The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-07-28

had not the pleasure of an introduction
to you before"
gained confidence now, though still
very much mystifed.
" Madam" l said, che cannot regret
that circumstance more than | do; but
through his kindness, and that of Miss
Kate, the introduction is only DELAYED
a little"
She clasped her hands again, and
looked more nervous than ever. | con-
cluded she must know all about the af-
fair, or she would not be there; so think
ing to gain her influence, if she had any,
| went on:
8" little thought when I went to the
park | should meet so much happiness.
| am sure | shall always respect the
library there, and that one book in par
ticular."
My companion looked down at the
carpet quite bashfully, and said she little
| thought, when she was reading it, what
an object of interest it would be to her
ever after.
You have read the book, then, mad
ann" said l.
She looked up quickly and replied:
"Of course l have"
And so have l, | continued, hoping
the subject might lead on to Kate. Il
read it as soon as | could obtain it; and
| need not say how the knowledge that
Miss Kate had read that very volume
before me made it dOubly interesting to
me, though, in truth, | sometimes lost
the sense of it through thinking of her."
The lady before me murmured some
thing about " flattery." =
" . madam" | cried, getting excited
with my subject, cit is not flattery, be-
lieve me! After seeing Miss Brooks, l
could not forget her for moment; and
| hope have impressed you with some
idea of my admiration for her, and the
sincerity of my intentions toward her,
by my presence here to-day"
My companion rose, and so did I.
-" Mr. Bradford" she said, in very
tremulous tones, 81 thank you for all
you have said; and if can add to your
happiness by any means in my power
will do So"
"Then," / cried earnestly, taking her
hand, 'let me see Kate Brooks"
She snatched her hand from mine and
stood looking at me in utter amazement.
Are you not Edward Bradford?" she
asked.
| answered in the affirmative.
And pray, Mr. Bradford, she con-
tinued, did you write this letter."
She drew mine from her pocket and
held it before me.
" Certainly die. -" I renlied
" And am | not mentioned in it," she
asked.
was almost speeChless with surprise,
but managed to stammer out that had
referred to kate Brooks"
" And to whom do you suppose YOU
| have been speaking?" she asked.
What could | do but stand and look
foolish, and insinuate that | was not
quite sure?
Then beg to inform you, sir, that l
am Kate Brooks"
With flushed face and naughty step
she turned to quit the room, leaving me
standing motionless on the hearth, when
the door opened and in walked lady
and gentleman, and the lady was my
| Kate, and the instant she saw me her
/ i
first at one and then the other, and they
looked at me as | stood there, picture
of speeches. bewilderment, my thoughts
being literally too many for me inst
then. l, Edward Bradford, the finished
man of the world, who never was at
fault beforehand this in the presence of
| her whose favorable opinion | coveted
more than anything on earth.
Miss Brooks spoke first
81 will leave you to make your expla-
nations to my brother" she said, and left
the room.
turned to Mr.. Brooks and said: "Let
me beg of you, sir, to introduce me to
this young lady"
After such scene Mr.. Brooks looked
pompous, as well he might, and, drawing
the dear girls arm through his, he said,
stit1ty: 81 presume you are Mr. Bradford
this young lady is my niece Miss Lloyd,
and now may begOf you to favor me with
the explanations my sister Just now spoke
of. Lillian, please leave the room for
| few minutes"
besought him to let Lillian stay, and
entered upon my " explanations" imme
diately, with my eyes fixed upon her
face; and as l proceeded l gathered
strength therefrom, and l required it,
for it is not an easy task to make love to
girl when she is leaning on her uncle's
arm at the opposite side of the room to
you; but | managed it somehow, with the
aid | have spoken of; for, every time she
raised her eyes, | gained more courage,
and all fear vanished when, after meet
ing their gaze for moment, | named
knocking the book out of her hand Mr..
Brooks stopped me at last and shook my
hand warmly.
II know all about you, he said, land
only regret this mistake for my sisters
sake, for we thought you must mean her,
and at her request your expected visit
was not named to Lillian, or your letter
either Lillian had been visiting some
friends and called for US that we might
all come home together. She stayed one
night only with us and only went out
once did you, Lill?"
"No," said Lillian, "oniy once, and that
was when went to the library for aunt" Vt
And that has proved to bequite often