Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-06-16
Selected s}listellanp.
AUNT KATE's STORY.

| don't know why it was that I went
down to Aunt Katies that July after
noon.
Perhaps understood without .realiz-
ing the rest and quiet her peaceful pres
ence would infuse into my toil-worn
heart. Mother and | had been ironing
all the forenoon, aud | was tired and
cross, 50, just after dinner, put on my
sunbonnet and started down the beach
path to tell my burden of troubles to an
always willing listener and true sympa-
thizer
For fifteen years she had lived in that
one room had often heard old family
friends speak Of her grlhood; how gay
and joyous it was, and wonder and form
speculations as to the cause of her blight
ed life Once asked grandpa about it.
a look Of terrible pain crept over his
stern face, then it softened into tender
pity, but he answered in a gruf voice
DON'T ask questions, child, Kate will
tell you sometime"
was thinking more Of my own trou-
bles than of those of the patient sufferer
in the lilac room at the old homestead
as knocked gently Gu her door and
wothout waiting for a reply, entered,
with privileged freedom.
Aunt Kate had wheeled her chair to
the north window, and was looking across
the bay to the low line of hills on the
opposite shore.
In her hand was an old yellow letter,
baptized with three or four great tear
drops.
"Auntie," / said gently.
eyes, DEAR" she said, not at all
startled.
She kissed me quietly, and moment
watched me narrowly, then with more
than wontcd tenderness said, "Sit down,
Margie and tell me all about it.
DO | look 50 very woe-begone,
auntic p
asked. laughing pervously. Then
sat down on the stool at her feet and
told her how Harry Arnold asked me to be
his wife; how we bad been engaged two
months: how last night be sent back my
letters without word Of explanation
and all the other condolences that girl
of eighteen must give to some one,
though all do not have as loving and
faithful a counselor as was mine.
"And | am tired of living, Aunt
Kate, said in conclusion "Mine is
such humdrum life p
"Let me tell you story" whispered
Aunt Kate, gently smoothing my hair.
my life story, my dear. Fifteen years
ago | was the belle in Eaton, and many
rustic swain laid his heart-hope, his all,
at country coquette's feet. But soon
tired of their adulation, and in the win
ter of 18--coaxed my father to let me
spend the winter with an old schoolmatc
in Boston
Weeks passed away, but finally
father consented. Kate, F." he said, as he
kissed me good-by, ! feel that this day is
aecursed God forgive me if sin in al
lowing you to GO"
II kissed my hand to him as the en-
ginc bore me away from home and hap
piness, to a greater Joy than had ever
dreamed short-lived as it was sweet.
In my new life found all the ex-
element that I had longed for. One
morning wrote papa for money: To
morrow is to be the party Of the season,
and, of course, must look well Nam
ma will tell you how much / need, !"
were the words / penned Fathers re-
ply was ten dollar bill, aud oh, how
chagrined ! was
II was forced to wear the pearl gray
silk, my great pride when / left home,
now my particular aversion. Ralph
Clayton will be there tonight" said
Belle Southey. as we were waiting for
the carriage.
"And who may he be ?" queried
Ralph Clayton being a new name in
Bellies circle Of exclusives.