The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-01-14

Jle manner he treated you; never
leaving you penny. after you nursed
him and slayed for him as you did,
II think he intended to leave me
something, "said Kathie. 81 know he
did; but he died so suddenly, and
here was some mistake"
"Oh, nonsense, | would not give
zig for good intentions lie had lots
OF money-everybody knows that. II
has all gone to that scapegrace Dugald.
and you haven't a shilling for your
wedding dowry."
Charlie won't mind that" said
Kathie, her cheeks blooming like a
rose.
She took the old coat and crossing to
the window, began to rip the closely
stitched seams, her pretty fresh face
looking sad and downcast. Aunt Gray.
worldly wise talk had put her on,
of heart.
All her fife she had been such a brave
sweet little soul. Left an orphan early,
she had lived with her grandfather, and
made his last days bright.
You're dear child, Kathie; by.
and-bye, when you think of being
bride, l will give you a wedding
dowry.
lie had said so a COZ en- time, yet, after
his sudden death, one midwinter night.
there was no mention of Kathie found
in his will, and everything went to
Dugald, the son of a second marriage
Kathie did not complain; but it cut
her to the heart to think grandpapa
had forgotten her. She tried not to be
lieve 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
ofthem. The old fur r-trimmed overcoat
was one.
Then, lodging at her aunt's, she
taught the village children, and saved
up her earnings for her wedding day
for Charles Montague loved her and
had asked her to be his wife.
The wedding. day was appointed, and
she was beginning, with futterirg
heart, to think about making her pur-
chases, when her brother George fell
Ill; and worse, fell into trouble. He
was rather thrifCless man and had
sRen unfortunate; his little home was
nortgaged, and unless the debt could
be repaid, the house would be sold over
his head. Kathie heard, end did not
hesitate an instant. Her boarding
earnings went to pay the debt.
1t was bad to be SO cramped for lit.
tie money, and ones wedding-day so
near. Her wardrobe was limited. She
needed nice seal-brown cashmere
dreadfully, and light silk or two for
evening wear. Aunt Grayson told the
.ruth-she would look shabby in the
grand rooms at Oaklands, in the very
midst of Charley's stately sisters'
The tears came faster, and presently
the little pearl-handled knife, with
which she was ripping the seams, fell
suddenly, and cut great cash across
the breast Of the coat.
Kathie gave little shrek of dismay
"Tnere, now! I've spoiled the best
of the cloth; can't get my jacket out
What shall do?"
Down went the bright young head,
and with her face buried in grandpapa's |
old coat, Kathie cried as if her heart |
would break.
Something rustled under her hands, |
"Why, what's thisP Some of poor |
grandpapa's papers!"
She tore the lining loose, and there,
beneath the wadding, was a package |
done up in parchment, and tied up in
red tape.
Kathie drew it forth. On one side |
was written; "This package belongs |
to my granddaughter Kathie."
why, what can it beP" cried the
young girl, her fingers futtering, 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 a
thick layer of crisp banknotes, On the |
top little note. She read it:
my dear granddaughter, here is
your marriage dowry-$lO,OOO. One |
day some fine1ellow will claim you for
his wife. You are treasure in your
self, but take this from old grandpapa."
ooh, grandpapa, you did not forget |
mel" sobbed Kathie.
A ring at the door startled her. She
Immediately looked out and saw her
lover; gathering her treasure into the
lap of her apron, she rushed out to meet
him.
"Eh, Charlie, come quick! I've such |
wonderful news to tell you" \
The young man followed her into the
drawing-room, wondering what had
happened.
She told him all.
my darling" said he, his voice
thrilling with tenderness, 81 am glad
of all this because you are glad. FJr
my own part, l would rather have taken
these darling little hands without n
shilling in them. You need no dowry,
Kathie; you are crowned with beauty
and purity and goodness. In my eyes
you arealways fresh and fair and lovely,
no matter what you wear. love you
foryour own sweet self, my darling"
Kathic lot the folded coupons and
banknotes slip from her apron and fall
tc the floor in n rustling shower.