Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-08-24

cordially, and there was nothing for me
but to make my bow and move off.
They were together the rest of the even
ing, but [ was determined to have one
word with her. She was standing
shoulder to shoulder with Capt. Taver-
ney, listening to the last bars OF song
from Madame Semarof.
"When it was over she turned to ex,
change an admiring exclamation with the
captain, and | took the opportunity tc
say, 81 am come to Did you good even
ing. Miss Masters
"Oh! good evening"" she answered,
not offering me her hand.
81 am sending a letter tomorrow to
our friend in Madeira" I continued.
"Have you any message %
She replied coldly: CT think not,
thank you," but In moment she added,
her cheeks reddening, "Tell him not to
be away too long!"
decided not to send my letter to
Spencer the next day, but to wait for
further developments. Kate was evil
IDENTIFY wavering; she wished to be true,
but distrusted herself; and with woman
like her such distrust is the prelude to
surrender. Capt. Taverney was very
fascinating, and he was on the ground;
knew also that the colonel would favor
his suit. To tell the truth, myself con-
sidered him a much better match than
Spencer for the girl, but things having
gone 80 far as they had, that was neither
here nor there. Meanwhile the aspect
of affairs became less and less encourag-
ing, but there was still nothing tangible;
these constant visits of Capt. Taverney
might be merely friendly, and mean
nothing; moreover, since Kate's engage
ment to Spencer was kept secret, the
captain was not to blame. But Kate and
the colonel were to blame, and after some
deliheration, and with great reluctance,
[ resolved to speak openly to the former.
This was about six weeks subsequent to
our interview at Lady Loralay's. [ was
at the opera, and seeing Miss Masters in
her box, presented myself there at the
end of the first act.
[ knew [ should find you here to-
night, [ remarked, of after she had ask
ed me to sit down beside her.
"Why tonight, particularly
because it is La Favorita- s
favorite opera. By this time next year
he will be sitting here beside you. You
expect him back in May, don't you ?"
Il suppose So" she said distractedly,
leaning away from me and ripping her
fan.
cit is long time for him to have been
called from you," continued I, "but |
hope" [ went on, looking at her, "that
he will not have been away too long"
At first I thought she was going to
ignore my allusion; evidently she was not
thankful to me for making it. But
presently she seemed to take resolu-
ton; she closed her fan and turned to
me, breathing more quickly and rather
pale.
81 suppose Spencer authorized you
to act as his representative during his
absence-to see that I behaved myself, I
mean, and did not forget him ?"
"He had no misgivings of that sort,
Miss Masters; he told me before he went
away that he trusted you as he trusted
heaven. Re asked me, as your friend,
to keep him informed of your health and
happiness, and that I have DONE"
eff you told him that I was happy,
you misled him. 1 have been very IN
"You have not been without distrac.
tions-more than he has had, poor fel.
low"
81 do not need your sarcasm" she
said hotly. 81 have been more sarcastic
than you would dare to be; but it is Of
no use. have made terrible mistake.
don't know how came to make it. ]
o1u lzvo1r tho+ Gro,oor ,1,oc oho1zo MO
intellectually and in other ways; but ]
thought [ could grow up to him. ]
thought more highly of myself than ]
deserved. Since he has been away I have
come back to my own level"
While she was thus confirming my
worst fears, leaned on my elbow OF
the edge of the box, looking out across
the theater. A young man was standing
up in the stalls directing his opera glass
towards us. recognized Capt. Taver
ney.
ga very attractive and fashionable
level, unquestionably," observed, with
slight indicative movement of my head
She looked across and saw him, anC
the color swept into her face, whether i
came from anger or some other passion
could not tell.
"It is my own level, at all events,
she said, with dignity which com
manded some respect, "and the only
one in which I could give happiness o.
feel it."
81 doubt whether beauty has any
level, whatever may be the case with it,
possessor,' I said, getting up, "henct
many sorrows and misunderstanding
Nave you no regrets?''
None-to speak Of" she replied
and upon that ambiguous answer
bowed and took my departure, passing
Capt. Taverney in the lobby.
1t only remained for me to perform
one of the most unwelcome duties tina
ever fell to my lotto write the news te
Spencer Curtis. I sent him long let
ter; [ said everything that could, bu
in the course of it the reluctant word.
had to be spoken Kate Masters hat
renounced her engagement. I did no
think it necessary to mention the name
of Capt. Taverney. I also dispatched {
curt note to Miss Kate telling her what
| [ had done. I received no reD1v TO il