The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1884-01-19

'"n'age OF the oter. Some dav vr.n ,,;
'nank me for it. Now, must only Give 70
"p-give up the one thing that has been
10Y to me in my weary life. Oh, Kate don
yo" misunderstood me!-From the rest =
the world can hear it, but not from ,,ov
80 1t was decided. There were n f.,
! more words of bitter reasoning on his part
io"' passive acquiescsnce on hers. then til
Little drama was over-Kate Thornton's an
sasement was at an end.
mrs Thornton wisely said nothing tba
evening. nor for many days, when she saw
na'es pale face and proud, quivering lips
then she simply took the broken encaaemen
as an accepted fact, and smiled at her ow,
| diplomacy.
Inc smile deepened into slight laugh O,
exuisatlon, when. six month later. Ka,e
came one evening into her presence and sal;
quietly, with weary look on her beautiful
face -
Mother, harold Crosby asked ma to.
n'snt 70 be his wife. I told him I did rot
love him as he deserved, but he was content
and so-we are engaged"
Harold Crosby! He was not handsome
ce7.ain!y, but good, and true, and tender
aud his income might have been the envy O.
aprince. The kiss which Mrs. Thornton
pressed upon her daughters lips was o.
.esv1n. gratitude, but she wisely refrainei
from words As to Kate herself, her lifs
Sas now dream, which she strove to be-
leave had no awakening Something of what
was going on in her mind 1Ir. Crosby seemed
to understand. for he in no way obtrude led
his claims upon her.
Flowers aud beautiful gifts were her daily
portion. His carriage stood at her command.
Her friends showered congratulations upon
her. until unconsciously to herself, the old,
restless feeling was gradually passing away
from her, and contentnent, If not happi-
ness stealing in its place.
Frederick Mayville was abroad. He had
sailed Immediately after their ruptured en-
sasement. What. then, was Rates surprise
on entering the house one chilly December
afternoon. to find him standing before the
fire, almost - he had stood year acone.
He turned 1t her entrance, aad she saw that
he was pale.
II have come to offer my congratulations
with the rest" !"
"You have returned:" abe said, and in
spite of her every effort her voice trembled.
II only landed yesterday" he replied.
1.-The news Of your engagement was the first
thing that reached me at the club. There
were plenty eager to let me know. " he added,
With horse laugh, then broke down.
Kate, how could your" he questioned in
bitter reproach.
lyon forget it was your doing. not mine,
'ae answered. 81 would have been true to
Tou. not five, but fifty years, but you re-
ccted my offer, not 1 yours. 1t is true am
engaged to Mr.. Crosby. only wish were
more worthy Of his generous nobility. As it
$. God help me! think I have no heart
o give to any man."
Because it is mine, and because you are
lot the woman to love twice!" he said, in a
inging tome Of triumph. "Look in nv
yea Kate, straight aud true. and deny it if
on can"
The old magnetism Of his presence thrilled
er; tho music Of his voice, the strangely
andsome face. peering into her own all as
ersed their old sway. She dared not meet
ne test he proposed.
"God help us both!" he said. "Oh,
,ste, It had this mans money, wha. con-
nent could divide US ?"
"Mr. Crosby" +,
The servant ct this instant announced the ,
anne. He must have overheard Fred May
lies words. r
Struggling for self-command, Kate went |
'rwarl to meet him, and presented him to !
Z. Mayville, who in a few moments took
IS leave. !
A silence fell between the two left alone n
len Mr.. Crosby broke it
''Ion We're once engaged to that gentle 4
an ?" he questioned, but in his tone was no
proach.
The girl felt as though IN the presence of a a
dge, kind and just but firm a. at!amant.
Yes, she assented.
"Why was not the engagement fulfilled p il
'He was poor, p" she said bitterly. Ii
An expression Of intense pain fitted over te
= listeners face. ~
"Do not misunderstood me-" she contin- h.
d, reused to some explanation. 81 did ST
I mind poverty-I would have married CT
n on halt his income had he consented h,
{ hs would not. Mamma was unwilling
. engagement should continue longer on s..