New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-08


Then said Joanna, half aloud of course she
won't have IT, You can't expect her to do what
any other person would do"
This time the girl lying on the bed did not waken
Joanna hardly dared to breathe She tiptocd
about for moment. Then she gave up all
thoughts OF taking off her clothes She stretched
herself carefully by her friends side
Katharine moved slightly She extended one
hand and when it had found Joanna's check she
gave long tremulous sigh. Then she sank again
into a deep sleep.
But Joanna did not sleep. She had not been
awake for many nights previous until exhaustion
had come. She lay stiff and straight. holding
Katharinc's hand.
The outcome Of all her thoughts was that, of
course, Kitty would go back TO her home as soon
as it light. There was nothing else to be done.
And II is light very early on the first day of July.
Joanna must have fallen asleep at last. for
when size became conscious her companion was sit
ting upon the side of the bed looking down at her
Joanna sprang 70 her feet
Hush! said Katharine Don't make noise.
No one is up yet It's only little after four
Joanna turned and stared stupidity and persist
emily at the face near her
And you haven't got a fever?" she said at
last.
A fever? No-I think I'm perfectly we'll.
81 didn't know-I thought praps-' began
Joanna; then she stopped before the eyes fixed
upon her.
Il know what you mean now" Katharine said.
II certainly ought to have gone into brain fever
and died. But you sec, Joanna, we so seldom do
the things we ought to do
oh said the other dstrcssfully, Il don't think
meant that exactly But oh, Kitty, what are you
going to do' Folks IL he up in a little while now
Father n mother always get up awfully early tEis
time of year
Katharine rose from the bed and went to the
little looking-glass with the involuntary movement
which is so feminine and With often comes 10
the surface in the midst of the deepest and most
disastrous confusion.
But she did not look confused now. She was
still young that rest was not only 'ohic
but an actual respite to her.
She took Joanna's hair brush and brushed her
hair vigorously few times. Then she turned
toward the bed on which her friend had again
seated herself with her eyes fixed upon her CUES
Don't worry she said, let me stay here
few minutes then III go.
but what are you going TO do, Kitty? Do
tell me-"
Katharine gazcd steadily night through her
friend as if Joanna had been air.
WHY don't you ask me what I'm not going to
do ?" she said at length
We'll, what amt you going to do ?
Katharine laic down her harbrush. She
turned toward her friend again. Her movements
were SO extremely quiet that. under the circum,
stances, they were amoS; startling.
Pm not going back to ,hdt man, she said
Joanna clasrcd her hands.
"Oh. Kitty she cried heplessly In
moment her strong common-scnsc came TO her
sk,4 al ,lpff oh
for mercys sake, why didn't you stop II before
You're married to him now
1T was mother 1t was mother. She has
such power over me. And | was worh out
And trusted in God. shan't trust in God
any more I'm going to trust in myself now
Joanna could only make some kind Of an ca
clamation at this. Az she could she said
she did wish Kitty would the minister.
There isn't the slightest need of the minister
was the answer
But where are you going, If you amt going
TO Mr. Grove"
Il shall 60 right home. l want to See my
father"
"But-but- =" began Joanna fccbly wringing
her hands
you've been 50 good to me- said Katharine
ntcrrupting. She went TO her friend and put her
arm over the girls shoulder She drew back her
commonplace honest face before her. Yes. you've
been heavenly good to / shant forget it
She kissed her friend lightly but tcndcrly
the lips.
She walked toward the door. She looked back
to say:
Don't you worry bit about me-
Joanna started up frantically.
But wlat'l become of you? Oh, whatn be
come Of you" she cried
Katharine smiled.
"You know Tvc got my father" She paused
q moment Then she said, and I've got myself"
She went down the stairs almost noiselcshIy and
let herself out into the wonderful joy of the new
summer day.
An absolute tangle Of bird songs was in the air.
subtle fragrance seemed to come from every
thing.
Triumph, hope, happiness. all rode upon the
west wind which hutcred in katharnc's hair
and breathed on her checks
The pride of life the unconquerable appetite
for Joy" the red blood in her body the breath
OF her noetrils; all there Of her. ehe thought,
sprang up and clanorcd for full, unIcp.esscG
life.
A courage born o; resi- and youth, ana some in
dcscribable change which had come to her, made
her fins up her head strongly 10 meet this new
day.
She walked toward the road her way home.
She had only reached the ciumD OF lIacs when
Mr. North stepped from behind the shrubs.
kuty, lie saiu
Inc .lrl turIleu She looked at hin instant
| as if her eyes must DC dccelving her. She began
| " sob.
IolDurn North suddenly took her in his arms
| and went quickly with his burden down the Stop,
| OF the yard to the Otncr side Of Il row OF young
| willows u
| This is all RoNy's work." he saying duly
| m himself. She has ruined my gir-my little
girl 1900,
| lie nut Iii, child on her feet. lie held her head
| IN his breast. while he said again and again,
| Fathers grille. Fathers chicken They
| shan't abusc her! ~
| lie had never been moved in his life lie