Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-17
NO. 29s.
TWENTY YEARS OF WAITING.
lcoNrINuED FROM YEsrERDAr.1

not find her seated on the deck, irving to
amuse and interest my poor boy. who used
to lie on his cushions with his pale cheek
resting in his hand, and his large blue eyes
fastened on her eloquent face with a look
OF the most intense admiration and love.
Once she apologzed to me for usurping
my place in performing some little Office
for Paul which | had been accustomed to
render. saying with u pathetic longing in
her voice. 1T is so sweet to me to have
some one who will let me love and care
Tor him and my Paul, accustomed to pet
ting all his life, soon demanded the most
exclusive attention from Kathleen, as he
used to call her She would often come
on deck looking pale and troubled; but
few minutes beside Paul's couch and her
face would clear, her eyes would grow
soft with womanly tenderness, and the
smile that played upon her lips was all
the sweeter for the tears that had preceded
it. Her two companions seemed to leave
her almost entirely to herself, and before
the voyage was over strongly suspected
that in the interminable games of cards al
ways going on in their cabin, good deal
OF money belonging to some of the other
passengers passed into their hands, and
yet good company and good wines made
their society very attractive. They were
both very gentemanly in their manners.
and Mr.. Lambert was especially witty in
conversation. though his wit was of the
sarcastic kind that wounds oftener than it
pleases. May time have l seen kath-
leen's check flush and her eyes fill with
tears, at some careless sneer from this
man who had sworn to love and cherish
her. and then, Archie. confess had to
clnch my hands TO keep from collaring
him and pitching him over the rail. The
mystery of that union | never fathomed;
he seemed utterly Indifferent TO her, and
that she did not love him was certain;
that she feared him ] was equally sare
Her father seemed kinder. and for him she
evidently entertained great affection. One
day he joined our little party. saying as
he laid his hand upon his daughters
shoulder. Trying to replace the poor lit
tie Parisian. Kathleen Well, that's right
Then he added, half sadly. half jestingly.
Il wonder if the good deeds Of an angel
can blot out the sins of one of the evil
ones? ask that pale boy. Kathie he looks
as if familiar with the ways of angels
Kathleen bent her head with vivid
blush, but Paul reached up, and took her
hand. saying, with his own bright smile,
i have been lately, SIR
i believe you, my boy her father said.
hastily; may 1t do you more good than 1t
has done me- Then he turned away. and
followed for thought Kathleen would
rather be alone with Paul for a time.
When returned Paul was saying, DO
you know, Kathleen, with all your dear
little motherly ways, am four years old
er than you?'
In years. perhaps, but, oh. Paul, not in
sorrow. No she continued, in answer TO
his reproachful look how gladly would
bear your sorrow, heavy though it is. no
words can tell
Then ] withdrew as quietly as had
come, knowing that my gentle brother
could comfort her better than l could.
One day Paul mentioned our destination,
a German watering place. Her face light
ed up. we are going there. too. at least
| think so. | have heard them mention it,
Then she stopped abruptly, and changed
the subject before either of US could reply
Paul used to lie and talk of her for
hours after | took him down stairs. and
one night when he had been telling me
how Loyalty kathleen's lips had kept Sc
cret the misery any child might read in
her face, he looked suddenly at me with
penetrating, startled glance. Poor Phil.
Poor Kathleen" | answered. wondering
ut his words.
When we reached Liverpool Mr.. Lam
bert suddenly decided to go first to Paris,
so Paul and | went on alone. We did not
speak much of Kathleen now, but my boy
missed her sadly, and rs his health began
to fail knew he longed daily for sight
OF her sweet face, touch of her cool. soft
hand. "My little sister, heard him say
once when he thought he was alone, ''if
you knew Paul was dying, think you
would come to him."
His words wrung my heart with a ter
rible pain and fear. If had only known
kathleen's address l would have written
to her. but had no means Of learning it.
Paul said nothing to me about his wish to
see her, but when the doctor advised
change of air he asked me to take him to
Baden Baden.
"Why, Paul, do you think"
II think Kathleen may be there" he
said, quietly. And he was right. Two
days after our arrival carriage passed
me in the street. Glancing up, l saw kath.
leen leaning. pale and sad-looklng, among
the cushions. AS she caught sight OF me
she started violently; then stopping her
carriage she made me a sign to enter it.
The street was crowded. so | obeyed her.
'llow is Paul ?" she asked anxiously. as
seated myself beside her. When told
her how rapidly he had failed she said ca
gerly, "will you take me to him? have
so longed to see him again"
"Now ?" questioned.
"Yes. No one cares where go;" and
the tears rushed to her eyes.
'You are i'll, lear," said gently. "You
are much paler than you were at sea. |
am a physician, you know, so you must
let me prescribe for you"
She smiled gratefully. II have been i'll.
but / am better now. think am getting
selfish and lazy, and do not exert myself
enough"
After time l forced myself to inquire
for her husband and father. She colored
quickly. saying in low, constrained voice,
Thank you, they are well. They are both
here.n
Then we did not speak until we reached
the quiet lodging had procured for Paul.
had meant to go first and prepare him,
thinking the surprise might be too great.