The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-06-23

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graceful form was still bending over
Miss Kent; he did not lose an 2ppor-
tunity OF murmuring something il her
ear, utterly forgetful that the watchtul
Chapmans were present. His dark fact
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, vet
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. Twas coming along
the upper hall one day, when the bell
rang, and some one was admitted. l
hesitated for . moment about going
down, and heard Mr.. Varens' voice in
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.
II came to see you, Miss Kent" he
said, hurriedly. Il heard you saying
to Miss Romano the other day that
you had never been on q 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. I imag-
ined Miss Kent's face gave no. assent.
"You are very good, but l must
give Annie her lesson; and indeed, Mr..
Varens, l can not 60 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 himp
Then you do not wish to go?" His
voice was unconsciously reproachful,
and full of respect. Il have escaped
a hundred engagements that l might
give myself this pleasure.
But Mr.. Verens, have l not told
morning." '.
She moved away and put her hand
on the dining-rOom door.
"Miss Kent"-he followed her-"at
least your pupil will not prevent your
accepting these"
had listened. Not till I heard the
outer door shut behind Varens, was
conscious of it, it had all passed so
quickly. l 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 a glow, softened
splendor on her face that made it alb
solutely beautiful, still it was sad. l
thought she had gone to the dining
room, or should have returned to my
own room.
''Mr. Varens has just been here"
she said, with lowered eyes.
"And has left fragrant reminder"
l 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 of 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
disliked 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 ap
: pear upon the scene, and you will see
: his ennui disappear. 1t is not likely he
|. would marry that Miss Kent, but he il
most Economically smitten with her. HI
!, is prowling round Mrs. Romaine's hall
his time"
And Miss Kent-how is she at
fectedp" ........ ...
! Cant say-hattered, Of course
5 though"
, "Let him let the governess alone,
! said the first speaker, Indignantly
ITS not honorable in him."
May had softened the skies, and al
i most began to make the city stiflet
0 and disagreeable. Miss Kent was losing
!. the color that had come to her fac'
: when she came to U.S. Unless urge(
y very much, she never came into tn
parlor when any one was there. Varen
himself began to look haggard and un
l happy, but he still came to our house
Q gloomy and disappointed, in spite o
|" the smiles of Miss Chapman.
y My mother sent up for me one morn
Y ing, saying that Mr.. Varens and Mis-
Il Chapman were below. l had just en-
IS tered Miss Kent's room when the mes
J. sage reached me. She was not there
) and as turned to leave, 1 saw di
e rected envelope on the table. 1t wa
IL my own name on the letter. l caugh
L it up, and commenced reading it as
IS went downstairs.
e l burst into the parlor uncere
l. moniously, hurriedly greeting the visi
tors, and exclaiming, as walked t.
where my mother sat:
3. Miss Kent is gone"
IS 1t was not my mother who started il
lie the intensest surprise and fear. Warren