New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-09-04
KATHARINE NORTH.
XXI.
sBUT--n

But the whole dome OF tne hedVehS was Bull
blue with that clear, washed color which comes
alter rain in the summer.
Katharine paused on the steps to look at the
sky Mrs LANDAU was no longer there, but she
was watching for her niece, and she came out and
joined her
The two women stood quietly for a long time.
1t became evident that the younger Of the two
had no intention of speaking. Mrs LANDAU
looked curiously at her, but she unable to
decide what the sorrowful firm face meant
Are you tired of this ?" at last asked Mrs.
LANDAU
The girl turned.
"Tired' Oh, mol l should never be tired Of
this Is it time for us to leave here? or course
I'm ready TO go.".
The other shrugged her shoulders For some
reason she felt more incompetent than she had
ever felt in her life.
AS for me- she remarked in a superficial tone,
Il am almost ready to say that 1 wish to leave
my room Of a morning without seeing Capn
Marble. And I'm weary of answering Mrs.
Marbles questions. There are the mountains.
Shall We go?"
If you like, of course. / know I shall love
the mountains"
The girl gazed toward the far line of the off
ing where three-master was moving with all
sails set
won't you say something to me?"
Again the girl turned toward her companion.
rs there anything for me to say, Aunt Kate?
Didn't Mr.. Llandaff-have you seen Mr.. LANDAU?
Yes"
He told you that"
Here Katharine paused, and though her anH;
waited, Kate made no attempt toward finishing
her sentence
ayes, he told me. Now you tell me, Kate, is
it rue?"
"True that love him p"-with an increasing
pallor. Yes that is true" Then she added
Don't you think seem to be an unfortunate
gir1. Aunt Kste?"
Mrs. LANDAU tried to rally from the depres-
sion which was fast gaining ground upon her
mind
"Unfortunate she repeated. "Well. yes;
lust for the present But we will overcome all
that"
The woman could not quite meet the girls eyes
with the solemn earnestness Of their questioning
She hesitated. The comfortable assurance Of
being able to do what she pleased which had been
hers now for so many years, was not quit" so
strong at just this moment
How she said, and she knew that her as
sumption was penetrated by her niece, who con-
tinued looking at her.
why. that man out there in Feeding Hills
will he freed See what your father telegraphed
It's all a mere matter of form. And then
Mrs LANDAU paused and smiled warmly at the
Girl She continued Then you can be happy
ever after-and Owen. Have you. perhaps an
idea how happy Owen would be? And he is
40 dear to me that I would do a great deal
70 insure him as much happiness as he can Know
And that is q great deal"
Katharine did not remove her eyes from Mrs
Landaf's face as she listened to these words
She became even more pale. She said slowly
IL think shall never be happy ever after
Aunt Kate. have been 50 happy with YOU
That is my taste Of happiness Don't you think
SOP"
"Noneensc."
Mrs Jlandaffs depression became still greater
She had n dim fear that she about to " run
mn against a stone wall" metaphorically speak
inr: and she did not enjoy doing that. BE
sides. here was her niece's welfare at stake.
Nonsense =" she said, louder than before
And then she did not know how to go on
But presently she did 60 on, adopting calm
mstter-of-fact manner:
81 suppose. Kate that there is really no doubt
but that the divorce will be granted before many
months-if Mr. Grove lives: full divorce free
inr both. II he doesn't live, it's the same thing
so far as Won are concerned So I think we are
justified in Kate, you really rritate me
by keeping that look In your eyes
What look do you mean?"
"Why. that look as if-why. as IL, after all
nv efforts YOU were still going TO he an IDIOT
Katharine lowered her eyes She stood silent
When her aunt spoke again. she again fixed her
gaze on the face opposite her. She seemed TO
be trying to find more in the words to which she
listened than there was in them: as II she were
hoping for something which she yet knew could
not come
Tell me, KITE. tell me in 80 many words
il You object to a divorce"
mo. Oh, no! Father knows I want him to
do all he can that I may be free from any tie
to that man."
"Now you are reasonable ind then you would
let yourself be happy, Katharine'"
LET myself Oh. Aunt Kate" trembling
somewhat as she spoke.
Really I. begin to feel that you are not
only Roxys daughter. but my niece"
Another silence now fell upon the two Dur
ing this silence Mrs. LANDAU took the girls
hand and began to walk with her along the
beach.
group Of sandpipers on ahead Of them.
seeming to slide over the wet sand.
Katharine" said the in whisper.
I'm afraid don't understand you and yet |
thought at first I could know you we'll. Are
you going TO fight against good fortune? Are
you going to stand and bar the way when hap
pneas comes to you? ] told you never to do
that. Take whatever bliss is offered you. Heaven
knows there will be little enough Of it'
Katharine stopped in their walk She seized
Mrs LandafI's other hand, and thus holding
her, she gazed with grave intentness at her aunts
face.
Il know you told Inc that" che said. And,
Oh Aunt Kate, long to he happy But there
are some things so strong in me. / try to con-