Year: 1877




The Earl commenced his narrative, without
farther preamble, as follows: .....


"a number of years ago, when was quite
q young fellow, I went, one autumn, to pay
visit to distant connection of our family, a
minister, who resided in Scotland. / went
there principally with the object Of grouse
shooting, in company with two of my friends.
We we're all Hospitality received by the minis
ter and his wife, good-hearted country folks,
who exerted themselves to the utmost to make
our stay enjoyable. 1t was about q week af-
ter our arrival that Unexpectedly became
acquainted with young girl residing in the
neighborhood. I met her one afternoon,
walking alone in the vicinity of the manse.
She was protsgse of the minister's-hiS wife's
god.child, 1 think-and was frequently at
their house. She had, on this occasion, been
paving one of her usual visits there, and was
now on her way home. I had seen her once
before, when McGregor was one Of my
friends-and were out together, and had
been struck by her beauty and lady-like ap-
pearance, but had not spoken to her on that
occasion. Now, however, 1 took advantage
of the opportunity, and made some pretext for
Joining her, introducing myself at the same
time. She was very shy at first, and seemed
anxious to get rid of me; but I fancied that
she was pleased at my notice too, and that
encouraged me to follow up my first rather
bold move. I did not suffer from excessive
modesty in those days. 1t is needless to de-
tail the manner in which, step by step, grad
ually established an intimacy between us and
Il got to be fond of the pretty young thing.
She was an artless, affectionate creature, as
transparent in her nature as sunlight, and
soon discovered that I had quite won her
heart. I must confess that I was slightly
dismayed when this knowledge dawned upon
me- for at FIRST had not contemplated going
80 far. Ofcourse I knew that a marriage be-
tween US would be incongruous, and would
moreover cause serious displeasure at home
was conscious, in fact, of its being foolish
affair altogether, but having got entangled in
it did not see how could get out. Besides,
as said before, I really was in love with her,
and as long as I was with her felt ready to
do almost anything for her sake.


II considered it advisable to keep our init.
macy, and indeed our acqusintanceship, se'
cret from the people around there, and 1 pre-
vailed on her to do the same. Poor child 1t
would have been better for her if they had
found it out and put stop to it at once
The truth was, felt pulled two ways. l cared
enough about her to make her my wife, but I
was not bold enough to brave the consequen.
ces that would result fror.>such step. I had
no fortune of my own, but I had expectations
in the quarter of rich uncle, which I feared
to throw away, and foresaw that I was more
than likely to forfeit these if I married 80 far
beneath me. I thought to make a, compro'
mise, and persuade her into secret marriage,
trusting to time to bring about favorable
result could not explain all shis to her,
but told her that my people at home had
formed other plans for me, and would no doubt
be disappointed at my failing to carry them





out; but that was sure when once they came
to know her they would be reconciled to our
marriage, and that all would then be we'll.
If she had more readily yielded to my argu.
ments, believe should have been less earn.
est :c persuading her; but she resisted at
first, being very averse to take any rash or
clandestine step, and this piqued my pride
and strengthened my determination to have
nv way. And she loved me-poor little
Katie, she made no effort to concval her love. "


"And you loved her," said Geraldine, in q
low tone.


II did, at the time, with all my heart. Well,
I urged my plans upon her, and persuaded
and argued, and worked upon her feelings,
until I won her consent. The end of the
matter was, that after few weeks absence,
daring which 1 was definitely arranging my
mode of action, l returned privately to the
neighboshood, met her at the appointed time
and place, and We went of together"


"And were married?"


.