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

| me on your llOuOr GudG you "Oulu HCNOl
let that fellow go home with you again.
What must he think of me? However,
that's all over; 7 made up my mind this
morning. The woman who deliberately
breaks her promise is no wife for me.
Good-by, Kitty; Pm off tonight. You
won't see me in Pittston again; and | wish
you 10y of your new conquest"
A word might have changed him, but
Kitty could not speak. A frightful dizzi-
ness seized her, though she was conscious
of holding out her hand mechanically !;
and when her mother came to look for
her, she found her all huddled up on the
sofa, utterly unconscious.
At the depot that night Bob met little
Polly. She had come down, with her
brother, to send letter by him, and she
slipped little bouquet of heart's-ease in
his hand.
"That's the girl 1 should have loved"
he said to himself bitterly but oh, my
God! my heart is bound up in Kitty Bes.
som, and she has played me false. But
I'll forget her, so help mp Heaven !"
"If ever you want friend, Polly, re-
member me-" said Bob, and sprang on
the train.
pittston heard of him no more. There
was rumor that Kitty Bessom was en-
gagged to Mr. Lloyd, but nobody really
knew.
Two years had passed, and Bob said
often to himself that he had unlearned
his lesson. One day, when he was in the
overseer's room, card was brought to
him. He read the name; his whole face
frightened. Hurrying down stairs, he
entered the Office.
He saw a small, womanly figure, her
head turned away from the light, and by
her side sat bov not half grown.
"Why, Polly!" he said, in the old rich
voice that had once made such sweet
music in Pittston choir. You don't
know how really glad [ am to sec you
Why. child, you look thin and sick! -
eyes, Mr.. Langton, | have been quite
i'll. and so has little Harry; but we are
both well now. You know you said once
if ever | wanted friend, must remem-
Der you. Well"-she made little pause
-" mother IS dead, and--and d-Caleb
UOUtu Sp W tuo pun @iouoo' w A>A " y
are, you see"
Her voice trembled, but she restrained
her tears.
"My dear little friend!" exclaimed
Bob, ruefully, world of sympathy in his
honest eyes.
"And | thought l might get place in
the mills" she added, unsteadly.
eyes, yes" said Bob, refectively
"I have it: Just the thing for you-light,
easy work. You shall board with Mrs.
Crisp, over the way, and Harry shall go
to school. How will that suit?"
"Oh, Mr.. Langton!" cried Polly, with
great sob, and hid her face in her hands.
"Well, it's all settled" said Bob, who
had turned away for moment. "Let us
try to look things bravely in the face, my
little friend"
So Polly found home and easy work,
and Bob found himself thinking of her.
The old conviction forced itself upon him /;
1t was she he should have loved; and see
ing her gentle face, with its timid soft
brown eyes, there grew in his heart the
sweetest sympathy, so near akin to love
that it deceived him.
One day he asked Polly TO marry him.
He had taken her for walk, and they had
strolled together into the edge of the
sweet-smelling woods, where the checker
berry peeped up from the MOSES at their
feet Poor little Polly had just been say
ing to herself, Why ooon't he speak of
Kitty?"
Il think could make you happy, lit
tie Polly am sure ! could. My circum-
stances are very easy. | have earned a
home, and you will be to me the sweetest,
constant companion that ever man could
have" said Bob.
Polly clasped her hands, and felt as if
her heart would leap from her bosom.
Oh, what a life spread ont before herr
what love what hopes, what rich fulfill
ments! Never had mightier temptation
beset human bosom. She paused mo-
ment, then turned round, the light of
victory shining in her eyes.
why won't you speak of Kitty 2" she
asked.
He started The tell tale blood flew to
his cheeks, his brow. She could see him
tremhle from head to foot.
kitty is"-nothing to me, he tried to
say, but could not-"is buried, or mar
red, tor all l know" he answered, in a
harsh voice.
"No; Kitty Besson is neither married
nor buried" said brave Polly, steadily.
Misfortune has overtaken her, as 1t did
me. Her father lost his farm, and it's
killed him; her mother died soon after
her Oldest brother went to sea; and Will
Iy is in store. Oh, Sir, perhaps [ should
not tell it, dut / know that ever since you
left her senseless that morning she has
been very true. l know she would come
here to the mills but for her pride; ! know y
dear little Polly her voice trembled
now she has refused some good offers
of marriage, because--because her heart
was not her own too give. Oh, O"ght to
tell you this2-have I right to plead her
cause?"
"You blessed little angler he muir
mured brokenly.
"And she is living Out-sweet and
beautiful as she is-a servant; and she
will live so all her life, working hard for
Others, unless-unless-"
Polly broke down. Bob had never
been so moved in his life. The old sweet
love had rushed back upon his mind.
But have asked you to be my wife, "
he said, in low almost indistinct voice.
"And l say no! thousand time no!'
sobbed Polly. "Let me be your friend
yours and hers. Kitty is noble; noble
enough even for you" She faltered, then
added, in even tones: "Did you know
it is getting very dark2 | must go home,