The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1878-05-07

Kate's frs. feeling herself in those
dear arms-shall we confess it?--was
of exquisite bliss. And if she could
have lain there, sure of Cousin Char
ley's love, she would have been perfectly
content. For just one moment she gave
herself up to this delicious dream. For
inst one moment she let Cousin Char
ley's heart beat against her own. Only
she looked up at him, half-shyly, half
bes.eching, blushing furiously, aud
whispered. in maidenly protest:
"Oh, Cousin Charley|
Then all at once. she remembered
Liyis and the scene she had witnessed
that afternoon. The whole current Of
her feelings was changed in an instant.
With an angry gesture, she freed her
self from Cousin Charley. crimsoning
reddsr than ever, but this time with
shame for herself and indignation at
him. 49,.
"How dare youe How dare you p
she cried passionately; and then break
ing down she covered her face with her
hands. and burst into tears.
Cousin Charley drew back frightened
and began to stroke his mustache, look
ing at her with wids open eyes, the
very picture Of dismay and bswilder-
ment.
"t was mean, cowardly, to take ad-
vantage of a girl, because she was weak
er than YOURSELF" she sobbed.
"But-but." stammered Cousin Char.
ley rallying at last. 81 thought it was
understood that when girl was caught
under the mistle.oe one had right to
kiss her. Pom my word, | did: I'm
awfully sorry that I've offended you,
Kats. / didn't mean it, I'm. I've
been OIL the lookout for days for a
chance to speak to you alone" Kate,
10 spite of her tears, opening her eyes
wide. Il came early tonight, hoping
to catch you before others arrived. l
thought was the happiest fellow alive,
when l found you here. But | see how
it is. You've hardly spoken a kind word
to me since I came home. The old days
are forgotten-"
"Stopw interrupted Kate, augrier
than e rer, for she did not believe a
word of this. She believed. on the
contrary that he was trifing with her.
He had learned in Paris, she said to
herself, to Go these things. Don't
think you can talk to everybody" she
went on, vehemently, las you talk to
Livia. Go to her. if you want-sob-
bing-''if you want-klsses "
Now if Kate had been herself she
would never lave said this. No we'll
conducted young lady would. But
Kate was tormented cut Of oil self
cvn.rel by jealousy andSseutrsged mai
denliDes.
.I.i7ia! What has Livia to do with
it ? said Cousin Charley more aston
ished than ever. 1T isn't Livia l love
1t is you"
His voice, as be spoke these last
words, quivered with emotion and ten :
derness. In his eageruess he drew
nearer to Kate again.
"Me" cried Kate, moving away
quickly. She could not believe it.
Was he a Grand Turk, to throw his
handkerchief to everybody? Don't
touch me, l know you too we'll. Didn't
l see you this afternoon leaning over
Livia-giving her your ninature-and
now you dare to speak to me in this
this way!'
.sGood Heavens !" cried Cousin Char
lev. beside himself with despair, chow
YOU misconceive! Don't leave The
room," stepping forward to Intercept
her. "Or ouly hear one word FIRST. |
thought everybody knew,-you, espe-
cially-that Livia was engaged to
Harry"
Engaged ?" interrupted Kate.
"Yes, engaged to Harry Johnstone,
whom | left in London. He and Livia
met last winter in Paris. brought
Harry's miLaturc over, which lie had
painted, to give to Livia, but | mislaid
it stupidly, and only fouud it again this
u,orning. Confound it ! I'll never do
kind action again ~ And he turned
away, wiping his forehead, where great
drops Of agony had gathered.
There was silence for moment. Then
came a soft, low voice:
"And-and-you don't really love
Livia ?" she said. "It was all mis-
take ?"
"l've never never loved anybody but
you," auswared Cousin Charley, with
his face still averted; land it's cruelty
unjust to fellow"
There was another moment of silence,
Then Kato drew near, and stole little
hand into his.
You won't be angry with me, Cou"
sin Charley, will you9" whispered the
soft, low voice.
Angry with you!' cried Cousin
Charley, turning quickly. Then he
saw what made him catch her in his
arms. "And you mean to say you love
me ? Bless you, darling! Oh. how
I thank you?"
Before the evening was half over ev-
erybody in the house knew that Kate
and Cousin Charley were engaged.