West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1886-07-02

''Then YOU do not wish to go?' His
voice was unconsciously reproachful,
and full of respect. IL have escaped
hundred engagem ents that might
give myself this pleasure"
But Mr. Verens, have 1 not told
you that my pupil awaits mep Good
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 | heard the
outer door shut behind Varens, was
conscious of it, il 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, softened
splendor on her face that made il abb
solutely beautiful, still it was sad.
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"
responded, passing quickly by her
/ felt troubled to degree that sur
prised me. My impression of Mr..
Varens was very favorable, but | felt
almost sure that he was engaged to
Miss Chapman-every body talked of it,
Even if he were not, IL was highly
improbable that he would marry the
obscure Miss Kent; still more improb-
able that she would accept him, should
he offer himself. | had the utmost
faith in Miss Kent's discretion. but
disliked that people should couple her
name with that of Varens, i'm 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 cnnuied ARP
"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 Miss Kent. but he is
most Economically smitten with her He
is prowli3g round Mrs. Romaines half
his time >"
And Miss Kent-how is she af-
fected?n
Cant say-flattered, of course,
though"
Let him let the governess alone"
said the first speaker, Indignantly.
Its not honorable in him"
May had softened the skies. and AL
most began to make the city stified
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 un-
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
sage reached me. She was not there,
and as / turned to leave, / saw di-
rected envelope on the table. 1t was
my own name on the letter. caught
it up, and commenced reading it as |
went downstairs.
| burst into the parlor uncere-
moniously, hurriedly greeting the vis-
tors, and eXclaiming, as / walked to
where my mother sat:
"Miss Kent is gomez
1t was not my mother who started in
the intensest surprise and fear. Varens
was at my side before the words had
hardly been uttered.
Let me see the nOtep' he said, au-
thoritatively
The expression of his face forbade
me to refuse him had / wished to do so.
He read the lines had just read:
1T is imperative for my happiness that
go from here FOR while, at least You are
too noble. you know rhy heart too well, to
think rue ungratefuL
"vmGrNIE KENT"
Nevertheless, should say she was
ungrateful,' spoke Miss Chapman,
who had read the note over Varens'
shoulder.
Varens' face was sharp and stern,
as he rudely turned toward her, and
said:
peace! You know nothing of her Z"
Miss Chapman's anger blazed forth
uncontrolled.
And you, sirP Perhaps you are her
confidant?'
"Varens' self-possession returned the
instant Miss Chapman's forsook her.
unfortunately, no; but / am her
friend As such, | shall seek her in
stantly. She must not brave the world
a second time alone"
He turned from her, bowed TO nv
mother, and went towards the door.
followed him, feeling my admiration
yelling up into enthusiasm Now he
seemed worthy Of Miss Kent. But
why had he not acted like this beforcp
Would it have prevented Miss Kent
from going awayP
When We were out of tho hearing of
those in the parlor. | said:
'Mr. Varens. are you engaged to
Miss Chapman
His eyes were clear and honest as he
replied:
mo. Have ! acted as if l woreP"
But the world says So -
eyes; thanks to- the machination Of
Mrs Chapman, and because have
made it my home there since my re-
turn from Europe. Mr. Chapman is
my cousin, and almost the only rcla-
tive ! have in the world Have YOU
any idea whore Miss Kent has gomez
he asked abruptly dropping the dis
tasteful subject
Not the slightest Promise me to
find her"
Promise you! Does not my own
life doupnd un1u ifg'f