and Katie hid her face on hi
shoulder.
"Wel, Birdie, what Go you want, (
new dress or set of jewels 2"
'Neither; but / wanted to ask you MOI
to say anything about HenryQ"
''What do you meant" said Mr.. Lee,
in establishment. 81 AN amazed, Katie.
81 gave him back his ring this morn
ing. He insulted me and / would no
bear it."
And, with arms tightly clasped around
her fathers neck, she told him Mr..
Notions proposition, and the stock,
brokers' insulting words about him and
TO her.
''The rascal" said her father sngrily,
''Served him right, and / am glad of it,
little girl; he never was worthy of you,
and / knew it all the time. Never mind,
Katie dear; we will not trouble ourselves
about him in future. We can be happy
without him, can't WEI
''Oh, yes, papa"
'Norton's a fine fellow" he said mus.
ingly; sand if wanted a son-in-law-
which don't you know-I should -'
''Please, papa"
swell, let me finish my wine, now puss,
and l won't say anything more"
And he kissed the rosy fingers.
'NGoodl" he continued, after Kate had
left the room; and am glad something
has occurred to break off that match.
never did like that fellow; but Katie had
her heart set upon it, and let her please
herself; now it is over l feel relieved"
And he drew long breath, as if load
had been removed that had become very
great burden to bear.
Twas one morning early in June, a
bright, beautiful summer morning, and
the birds were singing merrily, and fit
ting about among the trees, turning their
little songs in praise for the beautiful
summer. The light breeze came floating
in at the window, Iedolent with sweet
father sat at breakfast in a room over
looking the garden, and enjoying the
birds song and the perfume of the flow
ers.
''Kstie, said Mr.. Lee, after silence,
"where shall we spend the summer-at
Scarborough, Ryde, or st. Leonard's9
You have been a good girl, Kate, and
you shall choose"
''Msy l choose, papa dear9 Then we
don't go to any of those stupid places,
where all the people do is to display their
fine dresses, Well go to the Welsh
and l will take all my plain
est dresses, and do nothing all the long
days but enjoy myself. Oh, dear
old papa, we will go to the mountains"
And Katie put both arms around her
fathers neck and kissed him generously.
And so it was decided that the water
ing places should be eschewed; and when
the warm days of July came on, they
started for Wales.
What happy girl was Katie, as, with
book in hand, she rambled over the hills,
her white dress and sunny curls fitting
among the trees, happy as bird in her
unrestrsined freedom. Her father almsst
young again, followed her lesd, enjoying
almost as much the freedom from care
and business.
Katie declared he was growing hand
some in the pure mountain air.
One morning Mr.. Lee pleaded q bad
headache as an excuse for staying in
doors; and 60 Katie started alone. Her
large straw hat tied with blue ribbon IN
derneath her chin, shaded her face from
the warm rays of the gun; and singing a
low tone, she walked along till she reach
ed place On the mountain side where
she could look far down into the valley
below.
Seating herself upon mosy rock, be-
meath the shade of friendly tree, she
sat watching the mist as it slowly arose
from the ground. AS the rays of the sun
rested upon it, they scattered it on either
side, giving it the appearance of bridal
vail, in which shone myrisds of jewels
thickly interviewer in its misty folds.
="How beautiful" Katie exclaimed, in
pleased wonder. elbow very beautiful"
every beautiful, Miss Katiel May 1
enjoy it with you2"
"Mr. Norton!" exclaimed Katie,
"Where did you come froml Did not
rise up out of the ground, did yOu9"
ooh, noln he answered, laughing; 81
came from Cheltenham the day before
yesterday. VIII you allow me a seat by
your side, Miss Katie, and we will ad-
mire that picture together"
Certainly. Excuse me-" And Katie
moved aside in confusion.
Seating himself near her, he pointed
out the most beautiful portion of the
scenery about them adding to the interest
for her by his well selected conversation.
The morning passed rapidly away; and
when Katie thought of the time, it was
nearly lunch hour. Springing up, che
exclaimed, "Whst will papa Think l
must go now, he will be uneasy, and
think l am lost in the mountains"
'Please don't go yet, Miss Katie" he
said, 81 have not seen you for so long, l
am unwilling to spare you"
The thought of when he had seen her
last sent the waves of crimson bushes
over face.
"Come and take lunch with me. Papa
would be glad TO see you, Mr.. Norton, -
and she half turned aside, to hide her
burning cheeks.
"Would not Miss Katie be pleased al
so4" he asked.
ooh, yes; l never forget my friends,
and you least of all. You have been 60
attentive to us, Mr.. Norton"
'Dont praise me, Katie. l do not
merit any. My motive was, l fear,
selfish one, and does not deserve your
gratitude"
Retrscing their steps, they soon reach
ed the hotel, where Mr.. Lee was Tuning
over her long absence.
"Where can she be all this time2" be
was saying, as Katie and her friend en-
tered the room where he sat.
"Here l am, papa, dear, all safe, anu
have brought friend to see you"
81 have tried TO take good care of her
this morning, Mr.. Lee, said Mr.. Norton,
offering his hand.
''Ohl well, my boy, how do you dc9''
said Mr.. Lee, taking him warmly by the
hand. 81 should not have been alarmed
if l had known that she was with you. -
"Thank you. That is the greatest
compliment you could pay me, Mr.. Lee.
l will try to be deserving of your conf.
dence in the future.
The summer days flew past on golden
wings. Katie enjoyed her early rambles
more than ever, now that she had such
an agreeable companion; and never giving
i.