The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-07-18


carelessly over the folds of the deceitful
cashmere shawl.
Col. Mordaunts first impulse was to
spring up and declare his individuality,
his second to lie still and let fate manage
the matter to suit her capricious self. So
he lay still accordingly, experiencing a
very singular and not at all disagreeable
sensation from the contact of the caressing
arm.
No doubt he was a treacherous, hypo-
critical wretch; but, fair lady or chival-
rous gentleman, don't Judge the poor fell
low too harshly until you have been in
precisely the same circumstances yourself
1t is just possible-only possible, you
know-that you might do the same thing
"Now you are angry with me, Kate"
pleaded the soft voice, "because | threw
those flowers away, and you won't speak
to me; and know | deserve it, darling"
There was moments silence, as if Miss
Valentin had expected some sort ola re-
Spouse to her pretty penitence. But she
didn't get any, so, after brief pause, she
vent on:
"Indeed, Kate, didn't mean to grieve
you, and l won't do it again. l am sorry
for my ridiculous freak. Do you suppose
he was very angry, Kate Do you think
ought to ask his pardon? But then you
know he didn't see me steal around the
lawn, when that odious Aldrick was gone,
and pick up the roses again."
There were strong symptoms of coming
tears-a sort of quivering sob in the voice.
"You won't forgive me, Kate Not ifI
tell you that I really do love your tall,
stern brother2 Only Katie, l was silly
enough to want to tease him little, and
test nv power over his noble heart. |
love him, Katy, may tell you of it, dear,
| without being bold or unwomanly, be-
| cause YOU know that we have often talked
about his liking me little-and-oh,
Kate answer me don't be so cold and
cruel Surely you can't be asleep!"
"Where are your lips, cher amir" she
coaxed playfully. 81 shall soon break the
marie spell of silence that binds them.
You know you never could keep vexed
with me more than five minutes at time.
Why, where's your hair Where
She sprang suddenly to her feet with
piercing scream-her wandering hand had
touched the dark heavy moustache of
which Col. Mordaunt prided himself so
specially.
He strove to catch the hand--to detain
the frightened beauty long enough to
plead his cause in earnest imprisoned
words, but in vain. Fear seemed literally
to lend her wings. Away like a frightened
white dove she flew, uttering wild, hyster-
ic screams, and fairly falling into the arms
ofthe astonished Katy Mordaunt, who
was Just coming in from the star-lighted
garden with both hands full Of dewy bran
ches of honeysuckles.
VOL in oh
the spicy blossoms, "why, what is the mat
terQ What could have startled you so
dreadfully9"
ooh Katy Katy sobbed Valentin,
clineing to her friends shoulder with a
nervous vehcmence," "there is a man in
your room-a robber hiding under your
cashmere shawl on the sofa Oh! am
nearly frightened to death !"
Katy's serene brown eyes dilated
little-then frightened into smiling arch
ness.
"a robber!" she repeated with provok
| are mistaken. 1t was only Jack, l saw
| idea of taking our Jack for robber !"
Katy's laughter rippled merily at the mere
fancy.
|
the possibility had never once occurred to
Valentin Bruce's mind. Only Jack
The forty thieves themselves would have
faded into nothingness before the mere idea
of Colonel Mordaunt having heard all those
soft pleadings and unconscious admissions.
One moment Valentn felt as if every vein
throughout her whole frame were filled
with molten fire-then she grew white and
IL fnf,, IN efrn l,
seemed ebbing away from her, and for the
away.
Kate Mordaunt quietly sprinkled scent
ed water on her pallid forehead, and began
to unlace the white muslin dress. AS she
did so, faded bunch of flowers fell from
Valentin's bosom, and Katy smiled to her
self as she recognized the moss buds that
had been so haughtily thrown out on the
lawn that very evening.
"I'll keep them for Jack" she said. "Ah,
Valentin, you'll be my sister-in law yet"
How slowly the blue eyed damsel stole
into the breakfast room the next morning.
She would cheerfully have tasted all day
long sooner than enter into the presence OF
the tall Colonel but what was the use
The dreaded first interview must be got
over sooner or later, so here she was, with
downcast lashes, and cheeks dyed as deep
pink as the se-colored wrapper she had
on. No more naughty airs and graees-no
more cool composure. She was at Colonel
Mordaunt's mercy, and she knew it. Would
he take cruel advantage other helplessness
Or would he.
But there her cogitations always stop
ped. He was standing at the window
looking out upon the morning sunshine
that bathed the short velvety grass before
the piazza. But he turned quickly as she
entered with bright welcoming smile.
"Valentin," he said gently, was l dream
ing last night, or did hear you say that
you loved me2 Oh, my darling, tell me
that it was no baseless dream"
She came shyly to his arms, and nestled
there like futtering fawn, voiceless, yet
happy. Still he was not contented.
II want to hear it from your own lips yet
again, Valentin. Nay, dearest; don't shrink
away so pleadingly, but answer me-"
"What shall say" she murmured, tim
idly raising her soft eyes to his face.
"Tell me that you love me-"
Sweeter than the fall of musical cascades
through groves of tropic bloom, softer thar
the thrill of nightingales in Persian vallies
the three charmed words touched on hi!
ear, and he knew that she was his--his for
ever
The courtship is drawing to a termina
ton now-the white satin dress is finished
and the wedding cake iced to perfection
and the white roses are in bud that shall