The Press., 1894-03-22
KATHER1NE'S MISTAKE.

kA HEKkNE . MlS AhE.
 Sitting in her own room one evening and thinking it out, Katherine believed she could understand how it all happened.
 She was aware that she lacked the life and gayety natural to most girls. How could it be otherwise! The responsibility of caring for younger sister, which de- volved on her when her mother died, had early made her grave and serious. No wonder that she had found no congenial companions among those of her own age. And when she met the young publisher who seemed to penetrate her reserve and read the character underneath, she knew how to value his friendship. And when gay, lighthearted Fife came home from boarding school, bringing cheer into the hitherto dull household, her happiness was complete.
 The change came gradually. At first Fife had been too busy with her own plans to pay much attention to the com ings and goings of Richard Draper and treated him simply as family friend. But several weeks ago Katherine had mo- ticed a difference. Fife began to look forward to his visits with eagerness. And when he came it was the younger sister for whom he asked. We'll, he could not fail to be attracted by bright wit and youthful beauty. But noticing this, Kath- crime, in the pride of her heart, studiously avoided him. Not that she blamed him. He had never been more than 8 friend to her. If she had for a moment allowed herself to fancy that deeper feeling ex- isted, it was her own mistake.
 But it was hard, bitterly hard. Kathe- rine's hands were clinched and her lips compressed in the effort to keep back the rising tears. No; she would never let any one suspect how hard it was. She would live down this disappointment. Other people had had troubles in their lives, she supposed. She must try to bear hers bravely.
 Then there was Effies welfare to con- sider. Richard was no noble, so kind, so | true; he would surely make her happy. If Fife could only appreciate his worth as he deserved! Perhaps that would come later. She was still so young, scarcely more than a child. Only that morning the little sister had come dancing into her room, and throwing her arms about Kath- great secret as she dared.
 "Richard was here this morning, dear, and he told me something that has made me very happy. It means the beginning of new life to me-" Then, with almost childish glee, ''and he is going to bring me- something tonight. Oh, must not tell you any more or you will guess Bnt you shall be the first to know all about it, and you will be glad for me, won't your" ....
 It had not been difficult to guess the SC. cret, but she had kissed the girl and an. swered truthfully, "Your happiness has always been my first wish" And she mentally resolved that it still should be.
 A ring-she knew it was his-at the bell made her vince. After what seemed long time a knock came at the door Miss Fife is very anxious to have you come down." said the maid. So she went She felt sure that they would be too much absorbed in each other to notice her agi- tation. Descending the stairs she could see them both. Fife was standing near the door, turning the leaves of little white and gold volume, and he leaned against the mantel, watching her as one might playful kitten. Fife looked uI when she heard her.
 "Oh, Katherine" she cried, Che has brought it. Isn't he good to take so much trouble. And see, the book is dedicated to you. He says he thinks I will succeed or he wouldn't have published the verses Most of them I wrote at school. Oh, must go and show them to papa!" Ane Fife rushed out, leaving Katherine stand ing in silent amazement, looking toward the young man for further explanation.
 "Yes, it is true," he said. "Effie really has talent. The poems are remarkable for so young a writer. She has kept hel secret well, hasn't she?"
 "It was thorough surprise to me, she replied.
 "You are pleased?" he questioned eagerly. "I hoped you would be. fyo, will only let me, my life shall be spent il pleasing you"
 She looked upquickly. "Why, I though all the time that-that you-that Effie-' She could say no more tears and smiles were struggling for the mastery. But hi' hand held hers now in firm and loving clasp. With such aid the smiles soor ,;o%o