The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-02-13
'"-v7 PART II.

A1per ner 1aInerS ueatl, the NOflu
seemed empty TO Katherine. There
had been a dim belief in her heart that
the colonel knew the whereabouts of
her lover, and that after the three years
probation had been fulfilled, he would
tell her. His solemn assurance of ig-
norance left her without hope. And
yet, as the end of the appointed time
drew near, she began 20 expect Roberts
return. All her soul was ever at the
window. and her ears ached for the
footsteps on the tagged walk, that she
knew so well. Every morning she rose
with fresh expectation; every night
she went to her room despairing. At
length thethreeyearsh had quite gone by;
there was no response TO her hearts
eager hope. and heavy with sorrowful
disappointment, she gave up her dream.
A dreary winter followed; but during
its conventional seclution she fought,
through the mystery of suffering, to
that peace which is the consecration OF
life.
So with the spring rhere was re-
turn of hope. and she resolved 10 seek
him, who for some reason did not re-
turn TO her. Perhaps he was too poor
TO come, and ooproud to say so. Per-
haps he had been told she was unfaith.
fuI. Often she had read. and heard, oil
love slain by such slander Travel
would be good for her. and if by travel
she could find the soul she loved the
circumference of the world would be
but little way. An eagerness that put
rest out of the question, possessed her.
Far and wide she wandered; east tc
the great Indian cities; west, to the
Golden Gate. but she found no trace of
Robert Kensall. He had disappeared as
completely as stonedropped into mid
ocean. No one she met had ever heard
his name; and she came'to the conclu-
sion that he had chonCedit. With this
conviction she lost hope, and returned
to her home, saying TO her heart: "Our
meeting, if il is ever to take place, il
now in the hands of Destfny--and Des-
tiny is Providence--and Providence
loves surprises-what we call accidents
are usually Gods part in an EVENT.
will search no more; everything comes
to those who can wait-I can wait"
1t was blessed thing for katherine,
that she was one of those women who
can take advantage of their disadvan-
tages. After her return home, she
built out Of the ruin OF her own love the
home Of many other loves. 1t was in
this way-something to care for, to
work for. was what she wanted; but
the ordinary charities with which she
was associated did not satisfy her SYM
pafhies. Itwas to the woman forsaken
or wounded by love that her heart went
out. Isolated women, who had never
had a lover. Poor women, wearily
waiting until their lovers could make
home. Weak and wounded women,
who had thought love to be staff, and
found him a barbed lance. Women, de-
serted and ill-used. Widows, forlorn
and weeping; all women. indeed. sor-
rowful and desolate, whose hearts had
been shipwrecked by their affections,
soon learned that, in Katherine Dents
sympathy, there was not only comfort,
but help.
3 1t was loving kindness that needed
no advertising; one sad woman told an
other. 1t was also one that provided
Katherine with never ceasing and con-
stantly varying employment She,
alone was her clients confidante; and
she alone attended TO their necessities.
These were as variable as her clients.
Sometimes pitiful letters took her on
long journeys of help or investigation;
and her household grew accustomed to
her going away at any moment. and
ceased 10 wonder at the strange, un-
happy creatures who found their way
into Miss Katherine's secret kindness.
Also, out Of this labor of love there grew
UP an immense correspondence, which
she only could attend to-familiar let
ters, referring 20 past troubles, or pros
pective happiness. In year her days
were so full that she had no time for re-
grets. And IL was all for the sake of
Robert Kensall. To the memory OF
their tender. unhappy affection, she
gave her life freely. in a sweet SAVIOR Of |
sacrifcial remembrance.
One day. six years after her parting
WIN iOFcAf Blu it'tNtu ltlbI
from girl in Scotland. who was in a
sore necessity. IL came in the hot |
days of July, VIXEN the thought of the |
great North sea and its salt sharp !
breezcs was n delight. Katherine On
swered the letter in person. and the
answer. took her TO "A little village on |
the coast of Fife. On the night Of her |
arrival she was sitting in the gloam- |
ing, on the top Of cliff overhanging !
the ocean. The highway was a little |
behind her. She heard the clatter of |
O palloping horse, and turned her head |
TO look at the rider. 1t was Robert |
Kensall. She was sure OF IL. though he |
rode swiftly. and tie gray light made
oil outlines ipdsstinct. She leaped 10
her feet. calling: Robert Robertl |
Iobertl" But the wind blew The words
hsci<wards and he heard them not.
All the different forms OF skin troubles |