Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1872-08-29


feared that Kitty was not true to Bob
not, at least, as she would have been.
"Good- night, and good-by, little Polly, u
said Bob, as they reached the gate that
led to Widow Lees cottage. You've
always been my steadfast friend; you
mustn't forget me, Polly"
FORGET you!" half sobbed the girl,
who felt the meaning in his words. "Oh,
never. never"
:" No. I'm sure you never will" Bob
responded, with a new pang; for in one
swift moment he OWNED that this sweet
child loved him.
"You see, Polly" he went on in low
er voice, circumstances may compel me
to leave Pittston. Pve fine offer from q
friend of mine in the Melton factories, and
likely shall accept it. If do, shall
leave in the six-o'clock train tomorrow
afternoon. Goodnight, little friend
And his voice sounded in Polly's ears just
as it had in that memorable never to-be,
forgotten moment when he had said, in
the parlance of the play, how fondly he
loved her.
At all the Pittston breakfast tables next
morning the little drama was discussed.
Some half regretted that they had lent
their countenance to play; others re-
called the mimic scenes with real pleasure;
and still others, would-be critics, pointed
out defects and laughed at comical mis-
takes.
81 say, Kitty" said boisterous Tom
Bessom, "I didn't blame the count for
going on as he did last night-for You did
look confoundedly handsome. I'd have
kissed you myself if I'd been in his place.. y
"He didn't kiss me-" said Kitty, offend
ed on the instant. "He only seemed to,
and you know it"
"Now, Kitty honor bright" said
Tom, in such comical manner that he
set the whole table to laughing and
brought flaming roses into his sisters
cheeks.
"And if Bob wasn't Jealous! My!
wasn't he, though?" cried precocious
young William, boy of ten. 81 seen
him a-peekin' in at the back there.
seen his eye snap!"
Hold your tongue, sonny" said his
mother, smartly. "The idea of babies
like you talking that way! I'm sure
Kitty only did what she had to edo, and
she made the prettiest princess ever
saw"
Chow many may you have seen in the
course of your life, nanny dearE
queried Tom.
g. No matter" was the somewhat tart
reply. 81 rather think have seen as
many as you have. Kitty, do take some
toast"
"I haven't any appetite, mother" re-
piled Kitty, languidly; and the pretty
beauty sauntered away from the breakfast
table, and going into another room, be.
gan to set back the somewhat disarranged
furniture. Then she took mp her photo
graph album, and turning to a meek but
rather handsome face, she stood studying
it for some moments.
He can't hold candle to Bob"
This inelegant but forcible sentence she
repeated, and then started at Wills rap
on the window.
81 say, Sis, the store clerks coming,
and so was Bob; but Bob he saw t'other
and stepped into the potecary's shop to
git some sody, 7 guess, and steddy his
nerves. tell yOw Bob looked cross!"
"Let him look cross" muttered Kitty.
as she smoothed her hair. and cast rapid
glance in the mirror. ~ never saw such
4 tyrart. He'll scold me, 7 suppose. for
walking home with Mr. Lloyd. Well, he
should have come out sooner, not left me
the last thing to attend to. You're not
married yet, Mr.. Robert Langton;" and,
flushed with resentment, looking more
beautiful than ever, she responded to Mr..
Loyd's modest knock.
That gentleman, with auburn locks
freshly curled, a spotless tie of the latest
fashion, and kids that had not been clean
ed 100 often. hoped Miss Kitty's exertion
had not been too much for her. He had
heard on all sides the most charming com
pliments, etc, ETC.; to which Kitty re-
plied graciOdsly, thinking all the time OF
Bob, and what he would say.
81 thought must call on my way to
the store said Mr.. Lloyd, as, rising, he
saw the album open at his picture. The
crimson flew to Kitty's cheeks as she
caught his glance.
"What fool was' she exclaimed,
"Do you know, | think it would be d
sweet idea to be photographed in charac-
ter, you and l." he said, his eyes shining,
and ill-concealed triumph in his manner.
u am sure You looked every whit prin-
cess; Inever saw better dressing on any
stage. think will act upon that idea, y
ne continued, seeing that Kitty remained
silent; "and if you will allow me. Miss
Kitty"
II wouldn't be taken in that costume
for a kingdomw blurted Kitty. I'm
sure | should feel foolish every time !
looked at the picture"
Her vehemence silenced him, and after
4 few more commonplaces he left, wons
dering what had come over Miss Kitty.
This had come over her: the remem-
brance of Bob in his smock-trock and top
boots, his straw hat and whip in hand
nothing of all this had detracted from the
nobility of his appearance.
"And yet he sh'n't tyrannize," she
conscious that she was too will
ing to exonerate her lover, and almost
ready to apologize, but yet determined to
rule her little kingdom still. She trem-
6led when she heard his step, but drew
her head up haughtily and pressed her
lovely lips together.
Good morning, Kitty" said Bob, and
her quick ear detected the constraint in his
voice; so she steeled her heart.
Il met Mr.. Lloyd at the gate" he said
and now it was not constraint, but pas,
sion, that changed the rich tones.