The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-08-05
The Homestead.

quaintance. Did you not promise, for
certain, to be at the pic MIC and row me on
the lake? And was not asked to keep
the first dance for you? A nice laughing
stock you made of me before Lizzie Ran
dali and Clara Ward. OF course they knew
why refused to dance the first set-al-
though Frank Churchill would scarcely
take a refusal. Then to think you should
have sighted me before them all ! Don't
think, sir, allowed them to see I was an
noyed; just danced all the evening, and
enjoyed myself thoroughly"
"Dear Katy, am SO sorry I disappointed
you; but"
disappointed! Mr.. Amory, not at all.
found Mr.. Churchill most amusing com.
panion, and a much better waltzer than
you are. Lizzie Randall was cross enough
when she saw he did not leave my side all
the day. But the most delightful part was
his driving me home in his charming Stan
hope; 1 never enjoyed anything so much in
my life. He drives admirably-as he does
everything else, fancy. expect him
every minute, for he said he should GER
tainly call and inquire how I was after
yesterdays exertion."
"Then Miss Langley, I have the honor
to wish you good-afternoon. I should be
sorry to intrude my unwelcome presence
when so entertaining q companion isex-
pected."
each turned from the other; Katy 60
ing toward the Homestead, and Harry
Amory walking with quickened pace to-
ward the village.
The above dialogue had taken place at
the gate of an old-fashioned farm house.
The speakers had for some time been
looked upon as lovers, though no pledge
had been made on either side. Katys
angry words will explain how Harry Amory
had offended.
She was an only child of Farmer Lang
ley, who having lost his wife when Katy was
five years old, had since done his best to
spoil bis pretty dauuAter. At the time we
make her acquaintance, she was just eight.
cen, and though warm-hearted, at1ec.
tionate girl, yet, from her position as
beauty of the village, had met with such
homage from the village swains that she
could i'll brook the apparent neglect of hei
most favored lover.
Could Harry have seen her as she hast,
ened to her own little room, and there,
throwing herself on the bed, give way &c
a hearty cry, he would not have felt sc
bitterly angry at the petulent beanty'f
words.
81 won't cry any more" said she; che
will be sure to come tomorrow, and then
will be good and make it up with him
He must know l did not mean what 1 sale
of that conceited Frank Churchill! hate
him, and only danced with him to teast
Lizzie Randall, who makes love to him 81
openly. Harry is worth thousand such
as he! Coming, father p she cried out
as she heard his voice calling for her.
"Where have you been pussy? I have
good news for you. Harry Amory wal
sent for yesterday by the squire, and hal
been promised the stewards place. I al
ways thought the lad would do well.
met Humphrey the head gardener, and h'
tells me it is quite settled Harry was will
the squire all day yesterday, going owe
the accounts. I fancy some one know
who will be mistress of that pretty cottag
near the park gates" he added, pinchini
her cheek. "Ah here comes Harry.
suppose he'd rather tell the good news Il
you alone; SO III be off to the kitchen an,
, get somethingto eat"
Katy's cheek flushed with pleasure as sh
heard the latch raised, and she rose t.
welcome her lover. What was her disar
pointment and disgust to see-not Harry
but Frank Churchill, who, noticing Katy
, eager Joy, came forward with the creates
a]acrity to take her outstretched hand.
Poor Katy could scarcely command her
self to give the intruder civil greeting
Her guest, however, evidently considere
his presence acceptable, and took no motto
of her embarrassment; if he remarked
at all, he rather put it down to the ovel
powering honor he was comforting in vis
ing mere farmers daughter.
Frank Churchill had come on visit
, his uncle, the village doctor. He ha
studied medicine, but having a small indt
: pendent income, was too indolent to max
+ much progress in his profession. He wa
to stay with his uncle six months, an
then see if he would like to be taken as HI
partner.
A. yet, he had done nothing toward il