GUARDY'S "I knew a man once- a man considerably older than I- who was my devoted friend. At times he was even more than that— and my sister did all in her power to throw us together. Don't mistake me; he never really proposed to me, but I know he loved me- a little! One day I heard that he was engaged to a very lovely woman, and I took the news so calmly that even my sister was deceived. I faced my misery alone, Kathie ; it's the better plan always. But his glad, bright prospects faded away like a dream, and she died, pretty creature, very suddenly, before the end of a year. I have never seen
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I fairly shrieked over the idea of Guardy's face when he should read it-and though Marguerite scolded me heartily, not a line more would I add. But she sat down and despatched him a note, which I don't doubt was all that was lady-like and proper ! The response to our epistles came in the form of a telegram to Miss Vivian, and it was concise enough. " On board train due at seven-thirty." I had seen Charley that day, and had been wretchedly doleful. I made up my mind to appeal to Guardy's sympathies, but I did not have an opportunity very soon. Mrs. Rainshim since since one day, just before his eu- ford had a dinner-party, and we were all sitting gagement, when he bade me good - by, to go with in the music - room when Guardy came in. Marhis regiment to the war. I think I suffered guerite was singing, exquisitely as usual, and most in feeling the soreness of his sorrow, when Guardy's entree was made with his customary I, who would have given my life almost to com- quietude, so she only saw him as she rose . I fort him , did not even dare to write him a kindly never knew her to be awkward before ; but her line lest it should be misconstrued ." I was so dress caught in the music-bock, and it fell with interested by this wonderful glimpse into Mar- a crash on the ivory keys. I glanced at her, guerite's heart, that I really forgot my own surprised, and saw that she had turned white trials. as marble. In an instant the truth flashed upon "But now," said I , " if you were to meet-dome- Gerald King was the hero of her story. you thinkShe shook her stately head. Guardy's greeting to me was a trifle stern and "Do you think I would stoop to conquer ?' cold, and, very much to my surprise, I felt the I wish I dared ! No, dear child, this is all past ; tears rush to my eyes as he omitted his kiss on I shall never love or marry any other man. my forehead. After all , I did care a little about Come, lift your head up, dear, and tell me my handsome guardian, and between his coldwhether I cannot feel some sympathy for you. " ness, and my consciousness of having acted Marguerite and I talked there until nearly very badly, I was in a sufficiently penitent dawn. She tried in vain to reason me out of my frame of mind when he sent for me to come to determination to marry Charley at all hazards ; the library the next morning. and then endeavored to counsel me into some "Kathie," said he, stroking my hair with a kindly gesture as I burst into tears, and sobbed degree of tact in my management of Guardy. "Good-night, " said I, as the clock struck out something about "forgiveness, " " I have three. "I'll be heroic enough to write Guardy been talking over this madeap performance of to-morrow, and tell him the whole story. yours with Miss Vivian, and I begin to think Heigh-ho ! I'll make him laugh with a graphic that you are more really fond of that boy than account of your appearance . You have a fine I had supposed. If I put you on probation, do idea of stage effect, ma belle." you think that you will keep the pledge as well That letter was a herculean task, but I finally as you did my placing you on your honor ?" For once I hung my head, speechless. "Sit achieved it in the following fashion : down, " Guardy went on , gently putting me in "DEAR GUARDY- I took the opportunity of a chair, " and take matters quietly. I am willthe storm last night to jump off the balcony, ing to allow Charley to visit you for a year, at and try an elopement with Charley Blake. As the end of which I shall take you to Europe for the bridge broke down, (providentially, it only a six months' trip. On your return , if you still carried my bag with it, instead of myself ; ) and wish it, Kathie, you may rely upon my free conMiss Vivian insisted that I should wait for a sent to your marriage. My chief objection was moonlight night as being more romantic and the extreme youth of both parties- what a pair becoming- I yielded to her persuasions, and of foolish children to plan a runaway match !" I returned home peaceably. As I lost all my think I rather startled him, for I jumped up and prettywelry in the smash, when you come up threw my arms around his neck. "Guardy, you're a brick! Oh ! I forgot ; but to scold me, please bring that lovely new locket you promised me. Dear Guardy, don't be furi- on this extraordinary occasion you must excuse KATHIE." the slang. , I love Charley with all my heart, ous with your naughty little
