The Placer herald., 1873-02-22
MUM BIER 27.

pleasantly with her rosy complexion a d
piercing dark eyes. How proud she look d,
nd how happy She knew she was envid,
-he knew thai her position was coveted by
least dozen OF the girls WHO had no oppor-
unity fer an Introduction; and it gave her
intense satisfaction to gaze at those who
heretofore had bumilia,ed her by referring to
her mothers occupation in her presence, and
to know that they were, during the whole
evening, endeavorng to nccos her. She did
not desire to notice one of them but cung
proudly to the arm Of her escort, and seemed
to think but Of him.
Harry looked upon her dreamy, pretty
face, and reproachcd society for torbddng
even thought Of Il union with her to enter
his mind But such was tie case; at least
he considered it so, and he accepted the situ-
alton as uncontrollable-one which any en-
dcavor of his could not transmute.
During short half hour while she was
dancing a great many strange thoughts
crossed his mind, ard we cannot but blame
him for ever entertaining them. He knew
that both his feelings, and these OF bis high
toued associates, made marriage impossible.
Still he told her that he loved her, and was
constantly by her side pouring into her trust
ius ears love notes, and painting on the can
vas of her vivid, grlish Imagination pictures
Of future blessings and happiness which were
TO be jointly theirs. He told her Of his many
grind friends; of his horses, carriages and
riches; and promised them all to her, when
they would go together to San Francisco
Naturally her unlutored mind taught itself
TO tliink that for the eonsummation Of such
joys, q marriage was an absolute necessity;
md Harry did not undeceivc her. In this
was he wrong and for this must he be blamed.
Still lis evident love for her was commend
die.
Snch were the thoughts Which entered his
mind, and thcn came the resolve which must
cause the reader to wish to lart acquaint-
Dnce with him, and to brand him as weak
40 udc interruptions and cruel, viz: To
live secretly togethcr as man and wife, with
out having acquired either legal or ~ reli-
sious right. I opnc at least, dear reader,
hat such will be your view of it, and, al
lowing YOU to entertain your opinion and we
ours, we return to oar heroine.
Rosa had been introduced to friend Of
Harrys who had heard of his reported en-
Sqgoment with her, and resolved in some
manner to arrive at the truth Of it.
lie was one Of those pests of society, q
lady man, commonly called exquisite, there
fore Il description were unnecessary.
After hc had finished dancing with her, lie
lskel:
"Miss Kitt'c, may have few moments
conversation with you? | have taken Il
strange sort Of interest in you.
81 don't know, sir. | think Harry would
not Ike it.
"De assured, my dear lady, that Harry
understands me too well TO be angry at any
thing may do We are old schoolmates,
almoss nseparable; and wond nothing do
which could offend him. Grant Inc the in
ieryew, viii you notY'
eyes, If you wish it. j"
They proceeded to an anteroom (thero
were 10 conaeryatores) and sat down.
Mr.. Holmes opened the conversations:
"Miss KittIer, how long have you known
Harry Ashton p
"About two months"
Gle is fc ,riul 6irt, isn't he p
"Iudoed? never discovered him to be
so"
"Why, he is notorious; an my Object in
asking you for this interview was merely to
find out the extent Of his Irritation with you"
"Flirtation with me p she asked now pale
and frrhtencd
"Ceitainly, I'll wager that he has en-
gagged hmself to you
lie asked this with a searching look in her
Eyes as Though much depended upon her am
swcr She paused and said:
"Sncc You are his friend, | Will answer
you cmdi 'ly. We are engaged.
odd he promise to marry you p
"&o-th is"
(T0UcliIed neff lceek,)