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


with myself. watched them a: they
walked away together, he carrying tho
little wicker basket, and she tossing her
bright curls with that coqucttish air that
came so natural to- her.
cannot tell you what tempted me to
follow the II; it must have Eccn some evil
genius.
Slowly, walked down the pathway,
taking every prccautioD, however, not &c
be observed. Seated upon II little rustic
bench, cuulh see every movement OF my
lover and Kathleen. How lovely she
looked standing in 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 car. They did not
miss me, not even Robert; he was con
tent with Kathleen.
The basket was full to ovcrilowing
and still they fingered. One bunch of
luscious grapes, the last gathered, was in
Roberts hand. He stopped to place it
with tho others when their eyes met.
their hands toucltcd. Was drcamingi
Alas, no. saw him stoop aud kiss her
fondly.
waited no longer. With cry of
pain turned and fled To the sccuslon of
my own room, where sobbcd out the
troubles of my young heart with only
God to hear me.
went away quite uucXpcctc lily. l
was homcsick, told Aunt Martha.
left letter for Roberts. giving no cx-
planation OF my conduct, simply telling
him it was better that We should part.
s.wasa, proud girl aud would not stoop to
acknowledge II rival.
rcmcmbcr taking the ring ho had
given inc, from my hand. Oh, what
struggle it cost me to place it with that
lcttcr-tho last should ever write to
Robert.
came home to mother, who was
quite IN invalid, aud nee TEL all my care.
| never hcirl nf R,h'rL save oncc
through Aunt VI lrI;m VIII, wrote:
"Ui course, Matte, you've not for
gotten Robert, whom, 10 speak candidly,
you treated rather unkinaly. lie has
gone to New York to practice medicine.
lie is doing we'll"
An old newspaper hsd fallen into my
hands where an account WAS given Of u
brilliant reception. Among the guests,
were the names OF Dr.. Robert Preston
and wife, knew that 1t wa, Robert and
Kathleen.
made no inquiries, AMI receiving no
further informltion, took it for granted
that Aunt Murthu's kindness of heart
prevented her from again referring to
the past.
closed my heart forever. The world
will never know me rs u disappointed
woman | Thought, ilattcring myself that
had quite succeeded in dcccivinT hui
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 Ecnwool2r
1t was my nci|hbor who asked the Iucs.
ton, Marcia Hall. \ dear little girl
with the utmost faith in maukiud in
general. smilcl family as caught
sight of the new bonnet with its dainty
ribbons; evidently gotten up for the new
curatc.
"Young and foolish" thought I.
"Wat until she is six aud twenty and
I'll wager she will not buy a new bonnet
for all the new curatcs in town.
/ had not vet fully recovered from
Mrs sBriggss uakinl remarks and was
determined to show her my disincliua-
tion to "sct my clp,' rs she termed it
by appearing in an exceedingly unbc.
coming gown.
was really disappointed, on catch
ing II last glimpse in tho mirror. 10 .iu,
that notwithstanding my plain toilet and
my six and twenty years, was still y
pretty woman, and to hear my mother
say, as stopped and kissed her:
GLOW well you're looking, Matte"
How crowded the little village church
was. Everybody was there, even that
hateful Mrs. Briggs. caught a 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 he stared 1t 10y almost the entire
congregation.
sank wrnrily back among the soft
cushions, gladly taking refuge behind
huge palm-lcaf fan kindly profcrcd by
port!y old gentleman beside me-
Now hush, Il sli ,ht iluttcr among
the congregation, ru>tlc of garments,
with nov and then SUB lu,l whisper as
the pulpit was rolled r'r!r 20 n" 2,;ri-
Gel. aud the new curatc asccn,lel l. Giles
just lovely - whispered Mucra, puIng
softly at my sleeve. "Do LOOK !, him
Miss kcnwoOd."
| kept my eyes downctst. If every
woman in the congregation cast chances
Of admiration, | was determine to do
otherwise.
"Am | my brothers kcep!r" I" was
the text.
Clear and distinct came the words Of
the speaker. The first words In lclu,ed
my heart to BEAT wildly. How like that
voice Of long ago, that rich, soft voice
that had pleaded for my love.
= listened like one in a dream, until |
raised myseycs to see before me Robert
Preston! Chan%cd, to be sure; nos the
/ L..