West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1878-04-27

him.
Hew dare you? How dare YOU 90
She cried passiOnately; and then break
ing down she covered her face with her
hands, and burst into tears.
Cousin Charley drew back frightened.
ana began TO stroke his mustache, look
ing at her with wide-open ewes, the very
picture OF dismay and bewilderment
IL was mean, cowardly, to take ad-
vantage of girl, because she was
weaker than yourself she sobbed
But-but," stammered Cousin Char
ley rallying at last, 81 thought il was
understood that when girl was caught
under the nfistletoe one had right To
kiss her. Pom my word, | did. Pm
awfully sorry that I've offended YOU,
Kate. / didn't mean it, I'm sure. I've
been on the lookout for DAYS for a
chance TO speak to you alone" Kate. in
spite OF her tears, opened her eyes wide.
" | came early tonight, hoping to catch
you before others arrived | thought |
was the happiest fellow alive, when |
found you here. But | see how il is.
You've hardly spoken n kind word to
me since came home, The old days
are forgotten-"
StopW interrupted Kate, angrier
than ever, for she did not believe word
OF this. She believed, on the contrary.
that he was tritiing with her. He had
learned in Paris, she said TO herself. TO
do these things. Don't think you can
talk TO everybody" she went on. We
bemently, Z" as you talk to Livia. Go 10
her, If you want "-sobbing-"if if you
want-kisses"
Now if Kate had been herself she
would never have said this. No we'll
conducted young lady would. But Kate
was tormented out of all self-control by
jealousy and outraged maidenliness.
Livia! What has Livia 20 do with
itY, said Cousin Charley, more astoun-
ded than ever. 1t isn't Livia love
il is you"
His voice, as he spoke these last words.
quivered with emotion and tenderness,
In his eagerness he drew nearer TO Kate
again.
Me?" cried Kate, moving away
quickly. She could not believe IL
This was only another form of insult.
Was he a Grand Turk, TO throw his
handkerchief TO everybodyH Don't
touch me. | know YOU too well. Didn't
| see you this afternoon leaning over
Livia-giving her your northumberland
now you dare to speak to me in this
this wayW
Good heavensw cried Cousin Char
ley, beside himself with despair, " how
you misconceive Don't leave the
room,' stepping forward TO intercept
her. " Or only hear one word first. |
thought everybody knew-you, es.
Pecially-that Liyia was engaged to
Harry"
Engaged ?' interrupted Kate.
Yes, engaged to Harry Johnstone,
whom ! left in London. He and Livia
met last winter in Paris. I brought
Harry's miniature over, which he had
just had painted, to give TO Livia, but |
mislaid ii stupidity, and only found it
again this morning. Confound it! Pll
never do a kind action again" And he
turned away, wiping his forehead. where
great drops of agony had gathered.
There was silence for moment Then
came soft, low voice
" And-and-you don't really love
LlyIa y it said. " 1t was all mis-
takeP'
"Pve never loved anybody but you"
answered Cousin Charley, with his face
still averted and it's cruelty unjust to
a fellow"
There was another moment OF silence
Ihen Kate drew near, and stole a little
hand into his.
You won't be angry with me,
Cousin Charley, will your whispered
the soft, low voice.
Angry with youp' cried Cousin
Charley, turning quickly. Then he saw
what made him catch her in his arms
Ana you mean TO say you love me ?
Bless you, darling Oh I how can 1 thank
you ?''
Before the evening was half over
everybody in the house knew that Kate
ana Cousin Charley were engaged.