The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1880-02-20

.imagines attentions more serious than
mere passing gallantries, would be
acceptable, he dcceives himself
certainly feel no computations oil
conscience"
Here the subject WAS dropped, but
neither .felt.quitc comfortable. uel
attention being ~forcihly ,turncd. in a
new direction, Kate for The first time,
gave serious thought to her inter.
course with Traford, but reflection
only tended 10 strengthen her in the
belief that he, like helself, was just
seeking pleasant pastime. Wcston's
interference she attributed to little
pardonahle vanity, thinking that he
meant either to exercise his newly
found right 10 advise, or felt some
curiosity which he cndeavorcl to
crafty in this way; still his serious
question ."do you think it right to
amusc YOURSELF" fingered in her
memory.
"Really be is more interesting, has
more depth Of character than | sus-
pcctcd," she muscd, elf his scnLi-
mcnts arc unfcigncd."
What did Weston think? He had
food for abundant thought, and was
sorely pcrplcxcd.
81 had no idea sha suspected his
real habits, Or would find pleasure in
his companionship after the discov-
cry. What can it mean? Why, who
knows but that | have deceived my
self in supposing our friendship WAS
different, and that ] amno,hing more
to he: than this TraiToyd."
SO ian the tenor Of his thoughts,
but he felt no alarm atsthis first BE-
trayal Of y hidden drssire TO he II
warmer flicnd than The Solher-it oc.
casloncd 10 surprise; he.was so sym.
pathetic, was Mr.. Weston, that he at-
trlbuied it all TO hisSllin,t.y wishes for
the promotion Of her happiness.
"perhars she only finds nc anus
ing and permits my attentions simply
because Of thut law Of ,cojnDensation,'
US she terms it, without there being
that basis Of esteem ofssahich 1 felt
|
perfectly assured"
Such thoughts tended to make him
feel somewhat moody. Adkcring TO
his belief that his friend was scnsi-
ble young Indy, and not naturally
given to deceit, he resolved TO cb-
serve her actions closely, and cndcav-
or TO find out if she cared for him
in friendly sort Of way, of course.
1t was well TO know the estimation
in which lie WAS held. Therefore, in.
stead of occupying his position at
her side as he had previously done
wherever they appeared in company
he looked on from some quiet corner,
closely watching Kate, who apparent
ly needless of the scrutiny to which
she wss subjected, felt no restraint,
and laughed and conversed mcrrily
with Trahord as cf yore.
Weston became strangely absorbed
in bis study. Every fash of the dark
eye, every wave Of color to her check
and each turn Of the graceful head be-
came indelibly stamped on his memo
ry, and if that were possible. he was
more interested than her companion
whose proximity lie all unconsciously
began to envy. SO far as he could
learn, there was no difference in her
treatment of him from any other at
tendunt, and lie did not like it. Why
he never paused TO ask himself, but
slowly there dawncd upon him the
consciousness that The idea of Lcr
liking any one else better than him
self was intensely rcpugnant.
Did say there was no force SO 10.
tent in life as habit? We'll, ambition
can achieve results more wonderful if
its Influence is not so binding. The
same feeling that inspired Tie great
est efforts Of human genius alike
prompts human vanity to seek the
cxaltation OF it's posscssor above all
competitors.
No wonder then that Weston felt
an impatience to have his fears or
hopes confirmed, and as each at
tempt was batllcd by innocence of his
design on the part Of Kate, he really
began TO feel little nervous when in
her company. whether this limo.
cencc was real or assumed, he found
| it, imDOSSiblp tO 1cprrioin AZ lnnotL l.