26 LOVE AND A COTTAGE, QUERE. 



do love thee," said Fred. ; " but say," sung he, " wilt 

 thou quit those busy scenes where thou art fairest of 

 the fair?" 



"Ah, now, fi done," j^layfully responded Kate, 

 " you are but trying me ; this is not kind, — it looks 

 like doubting me, Fred." 



" As soon could I doubt my own existence," raptu- 

 rously replied Fred. "But seriously, Kate, I have 

 told a sad but fatal truth. I am a ruined man. I 

 am deeply, deeply involved ; my father has turned 

 his back upon me ; my property is in the hands of 

 Jews ; and, to crown all, a racing event I had calcu- 

 lated on to bring me in some thousands, has been 

 frustrated, either by ill luck or the rascality of my 

 trainer. But still, Kate, I have three hundred a year 

 left, and a pretty cottage, unworthy of you, I allow, 

 but enough for love, and with you for happiness, thisre 

 we will go. But what," anxiously inquired Fred., 

 " is the matter, love ; you are ill, alarmingly ill ; you 

 will faint," said he, rising to ring the bell. 



"No matter," said Kate; "the sudden news you 

 gave me overcame me. I am better now." 



" Some water, love," said Fred., in evident alarm. 



" Do not tease me," replied Kate, recovering, and 

 evidently turning some circumstances in her mind. 

 " I must go." 



" You will not leave me yet, Kate," said Fred. ; 

 " were you going out ? " 



" We do not usually wear a riding habit to remain 

 at home, I believe," coolly answered the affectionate 

 mistress. " Order my horse round," said she, on the 

 servant answering the bell. "Excuse me, Mander- 

 ville, while I put on my hat." 



That kind of vague suspicion, so desolating to an 



