Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-03-12

hitty coming TO her to learn. "Of course
I'll tell her anythingt can. But there's
one trouble, Tom. wonder if you've
thought how your future father-in-law'll
take it?"
Tom had thought of this, but now he
merely looked gravely into the fire.
Il tell you Simon Gibson never'll give
his consent in the world. I've known
that man ever since he was born, an he's
the greatest miser in Eastmont and he
alters meant for Katherine to marry mon.
ey, an l tell you if you take this girl,
you'll take her without one cent of prop
erty with her, you may depend ontr'
Very well, I'm willing, aud SO is Kit
ty. We've counted all that cost But I
must be off now. Tell me where to put
the apples, will you. Miss Roxy? They
are russets and greetings. remembered
you liked them. SO Just put few into
my sleigh Shall | put them down
cellar
Eyes, an put 'em in the bin. AM Pm
much oheeged, I'm sure. He's too good
fellow" Aunt Roxy muttered as Toms
broad shoulders disappeared in the cellar
way. ''too good to throw himself away
on that little MINK
Aunt Roxy's premonition in regard to
Squire Gibson was entirely correct. 1t
was not many days before the suitor was
informed that if he waited for the consent
Of his father-in-law elect, he would be
obliged to wait an indefinite time for the
same. as it was not. and never would be
given. 'If my daughter chooses to 60
counter to her own interests. and marry
you. sir, she will do it at her own risk
She will go to poverty and she shall take
poverty with her Not one cent of my
property shall she or you ever see. Per-
haps this may alter your own determina-
ton, sir" added the lawyer with sly leer
at Tom.
Not in the least, sir. For your daugh-
ter's sake | am sorry that cannot offer
her the luxuries to which she has been ac-
customed. Aside from that, the idea of
money never once entered my head. Good
morning, sir"
Good morning. and the squire Of
fered one of his bony fingers for Tom to
shake. which was ignored by the latter with
an expression such as Luther might have
assumed at the offer of the pontifical great
toe. And Herewith ended the negotia-
ton between Thoma. Champion and ST.
mon Gibson.
More than four years had passed away.
and for three of them Kitty Gibson had
been Mrs. Thomas Champion. 1t was
Thanksgiving evening, and they were sit
ting together in their tidy little sitting
room.
II saw your father to-day, Kitty" said
80. did yon, dear9 Was he looking
well ?"
Not at all think never saw him
so haggard."
80, I'm sorry for father, Tom. He must
be very lonely. If he would only come
up here and see Birdie once in a while,"
and Kitty glanced down at the dimpled
face on her shoulder
II believe you think Birdie would be "a
sovereign cure for any ill.," laughed her
husband. "But, really, wife, wouldn't
your father smile at the idea of our pity
ing him? l suppose he grows richer ev
cry year, while we can claim no more
now than when we were married, and
no richer this year than last" said Tom
gravely.
I'VE are richer by SO much." and Kitty
again pointed to her sleeping child. "All
grandpapas money wouldn't buy yon darl-
ing. o, if your mother had but lived to
see her, Tom Kitty had buried her face
in her baby's dress, just us she had buried
it, four years before, in the buffalo robes,
when her husband sprang past her to the
window.
Good heavens,' he cried, kitty,
we're all on fire. And, even while he
spoke, the flames rushed by the window
1t was only too true. While the happy
family had been sitting quietly, the treach-
erous fire had been smouldering in the
dark, and now they had burst out and were
beyond all extinguishing With no neigh
bors nearer than half Il mile, and no en-
gine within twice that distance-what
could be done? Nothing but to snatch
few valuables, to wrap the baby well,
take Pompey from the stable, and turn
their backs on the ruins of home.
That was II hard winter. With the barn
had gone, of course, the stored crops;
and the little ready money which Tom
could collect was soon spent. Kitty wore
out fingers, eyes and strength upon fine
sewing, for which she was well paid to
be sure but when spring came. and April
saw brother beside eighteen months old
Birdie, the poor mother felt that her bur-
den was almost greater than she could
bear. 1t was the twilight of soft
June day. Tom sat beside his wife's bed,
and the poor weak snow-drop of an infant
lav between them. when the sound OF a
tolling bell was waited across the fields.
.Hark one, two; it is woman said
Kitty. 20 Tom, dear, | almost wish
sometimes that the bell would till for me.
don't want to be impatient, but Iul afraid
l shall never be strong enough to help
you any more" and the worn out wife
buried her face in herpillows.
Kitty, darling, pray don't and her
L L IL = L an