The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-04-14
Kate Yale's Marriage.

ever Il marry, the happy manor the
unhappy one, if you please-hai hal
shall be person possessing these three
qualifications:
'sFirst, fortune.
Second, good looks.
"And thirdly, common sense.
'T mention the fortune first, because 1
think il the most needful and desirable
qualification of the three. Although /
could never think of marrying fool, or
q man whose ugliness 1 would be
ashamed Of; still think to talk sense for
the one and shine for the other, with
plenty Of money, would be preferable to
living obscurely with handsome intelli-
gent man-to whom economy might be
necessary"
do not know how much of this senti-
ment came from Kaiie's heart She un-
doubtedly indulged lofty ideas of station
and style--for her education in the
duties and aims Of life had been de-
ficient, or rather erroneous; but that she
was capable Of deeper, better feelings
none doubted, who had ever obtained
even partial glimpse of her true wo-
mans nature.
And the time arrived at length, when
Katie was 10 take that all important step
Of which she had often spoken solightly;
when she was to demonstrate to her
friends how much of her heart was in
the words we have quoted.
AT the enchanting age of eighteen she
had many suitors; but as she never gave
serious thought to more than two, we
will follow her example, discarding all
except those favored ones, and consider
their relative claims.
III thap n frIra otfa
should certainly use an artists privil-
ege, and aim. to produce an effect by
making strong contrast between these
two favored individuals. II could have
my way, one should be poor genius
and somewhat of hero; the other q
wealthy fool and somewhat of knave.
But the truth is:
Our poor genius was not much of q
genius, nor very poor, either. He was
by professor q teacher of music, and he
could live very comfortably in exercise
thereof-without the most distant hope,
however, Of ever attaining to wealth.
Moreover, Frank Minot possessed ex-
cellent qualities, which entitled him to
be called by discreet elderly people a
''ine character" by his companions q
mobile, good fellow" and by the ladies'
generally darling"
Katie could not help loving Mr.. Frank,
and he knew it. He was certain she
preferred his society even to that of Mr..
Wellington, whom alone he saw fit to
honor with the appellation of rival.
This Mr.. Wellington (his companions
called him "duke'') was noidiot or hump
back, as / could have wished him t. be,
in order to make a good story. On the
contrary, he was man of sense, educa-
tion, good looks, and fine manners; and
there was nothing of the knave about
him. that could ever ascertain.
Besides this, his income was sufficient
10 enable him to live superbly. Also he
was considered two or three degrees
handsomer than Mr.. Frank Minot
Therefore, the only thing on which
Frank had to depend was the power he
possessed over Katie's sympathies and
affections. The "duke"-although just
the man for her in every sense, being
blessed with fortune, good looks, and
common sense-had never been able tc
draw these out; and the amiably conceited
Mr.. Frank was not willing to believe thai
she would suffer mere worldly considera.
tions to control the aspirations of tho
heart.
However, she said to him one day
when he pressed her to decide his fate
she said to him with q sigh:
"Oh, Frank! 1 am sorry we have evel
metz
"Sorry?"
'Yes-for we must part now
"Part?" repeated Frank, turning
pale.
II was evident he had not expected
this.
"Yes-yes, said Katie, casting dow
her eyes with another piteous sigh.
Frank sat by her side. He placed hi
arm around her waist, without needing
her feeble resistance; he lowered his
voice, and talked to her until she
she, the proud Katie-wept-w bit
terly.
Katie, said he, then, with burst o
passion, 81 know you love mel But, you
are proud-ambitious Now, i
you would have me leave you, say the
word, and gol'
"Go!" murmured Katie, very feebl,
-"gor -,
81 havel'
"Then, love, farewellp'
He took her hand, gazed n momen
tenderly and sorrowfully upon her beau
tiful, fearful face; then clasped her T.
his bosom.
She permitted the embrace She eve
gave way TO the impulse of the instant
and twined her arms about his neck, bu
in n moment her resolution came to he
aid, and she pushed him from her wit
q sigh
"Shall 9" :" he articulated.
A feeble yes fell from her quiverin
lips.
And an instant later she was lyin
upon the sofn, sobbing and weeping pas
sionately-alone.
To tear the tenacious root of love on
Of her heart had cost her more than sh
could have anticipated; and the certain
ty Of n golden life of luxury proved b,
n poor consolation, it seemed, for the sa,
rifice she had made.
She lay long upon the sofa, sobbin
and weeping passionately. Gradual
her grief appeared to exhaust itsel
Her breath came more regular and cain
Her tears ceased TO flow, and at lengt
her eyes and cheeks were dry. HI
head was pillowed on her arm, and h,
face was half hidden in food of beaut
full curls.
The struggle was over. The agor
was passed. She saw Mr.. Wellingtc
enter, and arose cheerfully to recei,
him. His manners pleased her; his ST.
ton and fortune fascinated her NOR,
He offered her his hand. She accepte
it. A kiss sealed the engagement
IL was not such kiss as Frank had give
her, and she could not repress sigh.