The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-10-05
MISS REMBERT.

way he WIS going. end what caused his
sudden move. As did SO from 3 tree be-
hind me, about 90 feet away, I caught
sight of the light, gauzy folds Of q vFoman'z
dress. Much surprised, I moved back to
conceal myself and Peeped slyly at this un-
expected sylvan visitor. I saw a white
hand pat my dogs back and fair face be-
meath foWsEy straw hat peeping around
at me. I don't know why such strange
tremors ran through my body, and I don't
know why got up promptly and walked
toward the tree, but I did.
Pardon me, but fear my deg has dis
tressed, perhaps frightened you, I said to
a most radiant looking young woman
resting complacentiy against dOgwoOd
tree fun of white blossoms.
Not at all. I love dogs and this is a
noble fellow she answered graeiously,
and again stroked old Bootes in a manner
that made me wish my self in his place.
You are an artist and have been sketch
ing, I seer"
''No, not an artist, but hoping to be-
come one. have sketehed a very pictur-
esque scene over on the little creek, and,
coming here to rest, have sketched that
grand old tree which the winds have laid
low
s'Afay I see your sketehesq'' asked, nm
willing to retreat from her presence so
soon.
Certainly. Won't you sit dovn2'' she
with me.
She surprised me by saying: Are you
not Mr. Caine? I am sure I have seen your
picture at the house Of my cousin, Peter
Bentley think you were at Harvard to-
gether.
Why, yes, that is SO, I stammered,
overwhelmed with embarrassment over my
own boIdness as well as the trustfulness
and repose of this girls manner.
Making proper inquiries concerning her
cousin Peter, I dropped on the turf beside
her and began to examine and criticise her
sketches without having had the courtesy
to apologize for coming upon her with such
freedom, and to ask her name. But she
soon told me who she was-b1iss Agatha
Rembert, visitor to the town, and but
recently arrived She was enjoying a rest
from city life in the home Of maiden
aunt who lived in cottage just over the
hill
The sketches and the dog had opened the
way for further conversation, and was
soon wholly and delightfully."- absorbed with
this unexpected companionship.
began to question if it wouldn't be
just as well for me to spring up and go on
after the fishes. But the fair creature did
not seem in the least abashed or disturbed
I regarded her not only with admiration,
but with pR0foundest respect. I forgot the
dog, which trotted of home. I forgot the
rod, which fell in the grass and remained
buried there a week. I quite forgot, too,
that 1 was in the presence OF q lovely girl,
not by invitation, but unsolicited. I chat
ted away as volubly as if L had been asked
TO ventilate my opinion Of things in gen
eraA ct is getting late, and must be
going or aunt will come hunting me, % she
said at length
Springing up as she gathered her sketches
together, I offered to assist her to rise.
She held her hands for me to take them,
saving sTeetlv THANK Won 20
I took her by the tips Of her fingers, drew
her to her feet, thea good heavensi What
possessed me? What prompted such I'M
paFdonaBIe cowardice and crueIty2 Still
holding her fingers, I leaned forward, and
scarce knowing what / did kissed her
cheek. then stepped back startled at my
outrageous action She drew her hands
violently from my touch, and then L be-
held the grandest sight my eyes ever looked
upon-a woman, beautiful, but quivering
in every fiber of her body with surprise
and Indignation From her eyes flashed
resentment-every expression indeed but
forgiveness and fear Voiceless and ma
jestic, she flung rebuke upon me till I COW
cred and would have fed from her pres
ence had I not felt paralyzed, riveted to the
spot Seeing that 1 looked about me for
escape, she spoke, Don't dare to move IN
til you have apologized for this outrage -
Her neck did not bend, her arms made
no move, nor did her foot leave It's place.
Her whole attitude, as her brilliant eyes
surveyed me from head to foot. was ono to
subdue the sternes6 heart or the strongest
brute. It seemed to me ages that she held
me thus at bay, and then saw tears gath
ering in her eyes Tearsl Woman weapon.
1 fell on my knees and said in tones as
deep and solemn as my sense of guilt:
Forgive mel A thousand times I ask it'll
I will protect you with my life if you de-
mand it. and every other woman who shall
cross my path after this mOnaentp'
without replying she turned and walked
from me toward the cottage home. I fol-
lowed like a culprit. As she entered the
little yard gate she stopped and turning
toward nae said, and I thought an angel
spoke to me, II forgive you, but don't
again be 50 false to yoursefr' Then she
moved on to the house.
watched her till she entered and closed
the door. Then turned toward the town
changed man. was wretched till heard
she had left the place
After five years of remorse and penance
addressed this beautiful girl a letter,
begging to be allowed to visit her that
might again apologize for my cowardly in
suit to her. That scene in the woods bad
so altered the current and character of my
life that I had won professional honors
and social standing, which I thought
should recommend me even to her censid-
eratiOn-tolerance at least. paid the visit
and won back her respect, and then won
her love and the acknowledgement that
kiss is something not TO be despised or re-
jected, but it has its time, place and sea-
son.-Cinoinnati Post.
He Wasn't Used to Wearing Shoes.