Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-02-05
Gates and Skttthes.
GEO. PENWICK'S SCHOOL.FELLOW.
Continued from yesterday

A week or two later Gen. James and his
wife returned to town. Then the report
spread that Oliver had got into mischief
and was escaping unpleasant consequences
an explanation to which Mrs. FenwicE
especially gave credence.
| need hardly say that her efforts tc
damage divers reputation were wasted
as endeavors to improve Georges position
with regard to Kitty, who shrank more
than ever from his hated attentions, till at
length even his dense brain was enlight
ened as to her opinion of him. At least il
was clear that she did not banker after the
honor of becoming his wife. In high dis.
gust he almost Immediately engaged him
self to a silly girl who possessed the car
dinal virtue-which Kitty lacked-of i'm.
plicit belief in himself. Of no man was
Mrs. Powers biting observation ever more
true, HE wants to make sure O. one fool
as 'ull tell him he's wise"
Ktty's power of self-control and self
possession was sorely tried. WheE first
she heard of divers departure she had
fled to Grace Hallam. and broken down
utterly in her friends arms But the CHIEF
strength of shy natures, such as hers,
| lies in suffering silently and secretly. AT
ter that one confession to Grace she never
referred to her trouble nor did her friend
ever press her to speak Whatever spok-
en- sympathy might do for other girls, she
knew it would not be the right thing for
Kitty, whose one desire was to crush
her heart down out of sight. 1t was
in defending her from pity and COM
passion that Grace served her best
In thousand silent ways the quick-witted
friend saved her from pain and annoyance,
and during four weary months cleared the
briars out of her difficult path. Mrs. Fen
wick tried in vain to make herself dis
agreeable. Grace was always too quick
for her. Yet the truth could not be dis
guised altogether, and people who were
too kind to speak noticed that Kitty walked
about alone more than usual, and that
there was new expression of resolute re-
serve about her quiet face.
At last brighter days dawned for the
poor child.
Late one evening she and Grace re-
turned from a walk together. and, as was
very usual, she went home with her friend.
and accepted an invitation to stay the even
ing. She was always much more there
than Grace was at the Delanes', as Grace,
being an only daughter, was accorded the
luxury of a private stting-room, in which
there was more chance of being undis-
turbed than in house full of boisterous
children.
"Will you play to me, Grace % asked
Kitty. as soon as they entered the famil-
lar Sanctum.
Grace sat down at the piano, preluded
softly, and then struck into Schumann' 8
Carnival" Surely there are few human
emotions that are not appealed to in one
or other of these penetrating. changeful
melodies.
"Nobody's playing could affect me as
make the piano speak not only clearly,
but to me-"
THAT is what try to do at any rate" re-
turned Grace. II can say things to you
in that way that wouldn't do in words.
"Shall 60 on9"
"Please, dear"
Grace was pausing in monetary doubt
what she should play, when the visitors
bell rang "Visitors at this time!' she
exclaimed. whoever can it be ?"
She went to the door, and setting it Just
aiar, listened to the voices in the hall.
Kitty could not hear, nor did she see the
sudden flush of excitement that swept
across her friends face. Grace closed
the door and came back into the room.
at is your father" she remarked in an
odd voice
"My father? Why do you look so
strange, then. Grace?"
Because he is not alone, dear. Mr..
James is with him."
Kitty said nothing. but her lips trembled
and the color deserted her cheeks. She
tried to rise, but Grace gently forced her
back into the chair.
"Wait, dearest. You trust me. don't
you?"
Kitty could not speak, but her eyes gave
assent, and Grace left her.
She found Mr.. Delane and Oliver James
alone in the drawing room. As she en-.
tered they both stepped rapidly towards
her.
kitty is with you?" asked Mr.. Delane
hastily.
Eyes"
"Mr James wishes to see her,
Grace looked questioningly from one tt
another.
at is all right, my child" said Mr.
Delane, smiling. HE has my permits
sion.''
"She is in my sitting-room, Mr.. James,
said Grace. looking very gravely at the
young man.
He was very much changed, She could
see that at glance. There were lines il
the forehead that used to be so smooth
his cheeks were thinner. and harrasseC
expression about the eyes and mouth
seemed to tell of anguish unwillingly-
impatiently borne.
With quick Forgive me-" he hurried
past Grace. She heard his hasty footsteps
ring upon the tesselated hall then he evi
IDENTIFY paused moment before venturing
into Kitty's presence.
"He is an excitable fellow" said Mr.
Delane. II hope after today he will sober
down. About half an hour ago he turned
up at our house. and we had long talk
in my study before | would consent te
bring him here. You want to know wha
he has to say for himself. Kitty must tell
you that"
"Where has he beenp" asked Grace.
Taking friends place as undermastel
of some school. The friend was out OF
health and ordered complete rest. Oliver
has been taking his duties, handing over
to him every penny of the salary. and at
the same time saving him from all anxiety
about the future by Keeping the place open
| Co. l.. 4 4