The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-09-05
Little KITTY Kenyon.

When Tom Alnslie's cousin Maude Sn-
nounced her engagement to Williams. the
rich ieatherman's son. every one gasped
and then said: Wonder hok Tow likes
h?''
Tom wondered little himself. He had
long been devoted TO his cousin Maude,
ever since he could remember. In fact,
and he had always had a vague idea that
at some indefinite time they might make
1t q go together." It would have been
convenient thing for them both, for she
would have brought Clifton back INFO
the family, and Tom had the money she
lacked.
But wasn't worth while sighed Tom
to himself pttyingly, leaning back In his
chair and stretching his long legs out
toward the fire. I'm surprised that
don't feel worse. Always was fond OF
Maudie, and It would have been a nice
thing all around Hope Williams Is al
right for her. Always fancied the beggar
myself. And 1t seems I'm to be BEST
man. Beastly nuisance; all girls ana
frocks and wedding cake. III nave TO
go through with it. though, for Maude
sake. And little Katy Kenyon is to be
maid OF honor. She has never been de
cent to me; seems to bear me grudge.
again and pulled his cigaret-
The wedding was to take place at once,
and church rehearsal, with a supper at
the brides home, had been planned for
the evening before. Tom arrived at the
last moment, just in time to reach the
altar as the procession came up the
church First the ushers, then the six
bridesmaids, who walked stuffly. as II
with the weight of nations on their shoul-
ders. Toms eyes twinkled as he watched
them. On they came, these pretty girls,
sobered beyond their usual wont.
First time In her life Elsie Yates
hasn't danced along" Tom thought.
That Ashton girl Is so ugly. ., by
Jove-" Toms eyes fastened upon the
small figure of a girl walking alone. such
a pretty girl, with great black eyes, That
sparkled, and such a graceful girl, SWAY
ing slightly. in time to the stately music.
She glanced up as she neared him, and
demure look Of exaggerated pity came in
10 her eyes. Then she had passed him,
and taken her place near the bride.
Little wretch" thought Tom, biting
his bps, 81 always seem to strike her as
d joke"
The short rehearsal was over, and Tom
was walking down from the altar with
the tiny maid Of honor at his side.
You're 50 far away I can hardly
make you hear me, Miss Kenyon. I have
attempted 1t three times, and you are ut
terly oblivious.'
She glanced up at him quickly.
20, no, only sad, Mr.. Ainslje. am sor-
~ for you You bear up so wonderfully
wen,. too. II you want to cry little,
walk behind that pillar, and I'll excuse
a.. Tan-A Co.. flRrasa rfNlfnt az
No? Don't need It? You can stand II a
trif1e longer?"
What have I ever done to you. Miss
Kenyon? I'm an innocent individual who
never did you any knowing harm. wiz
not your kind and plying heart speak for
one who Is only anxious to let you walk
on him? And who only succeeds in
rousing your nasty, evil little temperT"
said Tom. in a distinctly melodramatic
manner.
She looked at him serenely for an in
slant. STUFF and nonsense" she said,
and ran of to Maude, who was calling
her.
He managed to secure the chair next
hers at supper, though Sheldon had his
hand upon the back OF 1t, and scowied
darkly at Tom when he sat down. Miss
Kenyon looked up with little smile.
30, so you are feeling kinder toward
me, now, are you not?" he said, bending
over her with the devoted air he had to-
ward women Because I want to ask
you a question. and l want you to an
swer it seriously. You Will? Well. why
do you not like me?"
The girl gave him curious little glance
and her lashes fluttered moment. Then
she answered, looking straight at him.
"You have too much Of the 'ConqueTing
Hero air about you"
"I didn't know that" said Tom meek
ly. Cant you help me to change Il?
Because like you, you knyw," in a
low voice, Every, very much"
He was staring at her hard, and saw
the rose tint deepen in her cheek. She
turned her shoulder toward him
Mr. Sheldon" she called. "you are neg
Iecting me shamefu1ly. Won't you come
over here beside me? Mr.. Ainslie is just
leaving" She glanced at Tom out Of the
corners Of her eyes.
Ainslie got UP instantly, looked at her
a moment, then with a quick how cross
ed the room to his cousin. sorry. Maui
die, but 1 must be leaving. Williams,
I'll see about those tickets" And he was
gone.
but after few moments his face cloud
ed, and the radiant smile was gone Miss
Kenyon evidently did not feel like taik>
ing.
All next day Tom could not get her
impudence Of her," he thought to himself.
out Of his mind. He was angry. THE
and resolved to ignore her completely.
But when he stood with the bridegroom
", ha ,icr oh, hat nd
saw her coming toward him in her lovely
white frock, his heart gave a queer little
turn, and then seemed to stand still. In
the quick glance he had OF her. he
thought she looked a little pale, but So
pretty. so wonderfully pretty. As she
passed by him, she looked up at him a
moment, but Toms eyes were fixed above
her head. and he never glanced at her.
All during the reception and supper Il
was the same. His eyes never seemed to
rest upon her. although he was wildly
aware of Sheldon's devotion.
But after the excitement Of the bride
departure had died away, and almost all
but the house party had gone. Tom came
up to her as she stood talking to Shell
don. His manner was as cool as It well
could be.
May 1 see you a moment. Miss Ken
yon?' he said, quietly, booking al Shell
don.
Mr.. Sheldon via excuse me?'' said the
girl. (which Sheldon did, with as pleas
ant an expression as ne could muster.
They walked through the long drawing
room to the little rose reception-room IN
der the stairs. II was quite deserted.
Il wish to apologize, Miss Kenyon. II
offended you last night. II Il perhaps