New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-01
KATHARINE NORTH.
III.
A POOR BEGINNING.

Cepvrfohf, 1892. By The 7ribWns Assoctanon
II is curious how the human being, though he
NAV call humanity in the aggregate mass of
worthlessness whom God would be satisfied in not
raising hand to assist, yet always in his secret
heart thinks he himself is worth helping, even
though it should require a cOnvulsion OF nature to
accomplish that assistance.
All through the day set for her wedding kath-
crime North was upborne by this conviction, that
the Ruler of heaven and earth would save her.
The idea had taken possession of her. She went
about the house with face that quite satisfied her
mother Mrs. North was continually telling her.
self that girls didn't know what was good Tor
them She even informed her husband that she
hoped he had a chance now to see how mistaken he
had been.
Mr.. North only grunted in response. In MS own
mind he was puzzled beyond expression. once he
followed Katherine into the best room. Inc girl
was busting the furniture for the last time before
the ceremony and before she went upstairs 10 De
gin to put on her gray travelling suit. She was
expecting Joanna every moment now. Joanna
would do" Kate's hair and otherwise assist
Mr.. North closed the door and put his back
against it, lie felt a strange and distasteful inc-
nation to cry. just as he had seen women cry. and
had despised them for it.
Pm glad your mother was right after all,
Kitty, he said.
The girl looked questioningly at him.
She perceived his sympathy and that perception
made her begin to tremble. There was peculiar
colorless glow over her face.
Il don't know what you mean," she said.
She continued to gaze intently at her father. who
answered her gaze.
She wondered what made her eyes burn So
They had burned for many days. But she had shed
Nov Ia ID har
face seemed to be multiplied in some strange way.
Was that because she had not slept? 1t seemed
O great while since she had slept
Il mean that YOU all right now about Grove,
aren't you, Kitty? do hope so It's been great
trial to me. / want you always to remember That
it's been great trial to me-"
Here Mr.. Norths inclination to weep became
almost uncomfortable. lie desired to take his
daughter in lis arms but he knew that. if he
touched her. he could not keep the tears back.
So he continued to stand straight against the
door, and forced his hands to remain in his pockets.
Il don't want to marry Mr.. Grove any more than
ever did. said Katharine She was twisting the
soft old busting cloth back and forth she spoke.
And her eyes were upon her father Il feel just
the same as ever did about it."
Then why -" began Mr. North.
Il don't wonder you want to know, interrupted
night and day, and i think I've had light. I'm
almost sure God has heard me-"
And God is going to help you to like Your hus-
band, is hep"
Mr.. North's voice was husky.
"Oh MOI" in surprise, Il don't know as even
lie could make me do that"
What then?"
He will prevent the marriage"
kitty"
"Yes," calmly.
But how?n
The easiest way would be for one of US TO die
Mr.. Grove, or me- or-or mother. Or perhaps, at
the last minute, Mr.. Grove will change his mind
/ explained to him how felt ard asked him TO
tell mother that he wouldn't marry me-
"What did he say?'
He said nothing could make him do that"
THE II" began Mr.. North, but he did not
60 on.
But that should be sure to like him after
iittle,"' continued the girl. that woman always
became attached to her husband. Now I know
better than that That can't be true. do you
think so, father"
But the man did rot reply. He was trying to
make up his mind to harness his horse, drive over
to Deacon Groves and tell him that the marriage
should not take place. Then he thought of his
wife And when he thought of her he knew that
he could do nothing. His face was almost as
white as his daughters.
He took hand from his pocket and began
violently pulling the isard on his chin.
Il don't think God will kill anybody he said
at last. "The three people sou mentioned seem
in good health"
But you know how suddenly one dies some
times persistSi the girl
kitty cried the man who was almost beside
myth
like that Nothing will happen
Katharine dropped her dust-cloth and came close
IN her father. She took hold Of the lappels OF
his coat and leaned up against him.
But I've prayed so. You don't know how I've
nraved Don't YOU think God answers prayer =
oh; don't know
The mans voice broke on the last word. His
eves were dim. In moment tears fell from
them.
Katharine put her head down on her fathers
breast.
She was greatly shocked. but she could not
give up her hope.
Poor little Kitty! Poor little Kitty" whispered
Mr.. North.
Then he tried to say that everything was Tor
the best and that Mr.. Grove was very good man
But the words stuck in his throat. lie gave up
the attempt
lie bUOOu III eichoc on" AA~N" $3.50
to him.
Katharine! Katharine! Amt you got the
naror busted vet see Joanna just starting from
her house" c
Tho voice came from the front entry. Steps
followed il.
Kate started. She stopped and picked up her
dust cloth.
"Yes. mother" she said. I'm all through"
Co,bnrn North walked quickly from the house.
He was irving TO tell himself that perhaps his
wife was right. Nobody could be sure she WASH t
right. and she was sure she was. And really
there wasn't a thing against Marcellus Grove. not
a thing He never took another wife until the
and hurried