The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-02-26

when you MINK Oh OclnS u Uliuc, "i'i 6'S
you wedding dowry."
He had said 80 dozen times, yet, after his
sudden death, one inidwinter night, there was
| no mention of Kathie found in his Will, ana
everything went to Dugad, the son OF sec
ond marriage.
Kathle did not complain, but it cut her TO
the heart to think grandpa had forgotten her
She tried not to believe It; there was some
mistake.
And when Dugsld sold out the old home.
stead and went of, she gathered up all the oiu
souvenirs and took care of them The old
fur.trimmed overcoat was one
Then, lodging at her aunts, she taught the
village children, and saved up her earnings
for the wedding day; for Charles Montague
loved her and had asked her to be his wife.
The weddingday was appointed, and she
was beginning, with tlulteriug heart, to think
about making her purchases, when her brother
George fell Ill, and worse, fell into trouble
He was rather thriftless man and had been
unfortunate his little home was mortgagcd,
and unless the debt could be repaid the house
would be sold over his head. Kathie heard
and did not hesitate an instant. Her boarded
earnings went to pay the debt
1t was so bad to be cramped for little
money, and ones weddingday 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 truth-she would look shabby in the
grand rooms at Oaklands, IN the very midst OF
Charley's stately sisters.
The tearp came faster, and presently the III
tic pearl.handled knife. with which she was
cutting the seams, fell suddenly, and cut Il
great cash across the breast Of the old over
coat.
Kathie gave a little shrek Of dismay.
There, 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 grandpas old coat, Ka,hie
cried as if her heart would break.
Something rustled under her hands
"Why, what's this! Some of poor grand
pas papers"
She tore the lining loose, and there, beneath
the waddIng, was package done up In parch.
ment, and tied up in red tape.
Kathie drew it forth. On one side was writ
ten: This package belongs TO my grand
daughter, Kathie."
"Why, what can 1t be p" cried the young
girl, her fingers fluttering, as she tugged at
the tape.
At last the knot yielded, and she uniolded
the package. Folded cupon bonds-a good
dozen ut leust-and thick layer of Crisp bank
notes On the top of them was little note
She read it.
my dear granddaughter, here is your mar
rage dowry-$l0,0O0. One day some fine fell
low will claim you for his wife You are a
treasure in Yourself, but take this from your
old grandfather"
"Oh, grandpa, you did not forget me-" sob
bed Kathie.
A ring at the door startled her. She imme'
diately looked out and saw her lover Gather
ing her treasure into her apron, she rushed out
to meet him.
"Oh, Charlie, come quick! I've such won
dcrfu news to tell you!"
The young man followed her into. the draw.
| ing.room, wondering what had happened.
She told him all
MY darling" said he, his voice thrilling
with tenderness, IL am glad OF all because you
are glad. For my own part, would rather
have taken these darling little hands without
u shilling in them. You need no dowry,
kath,c: you are crowned with beauty and pur.
| ty and goodness. In my eyes you are always
fresh and fair and lovely, no matter what you
wear. love you for your own sweet self, my
darling"
KathIe let the folded cupons and bank notes
slip from her apron and fall 10 the floor IN u
rustlng shower.
"Oh, Charlie" she whispered, leaning her
head against his shoulder, II am SO glad"
Glad OF what, Kathie darling; grandpa's
dowry!"
No; glad that you love me for myself"
lie ciasped her closely, and at their feet
grandpa's dowry lay UNDECIDED