Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1882-06-28
MY Punishment for Prying.
BY JUDE CLAK.

a faint word 10 express my own feel
ings in the case, and though we had go'
80 far along that l called her Kate, in
stead Of Miss Morlake, and she called
me Ned, instead Of Mr.. Jarman, things
seemed 10 come to a stop there.
More'n once whenI looked into hei
deep blue eyes. so full of tenderness
and truth, l felt lmpelled to make an
open declaration ofmy sentiments, and
take whater ausweyer cane with wha
philosophy I might. But there was in
those same bright eyes, lurking look
of mischief that made me hesitate
The chances were about even that my
impassionate speech would be met
with one OF her ringing, silyery laughs
and some such answer as:
Please don't be silly, Ned
L didn't dare to risk it, and so held
my peace.
One day l resolved 10 play the cow
ard no longer, but 10 speak out like a
man. l was just beginning, and Kate,
I fancied, looked as if she was going to
listen seriously; in Dolted young
friend OF hers, top full of news and
gossip, who, without word of perface,
began 10 unpack her budget.
All was over, say, for this time.
aud took up my bat to leave.
Il 90 Tomorrow said Kate, as we
parted at the door, to spend a week
with Aunt Hathaway and cousin
Flora Deauing. Should you come that
way there's good fishing in the neigh
borhood-you mustn't fail TO CALL"
That lcould chance that way-be
the fishing good or bad-was from that
moment q settled fact, indeed, The
very next day but one, found me in
Aunt Hathaway's parIor, duly intro
duced 10 that stately lady aud her niece
aud Kate's consin, Miss Flora Denning'
lovely girl about Kate's age, and al
most as handsome.
1 would have gwen anything for a
few words with Kate alone. was
burning to renew the conversation
which had been so untimely interrupted.
But it was soon manifest there would
be no opportunity. Aunt Hathaway
never for moment left the room, and
it was quite clear she didn't intend to-
while my visit lasted. Kate went to a
side table and wrote note, which she
sealed and directing. and placed IN my
hand when rose 10 go.
BE kind enough, Oh your return 10
deliver this, she said; it is an lmpor'
tant message TO a friend Of mine.'
Then she gave a glance in Aunt
Hathawaway's directed which plainly
lntimated that lady's presence preYen-
ted fuller explanation.
Ihoped that Kate, according to her
custom, would at least see me to the
door; but Aunt Hathaway assumed
that office. and dismissed me with po'
lite formality.
Twas curious to know 10 whom Kate g
important message was addressed,
and as wanted 10 deliver it, l might
look and see.
took the letter from my pocket. 1t
was a dainty white envelope such a:
Young ladies use to enclose their en-.
chatting little missiyes ln. and had a
decidedly coquettish look. Bnt a
glance at the superscription gave me
painful start. The name was that o.
Mordaunt Kenneth, just The last
could have wished to see there.
Mordaunt and l we're old friends, but
of late. he had been tar too attentive
10 Kate Morlake tor my comfort. Or
several of nv visits to her, l founC
him there before me, and more thar
once my comiug seemed TO be an IN
terruption.
AS turned the letter over ot
served that the envelope was open.-
Kate had either forgotten 10 moistei
the mucilege, or lnsecurelY closed th'
fold.
The thought of reading a private n-es
sage Intended for another, in my calme
momen would have been sbhorren
to every instinct of my nature; but
was mad with Jealousy, aud iniur!ate'
at the thought that Kate, who, what
ever might he tie state OF her own ieel
ings,mu have long since surmlsed III
nature Cf mine, should have made nj
the bearer Of secret message to M
rival. | had but one thought or pun
pose-it was to learn the worst anC
learn, once for all, whe her the low
which had so londly loped, either va
or might be mine, had already b,e
plighted TO another.
Without stoppins 10 weigh the im-
propriety of an act which | would haYe
been the first to condemn in another
and at wLose recollection a blush eve
now rises, took out and uniolded th
letter.
The words il contained were tev
but they sulficed 10 crush my heart.-
They were thse:
Meet me at tomorrow mornln
under the elm at the turn of the roI
with carriage. Everything will be il
readiness, aud we can drive at once
the village church where the clsrgyma
will be waiting.
KATE
fairly ground my teeth with rage.
, could have torn the tantallzlng billet
= fragments: but the shamefulness Of IL
oot az which I'd lust been guilty, brak