The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-01-19
VOL. XXIV.-NO. II.

at her cousins eager, pleading face. Hel
heart throbbed nervously for one brief mo
ment, she felt as she had never felt before
then the whole framework of her life fel
to pieces. Mother, sisters, suitor, friends
solid goods, the pleasant baubles, all things
she had been trained 20 strive for and love
faded from her horizon; for that brief mo-
ment she only knew, she only felt how
good thing it would be to roam over the
fair wide world with her hand in Pats firm
warm grasp, her head resting on his broad
shoulder, the breath of a fresh, free, and
wholesome life tanning her brow. What
did it mean? Was this love-loye Of
which she had read and heard so much,
but never felt before-this feeling so strange
so absorbing, so terrible and yet so-so--
kitty, Kitty, where are you2 Cook
says you never brought her in the pease;
and the dressmaker has come to alter your
body for tuesday,
Kitty sprang to her feet, her dream dis
PEELED by Zeldie's voice.
I "Let me pass-let me pass, Patrick
| Oh, it's of no use-no use. How could
marry you? [ tell you hate poverty
loathe it, detest it! II should make
you as wretched as myself-perhaps in
time as mean, as false, as grasping, as
worldly! Let me pass Patrick
Mrs. Cantwell's little dinner party was a
distinct success. The soup was hot, the
wine cool, the entrees were well-hayored,
the joints up to time; hence it was on a
very bright and pleasant scene that cousin
[ Pats eyes rested at about Q. p NJ. of that
eventful night The rooms were full Of
the odors of sweet flowers and lighted with
wax candles; through the open windows
couples were passing to and from the lawn,
while Dauber Browne, in a faint tenor
voice, was charging the company to Glove
for year, week, day.
After few moments survey, Pats sharp
eyes discovered the hero of the evening,
his rival, Thompson of the Thames, arather
short stout man, who looked rs il he had
enjoyed his dinner, seated in an easy-chair,
his mother-in-law-elec hanging affection
ately over him and giving his heated brow
the benefit Of her large feather fan. Pat
rick : face elouded, his hand grasped the
back Of the chair upon which he was lean
ing, aud his eyes wandered restlessly in
search of little crilnson-draped figure la
den with glittering, jingling jewelry.
But Kitty was not to be seen, being hid
den behind Mr.. Browne at the piano.
When the song was over she rose aud ad-
yanced into the middle of the room, aud
then suddenly Patrick Cantwell's express
sion changed His cheeks flushed, his
EYES sparkled and his whole face beamed
with smile SO radiantly sweet that young
lady in his vicinity was quite eaptivated,
and was heard to declare that ''that Colo
NAL cousin Of the Cantwells' was one Of
the most striking-looking men she had met
for some time
Kitty had not bestowed the faintest sign
Of recognition upon him or shown by word
or movement that she was aware Of his
presence. Little he cared, even when she
approached his rival, spoke few words,
and then dropped into the seat by his side,
gladly vacated by her mother, for he knew
what no one else in the room knew-,hat
she would never share that villa on the
Thame Reyer touch one penay Of that
precious money which lay 50 close to her
grasp. For KITTY had forsworn the Thomp-
son colors, and had appeared before the
astonished aud puzzled eyes Of her family
and friends in a simple dress of black ma
terial. without one patch of color to relieve
its monotony. without a single ornament
save bunch Of pale monthly roses cluster
ing in the soft black lace that shrouded her
white shoulders Presently she rose,
crossed the room, her unjewelled fingers
resting on Mr.. Thompson eoat-sleeye, and
disappeared with him into the night
After about twenty minutes absence,
Kitty returned alone, Mr., Thompson, IA
tigued By his journey Of the previous night,
had returned to his hotel, she informed her
mother, and had begged her to convey his
apologies, which were graci9usly accepted.
Kitty now became very lively, sang, laugh
ed. and flirted with much spirit, but never
bestowed even look upon her cousin, who
made no effort to attract her attention. As
the guests began TO depart, Kitty, evidently
wishing to avoid any confidential eommuni-
cations with her family that night, hastened
into the garden, hoping TO reach her room
anperceiyed by way of back entrance.
She had not gone far when she became
aware of pursuing footsteps, She quick
ened her pace 10 q run, but II was no avail;
one moment later she was in cousin Pats
strong arms, and shower of grateful rap
turous kisses were being rained down upon
her hands, her wrists, her little ringless ears.
My dear girl-my brave girl knew
you d do i'll knew you would | staked
my all, my future, my happiness on your
worth--and have won Oh, my darling,
may / be able to repay you for what YOU
have done for me this day Heaven grant
itr'
'.0h, Pat, Pat, cried poor Kitty few
minutes later, when she had somewhat re-
covered from this impetuous charge, "what
shall do--how face them all? Poor
mother-she will never get over it Her
heart was set on my marrying him. But
| eouldn THE moment | saw him | knew
| couldn't. How can | tell her ?''
Come in at once, and we'll tell her to-
getherl Who's afraid p replied Pat, half
carrying his trembling charge into the
dread presence.
The room was deserted by all save the
hostess and her girls, who advanced with
eager welcome.
Kate, my darling child, you have made
me so happy! Heaven bless you, my dearl'
''0h, Kitty, tell us all about it What
did he say? What did ne do?'
Poor Kitty turned aside from her moth
er 5 extended arms and cast piteous glance
at her companion, who, drawing her arm
within his own, calmly and respectfully
begged his unfortunate terror-stricken aunt
to accept him as a son-in-law in the place
of Thompson dismissed.
The scene that eusued lasted far into the
night. Mrs. Cantwell was by turns pa
thetic, scornful, appealing, threatening, de-
nouncing, and, lastly, wildly hysterical.
The brazen culprit, the serpent that had
crept into that once peaceful home, alone
remained callous, unmoved by appeal or
reproach. He would not give up Kitty
so long as she remained faithful to him, no
other woman should win either look or
thought.
Kitty herself, in tears, sank down at her
mothers feet and begged her pardon. She
would do anything to please them, but she
would not and conld not recall Mr. Thomn-