The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-06-16

way, t-Nln8 every precautioL. however.
not to be observed. Seated upon little
rustic bench. could see every movement
Of my lover and Kathleen.
How lovely she looked standing In tie
orchard. the sunlight falling athwart the
lovely upturned face. on which smile
rested Never was seen fairer vision.
Her sleeve Of soft texture falling back
showed the shapely. outstretched arm
Sometime peal Of merry laughter
would fall upon my car They did not
miss me-not even Robert: he was con.
tent with Kathleen.
The basket was full to overlooking, and
still they fingered. One bunch of lus
cious grapes, the last gathered. was in
Roberts hand. He stopped to place II
with the others when their eyes met,
their hands touched Was dreamingl
Alasl 10 saw him stoop and kiss her
fondly. ] waited no longer With cry
of pain turned and fled to the seclusion
of nv own room, where ! sobbed out the
trouble of my young heart, with only
God to hear me.
| went away quite unexpectedly. was
homesick, | told Aunt Martha. | left a
letter for Robert. giving no explanation
Of my conduct: simply telling him it was
better We should part. ! was proud
girl and would not stoop to acknowledge
u rival
remember taking the ring he had given
me from my hand. and what struggle it
cost me to place it with that letter-the
last ] should ever write TO Robert
| came home to mother. who was quite
an invalid and needed all my care. never
heard from Robert save once, through
Aunt Martha. who wrote:
"Of course Matte. you've not forgot
ten Robert, whom. to speak candidly, you
treated rather unkindly. He has gone to
New York to practice medicine. He is
doing we'll
An old newspaper had fallen into my
hands. where an account was given OF a
brilliant reception. Among the guests
were the names of DIR. Robert Preston and
wife. knew ii was Robert and Kathleen.
made no inquiries. and, receiving no
further information, took it for granted
that Aunt Martha's kindness of heart pre-
vented her from again referring. to the
past | closed my heart forever. The
world will never know me as disap
pointed woman, thought, hattering
myself that bad quite succeeded in de
ceiving humanity IN general, until the
gossip had come upon me with her idle
words bringing TO life the bitter past that
thought had buried years ago
Going TO service, Miss kenwoodf
1t was my neighbor who asked me the
question Marcia Hall--a dear little girl
with the utmost faith in mankind In
general smiled family as ! caught
sight Of the new bonnet with it's dainty
ribbons. evidently got up for tie new
curatc.
Young and foolish, thought |. wait
until she is 20 and I'll wager she will not
buy a new bonnet for I'll the new curatea
in town
Slowly we walked to church on that
bright Sunday morning, Marcia chatting
eayly and |, dressed in the plainest Of
dresses. walking silently beside her.
| had not fully recovered from Mrs.
Briggs unkind remarks. and was deter
mined to show her my Discrimination to
"se, my cap. rs she termed it, by appear
inr in an exceedingly unbecoming gown.
was really disappointed, on catching a
last glimpse in the mirror, 10 find that,
Notwithstanding my plain toilet and my
26 years, | was still pretty woman,
and to hear my mother say as | stopped
to kiss her How well you're looking.
MattieW
How crowded the little village church
was-hlled 10 overlooking. Every one
was there. even that hateful Mrs Briggs.
caught "a glimpse of the great poke
bonnet as walked quickly to my seat
They were singing as we entered, yet |
scarcely heard them, feeling rather EN-
barrassed at coming late to be gazed at by
the entire congregation.
sank YEARLY among the soft cushions
gladly taking refuge behind large palm
leaf fan kindly prodered by portly old
gentleman beside me.
Now Il hush. slight futter among the
congregation, q rustic of garments with
now and then a subdued whisper as the
pulpit was rolled close to the chancel and
the new curate assembled.
Hes just lovely whispered Marcia.
pulling softly at lay sleeve. do look at
him, Miss Kenwood."
| kept my eyes downcast. If every
woman in the congregation cast .glances
of admiration | was determined to do
otherwise.
Am my brothers keepers" was the
text. Clear and distinct were the words
of the speaker The first words had caused
my heart TO beat wildly How like that
voice If long ago, that rich soft voice
that pleaded for my lovel | listened like
one in dream, until raised my eyes to
see before me-Robert Preston.
Yes, Robert Preston Changed, to DO
sure; not the bright, ooyish face of long
ago. There were lines of care and suffer
inc on it now. while the dark hair was
streaked with silver.
Was Kathleen dead? | wondered. Had
he given up lis practice? Was lie happy
Fifty different queries crowded upon my
memory. Why had fate thrown us once
more together after my bitter struggle to
forget? One thing Twas determined upon;
| must leave the village dared not
trust myself further. Reason as would,
NV heart told me that loved him still.
It was all over could hear the wits
pered comments of the worshipers on
the eloquence of the new curate The
singers were chanting in that nasal.
drawing tone 50 natural to village choirs,
and still sat dreaming.
Are you coming asked my com
pauion: then, as | arose mechanically to
obey DOM YOU like him. Miss Ken