The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1891-12-11

ateTDOOu IN the carry duIutun, Nouoitb
Kathleen and l.. She was looking un-
usually pretty in dress of soft India
null. NV lover had lust paid her we'll
merited compliment, when Aunt Martha
came to us.
"Robert," she said, placing her hand
fondly ON his shoulder as she spoke,
sswill YOU gather some grapes for met
find Ebunches hang SO high.
The gifL with you and hold the
s ssmplSi HRs side In ID hsf mSmeat sSaSss
while refused to join them, .feignlng a
severe headache,
"They do not want me-" reasoned
with myself. watched them a: they
walked away together, he carrying tho
little wicker basket, aud she tossing her
bright curls with that co9ucttish air that
came SO natural to her.
l cannot tell you what tempted me to
follow the II; it must have tcen some evil
genius.
Slowly, | walked down the pathway,
taking every prccaution. however, not to
be observed. Seated upon little rustic
bench, could sec every movement OF my
lover and Kathleen. How lovely she
looked standing i'll the orchard, the sun.
light falling athwart the lovely upturncd
face, on which smile rested Never
was seen fairer vision. Her sleeve of
soft texture falling back showed the
shapely outstrctchcd arm.
Sometimes peal of merry laughter
would fall upon my ear. 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
luscious grapes, the last gathered, was in
Roberts hand. He stopped to place it
with the others when their eyes met.
their hands touckcd. Was dreaminyl
Alas, no. saw him stoop and kiss her
fondly.
l waited no longer. With a cry of
pain turned and fled to the scclusion of
my own room, where l sobbed out the
troubles of my young heart with only
God to hear me.
went away quite unexpectedly. l
was homesick, told Aunt Martha.
left letter for Roberts. giving no ex-
plauation of my conduct, simply telling
him it was better that we should part. I
was q. proud girl and would not stoop to
acknowiedge rival.
remcmbcr taking the ring no had
given me, from my hand. Oh, what
struggle it cost me to place it with that
lettcr-the last should ever write to
Robert
l came home to mother, who was
quite an invalid, and needed all my care.
| never hcarl Of Robert save once
through Aunt VI ,rtha who wrote:
"Of course, Matte, you've not for
gotten Robert, whom, to speak candidly,
you treated rather unkindly. He has
gone to New York to practice medicine.
lie 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 that 1t was Robert and
Kathleen.
made no inquiries, AMI receiving no
further information, took it for granted
that Aunt Dlarthas kindness OF heart
prevented her from again referring to
the past.
SioSCu my hCdtG lOTCVcr. uc WOTlu
will never know me as disappointed
woman thought, ilattering myself that
had quite succeeded in decciving hu-
manity 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 Kcnwood9r.
1t was my ncighbor who asked the qucs.
tion, 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 gotten up for the new
curatc.
"Young and foolish" thought I.
"Walt until she is six and twenty and
I'll wager she will not buy new bonnet
for all the new curates in town.
had not yet fully recovered from
5riggss s,akiud remarks and was
determined to show her my disincliua.
tion to "set my cap" rs she termed it
by appearing in an exceedingly unbe.
coming gown.
was really disappointed, on catch.
ing last glimpse in the mirror, to find
that notwithstanding my plain toilet and
my six and twenty years, was still
pretty woman, and to hear my mother
say. as stopped and kissed her:
Glow we'll you're looking, Matte"
How crowded the little village church
was. Everybody was there, even that
hateful Mrs. Briggs. caught glimpse
of the great poke bonnet rs walked
quickly to my seat. They were singing
as we entered yet scarcely heard them,
feeling rather embarrassed at coming in
late to be stared at by almost the entire
congregation.
sank wearily back among the soft
cushions, gladly taking refuge behind
huge palm-leaf fan kindly proffered by
portly old gentleman beside me-
Now hush, slight ilutter among
the congregation, rustic of garments,
with now and then su5luei whisper as
the pulpit was rolled close to the chan
eel. and the new curatc ascendel. "He's
just lovely :" WHISPERED Marcia, pulling