South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1853-06-03
,KATIE's NEW YEARS GIFT.
III MRS. n. A. pENlsoN.

sRun TO the door, Katie, run quick it's
something for me, know
"A boquet, miss, and oh so beautiful y
exclaimed the girl, tripping back 10 the
parlor.
'How rare. what perfume. Katie don't
you wish you could have such things sent
to you, There place it carefully in the
vase-to-night will wear some Of them
in my hair. That will do; I'll ring for
you when I want you.' -.
'Such great lovelooking blue eyes. and
such noble forehead;' unused little Katie,
as she flew about the kitchen, intent upon
her merning work. Such soft eyes, and
such serious, handsome face-oh! how
very dearly Nliss Julia must love him. II
only--but what nonsense > and she huret
out into light clear laugh. Little Ka-
ties that live in kitchens mustn't expect
lawyers OF rich men for husbands.
Katie stood that evening behind Miss Ju-
lia's chair, her little red hand half buried
in the rich dark curls that she only had
the requisite taste to adjust. The dainti-
est implements of the toilet laid scattered
lin profusion upon the marble table, and the
mirror, framed cxquisitely in bronze and
gilt, reflected the beautiful face 10 the
heiress in all its varying modes of expires.
sion. -
Il declare, Katie, she suddenly exclaim-
ed, you are almost handsome. l have a
mind some time to dresa you up and see
what kind Of a lady you would make.
How old are you. Katie q
sFifteen,' anwered the child, while a
deep blush manilet the round cheeks.
tFlteen,' mused the hriress "a promise
of something more in the ace-figure
slight and graceful-hands, oh the hand.
are decidedly too large and coarse! See
who is that quick Katie. He can't have
come yet!
"a note, Miss julia
The beauty read il eagerly, then threw
It, with an angry toss upon The table. soro-
voking!' she muttered sFrank has beer
taken i'll with violent headache. Jus,
now, of all times! My dress hurried for
n othing-a satin robe, richly embroidered
laid in a recess--and this the first ball oil
the season. There, Katie, put the ear
drops down and just undo my hair again
is it not ridiculous, mother, just for a slight
headache to disappnint me so,' she ex-
claimed, her cheeks. reddening with two
intense- 81 am downright angry.
II ne had only proposed, [ declare I'D 90.
sBnt he is sick, daughter'
Sick /. nonsensc-he is a schemer, and
l do believe he is trying me in some man.
ntr. Any other than Frank should rue
1t; but have too much respect for his
fortune to affront him now. Well, sup
pose must stay a, .home--but the idea is
SO very ridiculous! disappointing me eth
er for jealousy or some other foolish no-
lion. I'm angry with him. 80
Katie unbranded and uncurled With trem-
bling fingers. 1t was new lesson in life
this arrogant bending 10 circumstances.
1t was new lesson in life, this fashion,
able affection Of the h"ar.,' this love for
the purse not The person; and Katie could
not understand it. For long while she
sat musing upon it before the fire, in the
pleasant tidy kitchen. e, .a: ... q
Katie was an orphan. She had wept
bitter tears above The dying forms Of both
father and mother; nay, she had held both
dying heads upon her bosom, and closed
their eyes with her own hands.
/. She was girl of rare natural talents, as
indeveloped. Her brain was that OF 4
woman her manners partook Of the limo.
cent simplicity OF childhood. She had
been nurtured in poverty, yet by, noble
parents, who had taught her the meaning
OF the word duty. Swcetly 'unassuming, g,
humble, yet with. natural pride that
would submit TO nothing dishonorable, Ka-
tie, almost companion while she was a
servant. Had her lot fallen where she
could be rightly appreciated, she would
have been taken to the heart as daughter,
by ihe right Of nobility OF character, and
gentleness Of nature.
SO she will not come; and he calls for
her SO often-oh! /! it is cfuel;' and (he
speaker moved hastily through the room,
whose splendor was darkened 10 a twilight
49,
'Dear lady, will you let me stay with
himp .E.,,,.. ~. 60 -
sYou, child @ ~.
81 know ! am, young, but ! am strong
and not afraid, and if he does moi see he
may think. ~
Itis her; so he may-so he might he
is delirious much Of the time the room is
dark TOO; but my good child, remember it
is contagious fever, and one. in which
the physician gives very, very little hope,'
she cried clasping her hands with anguish,
am myself an invalid we cannot get
regular nurse for al least week---and to
take you so young and healthful, to tie
you down 10 sick room
The lady arose, and with trembling fin
gers herself united the posr, neat bonnet
and smoothing back the fair hair, said,
tbless you, my cbiId-you shall stay and
if my love will repay your devotion you
are already recompeused.' -.
where did you say Kalie had gone,
mother q said Julia, languidly lifting her
head from the lounge.
Cover to our neighbor's to inquire after
Frank ,sG s = 8.
sOh! mother you will not let her come
near the house again. exclaimed the beau
ty springing with energy from her seat !;
'ihat dreadful fever! Papa says there are
six lying de ad with it down town.