Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-06-16
Charlie won't mind that said Ka-

the window, began to rip the closely
stitched seams, her pretty fresh face
looking sad and downcast. Aunt
Grayson's worldly wise talk had put
her out Of heart.
All her life she had been such a
brave, sweet little soul. Left an or
phan early, she had lived with her
grandfather, and his last days made
bright.
Your a dear child, Katbie: bye
and bye, when you think of being q
bride, will give you marriage dow"
ry.'
He had said so dozen times, YET,
after his sudden death, one midwinter
night, there was no mention Of Kathie
found in bis will, and everything went
to Dugald, the son of a second marri-
age.
Kathle did not complain; but it cut
her to the heart TO think that grand
papa had forgotten her. She tried not
to believe it; there was some mistake.
And when Dugald sold out the old
homestead and went Of, she gathered
up all the old souvenirs and took care
of them. The old fur-trlmmed over
coat was one.
Then. lodging at her aunps, she
taught the village children, and saved
up her earnings for her day for Charles
Montague loved her, and had asked her
to be his wife.
The wedding day was appointed, and
she was beginning, with 1utterlng
heart, to think about making her pur"
chases, when her brother George fell
Ill, and worse, fell into trouble. He
was rather a thritless man, and had
been unfortunate ; his little home was
mortgaged, and, unless the debts could
be repayed, The house would be sold
over his head, Kathie heard, and did
not hesitate au instant. Her hoardod
earning went TO pay the debt.
1t was bad to be so crampcd for a
little money. and ones wedding day 50
near. Her wardrobe was limited. She
ueeded a nice seal-brown cashmere
dreadfully, and q light silk or two for
evening wear. Aunt Grayson told the
.ruth--she would look shabby in the
grand rooms at Oakland, in the very
midst ofCbarlic's stately sisters.
The tears came faster, and preseSny
the little pearl handled knife, with
which she was ripping the seams, fell
suddenly, and cut great cash right
across the breast Of the coat.
Kathie gave a little shrek of dis
may.
There, now! I've spoiled the hest
of the cloth; l can't &C; my jacket out ;
what shall do?'
Down went the bright young head
and with her face buried in grandpapa's
old coat. Katme cried as if her heart
would break.
Something rustled under her hands.
why, what's this? Some of poor
grandpapa's papers?'
She tore the lining loose aud there,
beneath the wadding, was package
done up in parchment, and tied up with
red tape.
Kithie drew it forth. On one side
was written: This package belongs
to my granddaughter Kathie.'
why, what can 1t be?' cried the
young girl, her fingers huttering, as she
tugged at the tape.
At last the knot yielded, and she un-
folded the package. Folded coupon
bonds-a good dozen at least-and
thick layer of crisp banknotes. On
the top little note, She read it.
MY dear little grand daughter, here
is your marriage dowry--ten Thousand
dollars. One day some ane fellow will
claim you for his wife, You are
treasure in yourself, but take this from
old grandpapa.'
oh, grandpapa, you did not iorge'
me! Sobbed Kathie.
A ring at the door startled her. She
Immediately looked out and saw hel
lover; gathering her treasure into the
lap of her ruflled apron, she rushed ou
to meet him.
'Oh, Charlie, come in quick; I've
such wonderful news to tell YOU
The young man followed her into tht
drawing room, wondering what hat
happened.
She told him all.
My darllng,' he said, his voice
thrilling with tenderness. L am glat
OF all this, because you are glad. Fo
nv own part, | would rather have takel
these darling little hands without
shilling in them You need no dowry
Kathie; you are crowned with beauty
and purity and goodness. In my eye
you are always fresh and fair and love
lly, no matter what you wear. | low
you for your sweet self my darling
Katbie let the folded coupons an
bank notes slip from her apron, AM
! fall to the floor in q rustling shower.
'Oh, Charlie y she whispered, lean
ling her head against his shoulder, :
am so glad +!
Glad OF what, Kathie : Grandpapa'
dowry?'
No; glad you love me for myself'
He clasped her closely, and at thei
feet grandpapa's mariage-dowry la
unheeded. ..