Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-01-09

She was Of medium size, dark hair and
eyes, with very fair complexion.
Seated at table upon which contained
histories, poetical works, etc, ALI was
not long in learning that her mind
was absorbed in the books before her
and the conversation for the present
was principally in that direction.
Time, which waits for no one, was
rapidly passing. The shades of even
ing were near. and the sun had hidden
itself behind the hills in the western
horizon. ALI knew to trespass longer
would be an imposition, and yet his
greatest desire was to remain, for she
had made an impression on his mind
thattime could not erase. His thoughts
flew quick and fast end conclusion
must be arrived at soon.
Arising from his chair he announced
his intention of departing, and gazing
upon the lovely features of Cathariue
Walsh, under considerable embarrass-
ment, heuttered the following miss
Kate, canI have the pleasure OF yourcom
pany next Sabbath eveS' A moment
of silence. still as death, and the anx-
iously awaited reply came, "You can
have the pleasure, if you desire to do
so.
ALT withdrew and started homeward
in very meditative mood, his mind
busy at work. sIs'nt she pretty?
The sweetest girl on earth. How
could I live without herr" Such was
the nature of his thoughts, while he
was happy to know theic was broken,
and hoped the future would have much
more enjoyment in store for him.
Kate was busying about house af-
fairs and wondering who this fellow
was and what he was. so far there
is something about his makeup that
! like. He is amiable and intelligent.
! am sure from appearance he is sober
and industrious, kind hearted and
true. In fact cannot conceal it, /
loved him the moment saw him. =
To Alfthis was the longest week he
had ever spent He sighed for the
Sabbath evening to come, that he
might once more enjoy ti1egocicty and
gaze upon the lovely features of Kate,
for now she was all in all to him. Lit
tie did he think of the faithful animals
that had so often furnished sport for
him in childhood days. Finally the
evening came and ALI equipped in
faultless attire, tried if possible to
appear better than ever, but his mind
was rather ill-at-ease while on the
way. SUPPOSE | have a rival, f"
queried Alf She certainly has other
company, and the mists gathered thick
and fast before his eyes, but he knew
no cowardice and pressed on with the
determination Of performing the part
of a gentleman, come what may. He
was not disappointed in finding rival
and fortunately for him he was not
many weeks in dispelling him. But
it is not intended for true love to run
smooth.
From that time forward Alf and Kate
spent many pleasant hours together.
During the summer months they
would always be foundat church when
there were services. Often they could
be seen strolling through the fields,
cutting wild flowers, and listening to
the birds warbling songs of praise to
their Creator, and when they were
separated tor only short period OF
time, not leaf would tremble on its
stem that did not remind them of each
other. Occasionally in winter they
would attend sleighing party or
some other innocent amusementa at the
neighbors adjacent. Two years passed
in this way and their lovingkindness
toward each other did not abate, but
il possible grew stronger. In the
autumn of 1858 ALI proposed to Kate
and received favorable reply. Then
for once he was the happiest man Oh
earth and she was his equal in that
respect and all glided smoothly along
Alas! for only short time.
Soon after this transpired it was
currently reported there would be
wedding in the neighborhood early in
the future, then it was that the tale
bearer, story-tellerand ndal-monger
began their internal work, assisted
by the rival. This was his time to
apply water to the flames, and no time
or appliances were neglected in using
every means known to human nature