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

oes'gnlnS young lady, and she being
gratified by the possession OF On es-
teen free from tircsomc anectation,
many apleasant evening passed swift.
~ by, during which they
Talked i'll long gradations from the
poets to the weather,
let through it all no whispered word,
no tcll-tule sigh
Told ought of warnor feeling than
friendly sympathy,
And they talked of love us coluly rs they
talkc'l Of nebulac."
Mr.. Weston now smiled indulgent-
ly upon those Of his associates who
revived the old iest---indecd, he rath-
cr invited than repcllcd their little
plcasant!ics, because all the while he
possessed q secret consciousness of
the true state Of affairs. lie esteem
ed the young lady very highly, and
WAS sclf-convinced that he held no in
fcrior position in her opinion Which,
in some measure, may have accounted
for his amiablc tranquility.
An opportunity soon occurred to
test the sincerity Of his esteem. A
stranger appeared in the community
and devoted himself exclusively to
Miss Raymond. Though accustomed
to move in refined circles, and quite
polished in his manners, he did not
come up to the standard Weston
knew his friend admired. Ills faults
could be easily concealed from casual
observers, and it puzzled tho former
to devise = way 10 warn Kate Ray
mond Of Ter new Gdmircr without ap-
pcaring to exhibit disposition to de-
preciutc another. Prudence advised
delay, but the new intimacy was com
mcntcd on SO extensively, that he
could endure silence no longer. SO
with many excuses and expressions
Of interest in her welfare, he exposed
the duplicity' Of tic fascinating stran-
ger, mildly expressing an opinion Of
his unwortLincss. 70 his surprise,
Kate cool!y replied that she was of
the same opinion herself, and had not
been deceived by appearances.
"Why is it then, Miss Raymond,
allow me to ask, that you receive at
tentions f.om' one you do not even
cstecm?"
"Oh, he amuscs me-" she replied.
Mr.. Wcston's 8 brow contracted in
evident dsapproval-hc began to feel
embarrassed.
"Pardon the liberty / take, but do
you think it right TO act in that way 2"
Kate felt very much like she did
once when reproycl by kind mentor
for some piece Of girlish mischief, but
gave 10 sign.
"Why Ct course it is," she said,
care VIC not all bound as members OF
u common society TO contribute what
ever we can Of Improvement and
pleasure to our associates? Give
what you receive, is the social law Of
compensation. Now, do not expect
much improvement from Mr.. Truf
ford's company, but ! assure you, he
is vastly entertaining, and has en-
livened many ! dull hour for nc. |
latter myself that he must he rs
agrecab!y entertained or he would
not inhict my society on himself SO
frequently, therefore, do not feel
selfish in allowing him 10 contribute
10 my amusement"
''Ycs, right enough, provided there
is q mutual understanding to that cf-
feet, but suppose it is not all amusc-
mept for himl Judging from what !
have heard and seen, he is more deep.
ly interested in you, and"
"But you must not Judge from
what you hear and scc," interrupted
she, ''pray do not intlict upon the
stranger the same evil from which
Madame Rumor made you suffer once
upon timc," and lie joiucd in her
laugh at the remembrance.
Fairly caught, his argument lost its
original force, however, he continued :
"Bc that as it may, l hardly think
that you arc doing the young man
justice, Miss Katc!"
"Explain, if you please, Mr.. Wes-
ton"
"Well, you see, l mcan-he might,
you must acknowledgment, pshaw I!
my ideas ere getting confused"
"Did you intend to say that |
might deceive him, that my conduct
NAV load hin, tn bol;o,., T ,ao,l ~