Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1886-06-24

anger. wondered if she were really
engaged to MIR. Varens. as report said.
l looked at that gentleman. His tall,
graceful form was still bending over
Miss Kent; hs did not lose an Oppor-
tunity OF murmuring something in her
ear, utterly forgctful that the watchful
Chapmans were present. His dark face
and gray eyes were animated and
pleased. Thus much could see in the
mirror which reflected both their forms.
could not distinguish the expression
of Miss kent's countenance. Ifancied.
however, that she was distant. yet
sweet; that Varens found her lndescrib-
ably fascinating, as had done.
This was several months after
Miss Kent had come to our home.
Mr.. Varens had seen her almost
every time he had called.
and he had taken occasion to call
quite often. He was fertile in expedi-
ents for getting Miss Kent called down;
and. had l been Miss Chapman, l
should. perhaps, have felt something
of the angry suspicion which she gen.
orally concealed ! was coming along
the upper hall one day. when the bell
rang, and some one was admitted. /
hesitated for a moment about going
down, and heard Mr.. Varens' voice in
a low tone. and the melOdious tones of
Miss Kent in reply.
Evidently Miss Kent had been pass
ing through the hall as Varens had en-
tered.
Il came to see you, Miss Kent" he
said, hurriedly. Il heard you saying
to Miss Romaine the other day that
you had never been on sleigh-ride.
1t is excellent sleighing; my cutter is
at the door; if you are not engaged, do
please favor me-"
His voice was beseeching. 1 mag
ined Miss Kent's face gave no assent.
"You are very good, but l must
give Annie her lesson; and indeed, Mr..
Varens. can not go with YOU"
| 1t was not in her usual self-possessed
tone that she replied; in her accent l
discovered that Varens was not wholly
Indifferent to her. knew the fearful
conflict which heart and pride would
fight before she would acknowledge,
even to herself, that she loved him?
"Then you do not wish to go?" His
voice was unconsciOus!y reproachful.
and full of respect. Il have escaped
a hundred engagements that might
give myself this pleasure.
''But, Mr.. Verens, have I not told
you that my pupil awaits me9 Good
morning."
She moved away and put her. hand
| on the dinin GROOM door
'.Miss Kent'-he followed her-''at
least your pupil will not prevent your
accepting these"
l had listened. Not till heard the
outer door shut behind Varens, was l
conscious of it, it had all passed so
quickly. / commenced descending the
stairs, and met Miss Kent coming up
to her room. She held single snowy
cape jasmine, with its glossy green
leaves. There was glow, a softened
splendor on her face that made it abb
solutely beautiful, still it was sad. l
thought she had gone to the dining
room, or should have returned to my
| own room.
mir. Varens has just been here"
she said, with lowered eyes.
''And has left a fragrant reminder"
1 responded. passing quickly by her.
/ felt troubled to degree that sur
prised me. My impression of Mr..
Varens was very favorable, but l felt
almost sure that he was engaged to
Miss Chapman-every body talked it.
Even if he were not, it was highly
improbable that he would marry the
obscure Miss Kent; still more improb-
able that she would accept him, should
he offer himself. l had the utmost
faith in Miss kent's discretion. but l
dislikcd that people should couple her
name with that Of Varens. in way
that would have led one to believe who
did not know her, that Varens was
flirting with her for his own amuse-
ment. 1t was only few days ago, at a
party, that heard one young man re-
mark to another:
There goes Varens down the dance
with Miss Chapman. Do you notice
his ennuied air?''
''Of course: every body notices it.
Only let certain pair of dark eyes APP
pear upon the scene,. and you will see
his ennui disappear. 1t is not likely he
would marry that Hiss Kent. but he is
most rOmantically smltten with her. de
is prowling round Mrs. Romaine's half
his time
'And Miss Kent-how is she af-
fected?''
Cant say-flattered, Of course.
though. -"
Let him let the governess Alone"
said the first speaker, Indignantly.
'It's not honorable in him.
May had softened the skies. and al
most began to make the city stifled
and disagreeable. Miss Kent was losing
the color that had come to her face
when she came to us. Unless urged
very much, she never came into the
parlor when any one was there. Varens
himself began to look haggard and I'M
happy, but he still came to our house.
gloomy and disappointed. in spite of
the smiles of Miss Chapman.
My mother sent up for me one morn
ing, saying that Mr.. Varens and Miss
Chapman were below. had just en-
tered Miss Kent's room when the mes