The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1888-09-14

ANANAAAIE ~ AAAA BAAoN- i AAksA4 IL -ANoA
forever The world will never know
me as a disappointed woman, thought,
fa;tering myself that l had quite sue
ceeded in deceiying humanity in general
until the gossip had come upon me with
her idle words, bringing TO life the
bitter past that thought l had buried
years ago
''Going to service. Miss Kenwood"
Il was my neighbor who asked the
question, Marc Hall-a dear little
girl with the utmost faith in mankind
in general smiled family as caught
sight Of the new bonnet with its dainty
ribbons, evidently got up for the new
curate
Young and foolish" thought I.
"Wait until she's six-and- twenty. and
I'll wager she will not buy new bonnet
for all the new eurates in town"
Slowly we walked to church on that
bright Sunday morning, Marcia chatting
gaily and |. dressed in the plainest of
dresses. walking silently beside her.
had not fully recovered from Mrs.
Briggs unkind remarks, and was de-
termined to show her my disinclination
to set my cap, " as She termed it, By ap-
pearing in an exceedingly unbeeoming
gown. was really disappointed, in
catching last glimpse in the mirror, to
find that, notwithstanding nv plain
toilet and my siX-and twenty Yeas,
vas still pretty woman. and to hear my
mother say as ! stopped to kiss her,
''How well you're looking, Matte p
How crowded the little village church
Was-filied to OverhOwing. livery one
was there. even that hateful Mrs Briggs.
! caught glimpse Of the great poke bon
net as walked quickly TO my seat.
They were singing as we entered, yet
/ scarcely heard them, feeling rather en-
barfassed at coming late to be gazed at
by the entire congregation
sank YEARLY among the soft cuEh-
ions, gladly taking refuge behind a
palmleaf fan kindly prO1eTed By port
IL old gentleman beside me.
Now hush, slight futter among
the congregation, a rustic Of garments,
with now aud then q subdued whisper
as the pulpit was rolled close 10 the
chancel, and the new curate assembled.
Hes iust lovely" whispered Marcia,
pulling softly at my sleeve. do look
q HIM. Miss kenwood-"
KEEP, my eyes downcast. If every
woman in the congregation cast giances
Of admiration, was determined TO do
otherwise
"Am I my brothers keeper was the
text Clear and distinct were the words
Of the speaker. The first words had
caused my heart 70 beat wildly. How
ike that voice of long ago, that rich,
soft voice that pleaded for my Lowell /
listened like one in dream, until | raised
my eyes 10 see before me-Robert Pres
ton
Yes, Robert Preston. Changed, to be
sure, not the bright, boyish face of long
ago. There were Lines Of care and suf-
fering on it now, while the dark hair
Was streaked with silver.
Vas kathleen dead WONDERED. Had
be given up his praeticei Was he happy
Fifty different queries crowded upon my
memory Why had fate thrown US once
more together after my bitter struggle TO
iorgeti une thing / was determined
upon | must leave the village l dared
not trust myself further. Reason as
would my heart told me that l loved
him still
IL was all overt l could hear the
whispered comments Of the wUrshipeTs
on the eloquence Of the new curate. The
singers were chanting in that nasal,
draHling tone so natural to village
ehoirs. aud still ! sat dreaming.
Are YOU comingi7 asked my COM
panion. then, as arose mechanically to
obey. Don't you ike him, Miss ken
woodl Do tel mel You listened at
teuiively, and once, as ! looked at you,
] thought you were going TO faint away,
you looked so pale. Are you ilif'
Yes. like him. added aloud. while
my heart whispered. ''6od pity NE,
love him ~
We were out once more in the bright
sunshine. coming quite unexpectedly
upon . little group composed OF the
y caifhier members Of the cOngregat on,
gathered around the new curate. They
had learned he was man of wealth and
standing. choosing his calling simply as
s matter OK taste Some One-I think il
aas the pastors wife-presented me TO
hin- our eyes met; our hands touched,
a.. resting those serious eyes upon me,
be said
81 have had the pleasure Of meeting
Miss kenwood before"
cannoi tell how II happened that we
were al walking out through the church
yard toward the highway, and found
mys u alone with Robert He WAS
tie frst 20 break the silence. It panied
me- 10 think it va. common place re-
marx
"How is Kathleen - ! asked, endeavor-
ing 70 shoE him how little / cared for
-he past, and how, without betraylng the
slightest emotion, could inquire after
bis wife's heaItn-
.'Kaihleeag7 He looked dazed at the
question. II believe she is well. but no.
haPpg, poor girl"
lie believed she was well. How strange
Had be grown weary Of her IS Of met
Was he utterly devoid Of honorl
Not happy2" I said, as I toyed nerv-
.uslF with the roses in my bodice she
should be very happy as as-your
wife. % ! faltered.
'.As my Eifem be said, gazing in
b au< amarement Did yOu-oh,
Matte. yos have Judged me wrongly.
never married hsthleen"
Be looked Ike man upon whom a
sudden truth had dawned, or one ae-
-used Of q great wrong who could prove
b. innocence.
Is uas IN the twilight before service
'fsl L. told me 4 all The notice con-
aerning l,obeI. Preston and wife referred
a. his cousin. lie had entered the min
.sify from choice. a. he had come into /
d .arse fortune through the death Of his
arcie. True. he had admired Kathleen
- . nan would admire beautiful wO-