Page:Peterson Magazine 1869B.pdf/377

 KATE'S WINTER IN WASHINGTON.

BY FRANK LEE BENEDICT.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 268.

CHAPTER V.

Mrs. Rawson had nothing to offer but a vacant smile and a “very happy,” as far as she ever got in the art of being agreeable; though she was perfectly satisfied with her own attempts, being always engrossed in serene contemplation of her grandeur.

“You must go with us,” persisted Circe; then he added in a whisper, «Please to go, Harry. I don't ask favors of you often enough now-a- days for you to refuse me go slight n one.”

And Harry, being in a mood to do anything desperate or outrageous, got into the carriage; and Mre. Rawson being a little denf, (though she would have died rather than acknowledge it,) Circe had it all her own way. She managed to keep up two distinct conversations, and for all Marry understood her so well, and hated her so cordially, he could not help yielding a little to her fascinations,

So they drove out to Georgetown, and lo and behold, one of Mrs. Rawson's cubs was ill—and Mrs. Rawson was a devoted mother, So go back she could not, and would not. Mrs. Marsden must return with Mr. Everett; they must send a message to the Lon. Rawson, to the effet that he was to come down the instant the House adjourned.

“But Mrs. Hanson’a party!” exclaimed Circe.

“As if I could go,” said the mother, reproachfully,

“Of course not! Oh, dear Mrs, Rawson! I almost envy you your anxiety. If I only had children to love,” moaned Circe, “But I can't leave you; I shall let Mr, Everett go back alone —my place is here by you.”

Of course, Mrs. Rawson would not hear of that; so, after doing self-abnegation to a proper extent, Circe allowed herself fo be persuaded to return; and once in the carriage she made the best use of her time, and took as long a drive as she dared.

And out of his anger and desperation Harry flashed into brilliant, factitious spirits, and flirted with Circe to her heart’s content, perfectly conscious that he was doing an insane thing, and helping Kate to destroy any hope of mutual, peace, but unable to check himself perhaps not caring to—-you know how evil gets possession of all of us at times.

Just at the turn by the great, staring new Treasury Department, which Washingtonians foree one to admire, they met Marsden’s trap waking for the avenue likewise.

Kate looked, bowed, and smiled, but she was angry, Everett had told her that he had a business engagement, and could not put it off, when, in a pause of their morning's quarrel, she had asked him to go out with her. Here he was driving with Lily, after all he had said about her, too, his hints, his professions of dislike.

Kate was angry, and glancing at Marsden, she saw on his face a sorrowful expression, that be often assumed for her benefit.

“I thought you told me Mr, Everett was up at the State Department,” he said.

“He told me that he had business there.”

Marsden sighed.

“I wish—I wish”

He paused abruptly, and naturally Kate was dying to have him finish the broken sentence uttered in the most pathetic tone.

“You wish?”

“I beg your pardon! I came near thinking aloud—such an absurd habit for a man of the world, only I am afraid I shall always be impulsive as a boy. It is ridiculous!”

“It is just what makes you so different from other men,” Kate said, warmly,

“After that, I will never regret it,” Marsden answered, laughing, but with a long glance from his beautiful eyes, which made the words earnest.

“Then tell me what you were wishing.”

“You will not think I mean more than the bare words express?”

“Certainly not.”

“I was wishing that Lily would be more careful. sorry to see anything of that sort with Everett”

«I don't know what you mean.”

“Because—don't be angry—I have supposed you were engaged to him; and few things could pain me so much as to have your friendship for my wife in any way disturbed; you are such a

�