The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1872-05-31
glbanI| gegister.


1t wasn't her fault, Of course,
men were taken In by the roun
childish face and great, innocent. bl
eyes. For they were, scores Of tlRl
aud Kitty went on her way rejoicil
completing their bewilderment
the shy looks and smiles, and blnshe
that really meant nothing. but we
very effective, nevertheless.
But in an unlucky hour for Kit
she said Yes" to dark, nlelancholl
young man, who had been her shade
for mouths. She wasn't in earnes
but did it for the r'fun of the thing,
and because she wanted to know hov
it felt to be engaged 1t esulte
seriously, however, for, Ia spite of ex
press commands to the contrary, th
accepted suitor went directly to he
father and told him all about it. Mr.
Day looked at his daughter misclliev
ously that night. as she sat behind tht
tea urn with such a comical assump
tion of dignity.
so Im to lose my little housekeel>
er before long, am II" questioned he
significantly.
why, papa, what do you mean."
and Kitty blushed scarlet.
MIR. Gilbert called on me to day.
lie is an excellent young man. and
the SON Of one of my Oldest friends. |
heartily approve your choice, my
dear"
lie promised to keep the engage
ment secret, said Kitty in yeXed
tone.
so lle told me. but concluded af-
terwaryis to break his promise rather
than act dishonesty. For it wouldn't
have been quite fair to have concealed
the engagement from mc.''
Il don't know why, I'm sure. It's
only a bit of my fun, anyway. Inev-
or meant to marry him."
Mr.. Day looked at her sternly.
I'm not iestilg," she added, pet
tishly.
He threw himself into such a passion
that was fairly frightened into say
ing Yes" and sorry enough I've
been for it since
Are you in earnest, kitty?"
Yes | am" and the blue eyes
flashed defiantly.
SIS it possible that daughter of !
mine has 50 little feeling and princl-
plea"
Now, papa, what is the use Of
lecturing. You know me of old. |
I'm in trouble and want you to help |
me out of it.
''But you've given your word Kitty, I
and must abide by IT,
Didn't he break his?
Yes, and was justified in doing SO. |
But you are not. Still, III give you
choice Of two evils, If you think mar
rying young Gilbert one. Few Girls
would. Either keep your promise
and make the best of circumstances,
or break it and pass the winter in the
country with your Aunt Dorothy.
For I'm not going to have you play
fast and loose with mems hearts after
this fashion. {
Kitty looked up in her fathers face !
but determination was !
written there; and, filled with sudden !
lismay. she began TO plead for a re- !
prieye Of the sentence. But Mr.. Day |
wouldn't listen, You can stay in I
he city and participate in its gayeties .
N one condition only, and that I've
= said he. h
''Was ever anything so provoking" "
nuttered Kitty. after her father had b
,One down town. AUNT DOROTHY ii
ives in forlorn-looking old place, W
nd it's perfect wilderness around til
er, and papa knows that she is the
rOsseSt old maid in existence. But it
II be even with him yet" ke
The next morning Kitty announced
er intention of remaining in the city. sll
But, papa, if Mr.. Gilbert himself M;
ould grow tired of the engagement, yo
ter knowing me better, you'll not Tt
lnish me for that, will yon?n and bic
+ eyes trembled mischievously.
Certainly not, child. What a pit
estion to ask cou
But Kitty had motive in it. A me
IN had suggested itself to her mind the
outwitting both father and lorer. kee
s she didn't mean to hurry, and but
gan to pave the way for its success g
tiously. A. good luck would have Kit
who should call on her that morn- ano
but Cousin Joe, the firm ally and and
ttor of all her childish mischief bio,
as ready to help her now as then. StoI
OH Joe. such trouble as I'm in heal
she clasped her hands with pret- Il
title gesture Of appeal. wen
What. yOL Kitty? Is your canary I"
fractions, or IL it something about and
Nv dress or bonnet that don't equal thro
+ expectations?" imp
-itty looked at him 80 reproachfilly two
he was sobered In minute. d wi
Tell me all about it." whispered a
new
Pm engaged AMI il she'd been as Ii
lo'ncing her own funeral, she 81
ldn't have done it III more SOL the
n voice. ness
oe flushed up to the roots Of his som
r, and clasped and unclasped his viii
ds in nervons sort of way, but ing
Mt say anything. Kitty watched mar
/ maliciously. 'sIt's to that young 81
bert. Hes splendid fellow, and said
great dark eyes and the dearest cut
g m0nstaclle. You know him, bloc
( yOu?'' Gi