Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1875-02-27

"Kiss me, too !" l cried. ~ an
not your uncle, but l am his oldes
friend, and here is Q piece of mistle
tOe-seev' N
"Yes; give him q kiss, Kate.
said John. Poor Paul! he has II,
one in the wide world"
But, seeing how the far fac
flushed and the lips quivercd, l wa
content to kiss her hand, reverent
ly, as though she had been Q younl
queen. ,g-a
1t was q very brilliant ball, an
Kate enjoyed it to her hearts co n
tent. More than once saw John,
eyes following her, proudly yet sad
ly. He knew she would have to dt
penance for his temporary sovereign
ty
A few days afterwards there was
great excitement at Lynedale, fol
some one brought the news that
Hylton Grange had been purchased
BY stranger, and was to be altered,
enlarged, and fitted up in magniti.
cent style. The place was already
full Of workmen, superintended by
a London architect.
Who was the purchaser I No one
knew. A stranger, and a wealthy
man, who intended residing there
himself. / listened to all the re-
marks, the conjectures, and felt de.
lighted that l had kept my secret.
AS it was, my supposed poverty
had given me an insight into their
real character-it had taught me
how to appreciate Kate's virtues
aud Johns noble character.
Then came day when my old
friend called me into his library his
face white, and his hands trembling
when he asked me what were my
plans for the future.
l knew, as we'll as though he had
old me, that Lady Clara had been
complaining Of the length of my
stay.
"Remember," said John, tiny
'urso is yours, raui-use it as you
will. If there should be any way
n which you would like to start,
10 not hesitate for want of capital.
We are brothers, you know. If l
we're bacheloA" and poor John
ighed deeplp-"If l were a bach.
'lor, you should share my home;
,ut married man cannot do as he
would.
II understand. Lady Clara thinks
have been here long enough, John.
But there is. one thing l must beg
rom you, John, before 1 leave.
live it to me, and l shall be the
lappiest man in the world" l said.
"Anything have" he replied,
lis honest face Frightening.
"Give me your niece, Kate, to he
ny wifew 1 said.
He literally gasped in astonisb-
nent.
"My niece, Kate !" he cried.
"Your niece-the sweetest, truest
'est and fairest girl in the world !"
replied.
"Willingly," he said ; "most will
ngly. But Paul, my dear boy,
7hat will you keep her ONT Kate
annot live on air, you know"
~ will find the ways and means,
T you will use your influence for
ne," was my reply.
81 am so glad !" he cried. "There
J no one care for so much as you,
Paul, / would rather give Katie to
ou than to a prince! Go and ask
er yourself /; see what she says,
nd bring her to me-"
1 went, knowing pretty we'll
bout that time Kate would be out
,r her morning walk.
Far down among the leafless trees
saw the glimmer of her dress. 1t
as bright, clear, cold winters
ay. The snow had vanished, and
le frost set in. The ground was
Did, hard, and white, the holly trees
nd laurel bushes frozen, the sky
eep, dark, blue, and the sun shin.
lg.
overlook Kate as she entered
le long avenue Of lines.
Her shy, sweet face turned to me
ith startled gaze!
"May l walk with you p asked
am leaving Lynedale tomorrow,
nd l want you to do something for
e before l CO."
"Leaving Lynedale," she cried
er fair face growing white and wist.
Il; I am sorry, Mr.. Hylton."
"Really ~ I cried. "Oh, Kate do