The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-02-16


1t was the first time in all those seven
years that a gentleman had called to see
me. had not been in the parlor long
till my Aunt and Anabel came in.
Willie, seeing my Aunt's look of dis
pleasure and my embarrassment, re-
marked that we had been acquainted in
childhood, and that he recognized me
the evening before, but had left before |
he had a chance to speak to me.
My Aunt replied, Il am sorry I cannot |
induce her to go into society. She is so
singular. can do nothing with her. |
But perhaps if you will use your persua-
siye powers you may be more successful |
than have BEEN
Before he concluded his call he had an !
opportunity to whisper in my ear, BE
ready, Kittie, at three O'Clock to take a
sleigh ride with me-
As the hall door closed on him
started to leave the room, but my Aunt /
requested me to be seated, She wished 4
to speak with me. She commenced:
Il have set my heart OH match be-
tween Mr.. Wilson and Anabel. As you
have long been an inmate of our house,
out of gratitude you shoUAd assist Anabel |
in securing so distinguished person for
husband. Being acquainted with Mr..
Wilson, it is in your power to render us
a great service
1 answered, 'Mr. Wilson has invited
me to take sleigh ride this afternoon,
and if an opportunity offers I will re-
member you.'
Punctually at the appointed hour the
sleigh was at the door. Scarcely was 1
seated till he asked, How is it, Kittie,
that l find you in this situation p
1 then gave him history of how my
mother had deserted us on the very
evening he had left our house, and of my
fathers failure and death.
You must have suffered greatly,
Kittie. I wish I could have come to you
sooner
But 1 inquired, Where have you
been all these years -
when 1 left your fathers house. said
he, Il went straight to Illinois. There
was very fortunate. 1 had not been il
Springfield twenty-four hours till founC
my fathers only surviving brother. He
welcomed me rs though l were a son
old bachelor that he was. was sent tC
the best schools in our land, and then al
the age of eighteen he took me tC
Europe While at st. Petersburg he
: died, leaving me all his worldly posses.
: siOns. But the memory of n dark-eyed
girl hastened my return to my native
land. Neither the wealth of London MOI
the gaiety of Paris had any charms fol
me unless shared by her. Kittie, you
know who mean. My chief object in
life will be to make you happy. May
J have that right? You know we have
always loved each other
! answered: Il was this morning iu-
! structed to use my influence to make a
match between you and my cousin An
abel. She is handsome, and her family
one of the best in the city. am poor
orphan, without home or friends y man
, in your position should look for wife
. nearer his equal
, A fgr he exclaimed, for equality as
: known in fashionable life Give me a
true and loving heart. That is all l ask.
But you have not answered my question.
: Do not keep me longer in suspense
2 Placing my hand in his, said, you
e are very dear to me, and l only wish
was more worthy of you
7 There, there, that will do he said.
You have made me a happy man. But
i. what is to prevent us from having the
ceremony performed tonight? l know
h you do not wish longer to be dependent
: on your Uncle's bounty, and would like
!, to introduce my tOife to Mrs. Steadman
Il If she thinks to catch me for her daugh-
d ter she will find prefer worth to beauty
IF we are to be married. L replied,
3 am just as ready to-day rs 1 will be to
e morrow
Y The horses heads were turned tOwarC
l the city. 1t was not long till we founC
r. the house of clergyman, and in very
1 short space of time was transforme,
o into Mrs. Wilson.
!. 1t was dark when We alighted at M
> Uncle's door. Willie ushered me int
c the parlor. My Aunt was the only oc
Ia eupant. He then had the pleasure @
y introducing his wife. was amused t
C see her look of surprise, but she 500
found speech, and turning to me, erie
It ont, You are selfish, deeeitful creature
Is Is this the way you repay us for ou
'e kindness to you? We took. you out @
II the streets, you might say, for had it no
Is been for us you would have been a beg
y gar.'
8, Madam, this woman is my wife
1t Whoever insults herinsults me. If thi
ID is the treatment she receives from he
lie relations it is the last time she vii
ID trouble them
lie With that we left the house, re-entere
y the sleigh, and drove to hotel. l ha
I'd dreaded a scene, but now it was ovel
Mt and was safe in the care of my husband
IN The next day 1 received a note fror
Mrs. Steadman. 1t ran thus;
" Dear Kate Can you forgive me fc
Id the way in which l spoke to you yestel
as day? 1 was so taken by surprise that
IT. hardly knew what was saying. d
K not wish misunderstanding betwee
g, us. If you can pardon me would lik
r.' you and Mr.. Wilson TO spend the ever