New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-10-11
A YORKSHIRE LASS.
BY GEORGE GIsSING

The town was dull in the middle week OF Au-
gust People had gone away for their holidays, or
were impatiently making ready TO go. or had
come back and did not like 1t. On Saturday
afternoon, when the roads sn1elt hot. and the
mill chinncys smoked drowsiiy, little enough
could be looked for in the way or excitement; YET
IL was Nh Narrops luck to bring home the mos
startling piece of news he had heard for long
time.
His family set at tea; Mrs Harrop beamng.
observation-disclosures embodied In ouxom
woman hood: the two grown-up girls, blithe as
their mother; the lad OF nineteen, brown from
his tramp in Wales: and with them Tom Linacre.
a wiry young man Of fve-and-twenty. talking
about the cycling tour on which he would start
next week. The door opened, and Mr. Harrop
stood regarding them all. He wore look OF
amusement. blended with disnay.
atom, have you heard anything about Isaac
Kirby?''
'"rhen you don't know. Well, of all the things
ever I heard! Ay you may stare stare. iasses' ne
A silence declared the general CONSERVATION;
then came cries and laughs and incredulous pro-
tests. The girls clamored for evidence
Nay it's sure enough. Sam Vickers saw MIN
at the station this afternoon. getting out of the
train with young woman. He went up 10 nave
a word. and Kirby just if ii was nothing al all,
says, Eullo, Sam! This is my wife. We've been
over t. Isle O. Man. Sam VckerS knows her as
well as he knows our Leah. And she JUST snook
hands with him. and off they went 10 a CAP
was fair capp'd" said Sam. and L don't wonder
at it,"
what about Kate" exclaimed Mrs. Harrop.
docs Kate know
cussed 1t eXcitedly. Isaac Kirbys daughter was
at the seaside but Lizzie Harrop had heard
from her few days ago. and the letter contained
no hint Of this domestic revolution.
"This explains something" said Lizzie. with
the eagerness Of discovery. That was why ne
sent away the old cook and engaged new one
for when they came back. Kate couldn't make
out what he doing, sending away both the
servants. and putting in that charwoman TO take
care of the house don't believe believes she Knows On
it is too bad even for Mr.. Kirby"
Tom Lnacre had said nothing, though he fol-
lowed the talk with every sign OF profound inter;
est, establishment in his eyes. and subdued
laughter all over his freckled face
How will Kate take t?" Mrs. Harrop asked
him
How should know? Sensibly no doubt"
Even as he spoke some one pushed the door
open, and looked into the room. 1t was girl Of
two or three and twenty, in light travelling cos
tune, her admirable complexion radiant with
summer glow, her eyes 8Nstenln8 win Nerrl-
ineDt- $50 -
well, good people how are you all? I've
stopped my cab just 20 leave this with YOU
The northern accent, the air OF homely cordial
ity, did not disguise her intelligence and educa-
ton. Stepping forward Kate Kirby betrayed
not the least self-consciousness; her look lifted
from face to face without shadow OF embarrass-
ment: gracefully she laid upon the table basket
Of ferns and flowers the gift she wished to leave
in passing. For moment her friends we're
stricken mute and certain roguery in the smile
with which she observed them seemed to indicate
that the silence had its meaning for her. But
Lizzie Harrop and her sister. recovering them
selves sprang up with affectonate greetings.
The elder people exchanged glances, perplexed,
apprehensive Linacre kept his eyes on the come
ly girl. and when his turn came to shake hands,
said quietly: Very glad to see you looking so
WELL"
"Oh. I've had a splendid time" she answered.
meeting his look with perfect steadiness. Rather
sorry to come away, Of course. but
Scarcely she paused. Her dimpled chin raised
itself ever so little. as with glance about the
circle she added.
you've heard the news?
Mrs Harrop spoke for the constrained COM
pany.
Eyes, about father. You know he's got mar
ried again?"
The sun touched color Of her cheeks deepened
with a nush of warmer blood; her eyes winked.
her lower lip drew Itself back in a nervousness
which she instantly overcame
ITS true them" said Mrs. Harrop.
"Oh, yes. quite true" Kate looked about her T:
this morning suppose they're back by now.
How did you hear?'
Mr.. Harrop told her briehy.
"rather will leave people to fnd It out / sup
nose Just like him. was little surprised when
read his letter this morning-just a little
Again she 0 he he mas mas rs can't
waiting. Goodby. oil! shall come and see you
on Monday: girls; all sorts OF Jolly things to tel
you about"
She walked rapidly through the hall, ran down
the steps, and from inside her cab waved TO the
girls In the doorway. For minute or two heI
features retained that friendly smile, but u
passed at length into an expression OF troubled
thoughtfulness; then her brows twitched, and
her lips set themselves with an angry determine
ton, and the absent glances she cast toward
either window had CLEAN OF high-spiritec
menace.
The vehicle made slow way up an ascent where
hoofs clanked upon the hard. white road; ther
came trot on level between walls four fee
high. and at length the driver alghted to oper
an iron gate He led his horse along the shor
drive which compassed sun-baked lawn, up 10
front door fanked with stone pillars Ihe wnole
house was of stone; even the roof where over
tapping slabs took the place OF ordinary slate
It's gray solidty. darkened by mill smoke. stoot
In relief against a few bushes and stunned trees
the hill behind 1t rose through degrees or bar
renness to a bald moor. From the garden on
looked down upon streets and factories and th'
river flowing along the valley. with hilIsides ant
again the moorland barrier far beyond.
The door was open. showing a tiled hail. pleas
antly cool and dim after the glazing sunshine
As the traveller alghted and entered there
sounded from VIM ~ IN ss, RSns roar III '
"Hallo-o-o. Why. it's our Kate. Eth, but tht
looks hearty. lass; better by long chalk thar
when tina went away We didn't expect the'
till Monday, tina knaws"
The speaker had come forward; a burly. well
built man. In suit Of very light tweeds. his hal
and short beard grizzng around rugged fac
tanned TO golden brown, with patches OF Grim
son. Aged about five-and-ffty. he knew as We
no decline of vigor. But for an accident lonI
ago he would have been handsome in fgh
with quarryman Isaac Kirby was stone
rnerchant) the bridge Of his nose had suffered
and the result was heightening of the nativ
pugnacty declared in his features. When n
came within reach Of his daughter, he clapped
big red hand each of her shoulders.
''Eh, I never thee lookn better. Kate
Come along In, lass. never mind the cabby
Chuck 7 iussage In, John, and take that TO
He threw half crown to the driver. aud le'
Kate BY the arm (she had not offered him tn