The Grenada sentinel., 1888-08-18

hCFCE save
through Aunt Martha, who wrote:
"Of course, Matte, you've not for
gotten Robert, whom, to speak can
didly, you treated rather unkindly. He
has gone to New York to practice med
icine. He is doing we'll"
An old newspaper had fallen into my
hands, where an account was given of
brilliant reception. Among the guests
were the names of DR.. Robert Preston
and wife. l knew it was Robert and
Kathleen. made no inquiries, and re-
ceiving no further information took it
for granted that Aunt Martha's kind
ness of heart prevented her from re-
ferring to the past. closed my heart
forever. The world will never know
me as disappointed woman, thought,
fattering myself that had quite sue
ceeded in deceiving humanity in gen.
eral, until the gossip had come upon
me with her Idle words, bringing to life
the bitter past that l thought | had
buried years ago.
"Going to service, Miss Kenwood"
It 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 its dainty
ribbons, evidently got up for the new
curate.
young and foolish" thought I.
"Wait until she is twenty-six, and
I'll wager she will not buy new
bonnet for all the new curates in
town"
Slowly we walked to church on that
bright Sunday morning, Marcia chat
ting gayly, and l, dressed in the plain
est Of dresses, walking silently beside
her.
l 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
appearing in an exceedingly unbecom-
ing gown. I was really disappointed,
on catching a last glimpse in the mir
ror, to find that notwithstanding my
plain toilet and my twenty-six years |
was still pretty woman, and to hear
my mother say as I stopped to kiss
her: "How well you're looking, Mat
tiem
How crowded the little village
church was-filled to overiowing.
Every one was there, even that hateful
Mrs Briggs. l caught a glimpse of the
great poke bonnet as | walked quickly
to my seat.
They were singing as we entered, yet
l scarcely heard them, feeling rather
embarrassed at coming late to be gazed
at by the entire congregation.
/ sank YEARLY among the soft cush-
ions. gladly taking refuge behind large
palm-leaf fan kindly proffered by a
portly old gentleman beside me.
Now hush, a slight flutter among
the congregation, a rustic of garments,
with now and then a subdued whisper
as the pulpit was rolled close to the
chancel and the new curate ascended.
"He's just lovely" whispered Mar
cia, pulling softly at my sleeve. ''Do
look at him, Miss Kenwood."
l kept my eyes downcast If every
woman in the congregation cast glanees
of admiration l was determined to do
otherwise.
''Am my brothers keeper?" was the
text. Clear and distinct were the
words of the speaker. The first words
had caused my heat to beat wildly.
How like that voice of long ago-that
rich. soft voice that pleaded for my
love! l listened like one in a dream,
until I raised my eyes to see before me
Robert Preston.
Yes, Robert Preston. Changed, to
be sure; not the bright, boyish face of
long ago There were lines OF care and
suffering on it now, while the dark hair
was streaked with silver.
Was Kathleen dead! | wondered.
Had he given up his practice? Was he
happy? Fifty different queries crowded
upon my memory. Why had fate
thrown us once more together after my
bitter struggle to forget? One thing |
was determined upon. l must leave
the village. | dared not trust myself
further. Reason as would, my heart
told me that loved him still.
1t was all over. | could hear the
whispered comments of the worshipers
on the eloquence Of the new curate.
The singers were chanting in that nasal
drawing tone so natural to village
choirs, and still sat dreaming.
Are you coming?" asked my COM
panion; then, as | rose mechanically to
obey: Don't you like him, Miss Ken
wood? Do tell me. You listened at
tentively, and once, as looked at you,
l thought you were going to faint away,
you looked so pale. Are you ill?"
"Yes, | like him." | added aloud,
while my heart whispered; God pity
me, | love him.
We were out once moro in the bright
sunshine coming quito Unexpectedly
upon a little group composed OF the