Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-09-20
Continued from first page.)

and pale. she went about her usual en-
ployments. But, of course, there was al
ways Edgar. l hardly know how the
child would have borne her burden OF sor-
row. In those dark days that had come up
on her. If 1t had not been for Edgar; Tor
with her head upon his shoulder, and his
arms around her, she could let the tears
have their way; and he was too wise to
offer anything save a silent sympathy.
Yet how precious it was How the
thought of bis hand gently touching her
bowed head Quoted her throughout the
long. long DAYS. How the lingering ten
derness Of the ''good night" kiss. nerved
her to bear all the thousand little jars that
daily life with those she differed from in
every thought and feeling brought upon
her.
Only few months after the master of
the house at Kensiugton was laid 10 TEST
In the family vault. his widow began to
emerge from seclusion, and NJ aud gladly
followed iu her footsteps. "Haii" mourn
ing was pronounced eXquisitely becoming
to that young lady's crcatu-whlte skin aud
so that the siepmother and daughter grad
ually re-entered upon ali the old SOCIAL
backgrounds; pensive and subdued, as
UtIduiC tuOct ldltiN put WI -
ing themselves intensely nevertheless.
and much made of by sympathizlng
friends. But Kate was "IncUrrlglble."
Not one solitary knot OF tender pearl
gray ribbon relieved the s0mbrcness Ut her
plain black dress no single ~ hlte Il Iwer,
with black foliage" adorned the simple
bonnet that rested on her crown OF bur-
nished hair. She went on her way quietly
upon the proceeding OF the other two;
thinking OF her own thoughts, reading the
books she loved, and singing aud playing
to herself in the morning room which be-
longed exclusively TO the sisters, aud which
Maud troubled little enough with herpres-
ence.
And here, one evening in every week,
Edgar came to see her.
Even Mrs. Stewart, greatly as she
longed to do so, aud much As she hated the
young fellow, had not venlured to inter-
fere with this arrangement as yet.
So the days OF the week for X ate were
as beads on the string of time, aud in each
week gistened one bead OF gold.
One evening when he WAS sure TO come
when she never watched aud listened IN
vain tor the weli-known knock, and the
quick firm step along the corridUr-one
evneing when she was greeted by loving
words, and held in the strong clasp Vt arms
that had the divine right OF love given and
taken, to hold her close aud fast ! Ga, they
were golden, happy evenings those on
which her hltle closely braided head might
rest upon his shoulder, aud when the scorn-
full lips might soften into Il happy smile,
beneath the kisses that told her, better
than any words could do, how dear he held
her in his heart Of hearts How easy to
bear were iibes, and tauats, aud sneers,
when she had such happy memories TO
look back upon! For now that Jim Stew
art was no longer there to take the girls
part, his Kate had hard times Oft. Troubles
never come alone; aud shortly after the
rich man s death, the poor man was called
away too, and Joseph Birley died, leaving
nothing but debts behind him. Yes,
though, he lett a widow and two delicate
helpless girls. both younger than Edgar,
who had no one to look to but the son and
brother. SO you see Kate's airy castle
seemed fading out OF sight like dissolv-
ing view.
CONTINUED Tomorrow