Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1889-09-13
A GOLDEN BARRIER.


''Therc is one thing which 1 partic-
ularly wish you to remember, Kate, "
said Mrs. -Bamforth, emphaticalIy, as she
and her handsome daughter were pre-
pairing to descend to their carriage,
which awaited them before the entrance
of the hotel at which they had only that
day arrived, ''and that is, to treat Mr..
Harold St. Paul with just as little atten-
ton as possible when you chance to meet
him. For see that he is a guest here
fact which | very much regret"
''But he is very agreeable, mamma, and
you did not seem to find it necessary to
caution me so strictly last winter You
know [ met him in society quite often
then"
eyes, but here in this romantic sum-
mer resort it is altogether different.
And
"Have no fears, mamma" returned
Kate, lifting her dark head rather
haughtily, while a hard, proud ring
seemed to yibratc her clear young voice.
81 am not likely to forget my position,
But here the handsome young man
who, smoking on the piazza below those
open windows, had listened in kind of
dazed surprise to the above dialogue, rose
hastily and walked away, and what more
those clear, ringing tones saw fit to utter
he never knew. But sudden pallor had
succeeded the warm flush of pleasure
which had dyed his face at the first
sound Of them, and flash of proud de-
fiance lit his fine blue eyes.
''The fate of the ineligible, " he NUT
tered, bitterly, as he strobe swiftly away
from the vicinity of those open windows
with compressed lips and darkened brow.
''Wcll, did ever expect anything differ
emit? No; or, rather, thought little
about it, content to take the good that
came, and leave the rest to chance. But
to hear her voice indorse her mothers
hollow vorldlincss-to hear her pro-
nounce my doom-pshaw! | didn't be-
lieye that anything could pair me so.
She will not be likely to forget her po-
sition "-quoting with a sheer half con-
tcmptuOus, half pathetic, Miss BamfOrth's
words. ''Ah, we'll, | shall not be likely
to ask her to. | came without knowing
of her presence here, and now-wcll at
least | am forcwarned, and shall not make
an idiot OF myself. as | might else have
done"
The roll of wheels sounded close to
him, and Harold St. Paul looked up.
He had not noticed where he was 90
ing, but he now found himself near the
driveway, and in the luxurious carriage
that was just rolling by, equipped with
iveried servants, were seated the fashion,
able Mrs Bamforth and her beautiful
daughter.
As their chances met he saw a glad,
sweet light flash into Katc's beautiful
dark eyes, and i charming blush gIowed
for an instant in her soft, dusby checks.
But both quickly faded, and formal
bow and smile were all the recognition lie
received from either of the ladies.
Harold returned the greeting in like
fashion, yet with such a pleasant, care
less grace that no one could suspect the
bitter sting that lurked behind it
Mrs. Bamforth raised her eyebrows
slightly and Kate bit her proud red lip
as the carriage whirled swiftly onward.
You see, mammal" she said, trife
sarcastically. though there was a faint
tremOr in her voice Your fears were
all thrown away even in regard to him.
II am very glad to know it, my dear"
and Mrs. BamfOrth settled herself back
among the satin cushions with satisfied
look on her fair, naughty face. ''Of
course, my anxiety was merely in regard
to possible foolish filtration | know
you are too sensible as we'll as too proud to
marry beneath you in point of fortune.
And Mr. Washburne will be here this
evening or Tomorrow" she added com
placently.
Kate brcathed quick, half stifed sigh
at the sound of that name, and all the
proud, bright light left her beautiful face.
She understood perfectly that it was
uttered as q kind of warning, way Mrs.
Bamforch had when she fancied that her
daughters heart was in any sort of dan
Ger.