The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-01-17
WEE KITTY KENYON.


likes it?"
Tom wondered little himself. He had
been devoted to his cousin Maude, ever since
he could remember in fact, and he had al
ways had a vague idea that at some in
definite time they might make it go to-
gether." 1t would have been a convenient
thing for them both, for she would have
brought Clifton back into the family, and
Tom had the money she lacked.
"But l wasn't worth WHILE" sighed Tom
to himself pityingy, leaning back in his
chair and stretching bis long legs ort to-
watd the fire. I'm satisfied that don't
feel worse. Always was fond of Ma lie, and
it would have been a nice thing all around
Hope Williams is all right for her. Always
fancied the beggar myself And it seems m
to be best man. Beastly nuisance; all girls
and frocks and wedding cake. III have to
go through with it, though, for Maudie's
sake. And little Kitty Kenyon is to be maid
of honor. She has never been decent to me;
seems to bear me a grudge. Little Kitty
Kenyon" and Tom sighed again and pulled
his cigarette.
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 stiily, as if with the weight of ma
tions on their shoulders. Toms eyes twink
led 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 Ash,
ton girl is SO ugly. o, by Jove-" Toms
eyes were fastened upon the small figure of
q girl walking alone. Such 81 pretty girl,
with great black eyes, that sparkled, and
such graceful girl, swaying slightly, in
time to the stately music. She glanced up
as she neared him, and demure look of ex-
aggerated pity came into her eyes. Then she
had passed him, and taken her place near
the bride
Little wretch" thought Tom, biting his
lips, Il always seem to strike her as q
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 so far away | can hardly make
you hear me, Miss Kenyon. have attempt
ed it three times, and you are utterly obliv
ious"
She glanced up at him quickly.
20, no, only sad, Mr.. Ainslie. l am SO
sorry for you. You bear UP so wonderfully
well, too. If you want to cry little, walk
behind that pillar, and I'll excuse you to
the rest. Just for three minutes. No! Don't
need it? You can stand it trifle longer"
"What have l ever done to you, Miss Ken
yon? I'm an innocent individual who never
did you any knowing harm. Will 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 temper?" said Tom, in distinctly
melodramatic manner.
She looked at him serenely for an in
slant. Stuff and nonsense" she said, and
ran off 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 it, and scowled darkly at Tom
when he sat down. Miss Kenyon looked up
with little smile.
20, 80 you are feeling kinder toward me,
now, are you not?" he said, bending over her
with the devoted air he had toward women.
because | want to ask you a question, and
want you to answer it seriously. You Wilt
Well, why do you not like me?"
The girl gave him a curious little glance,
and her lashes huttered a moment. Then
she answered, looking straight at him:
"You have too much of the 'Conquering
Hero air about you"
Il didn't know that" said Tom, meekly
Cant you help me to change it? Because
l like you, you know" in low voice, very,
very much
lie 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
lectng me shamefully Won't you come
over here beside me? Mr.. Ainslie is just
leaving" She glanced at Tom out OF the
corners Of her eyes.
Sheldon sat down with a radiant smile
but after few moments his face couded
and the radiant smile was gone. Miss Ken
yon evidently did not feel like talking.
All next day Tom could not get her out o
his mind. lie was angry "The impudenc'
of her" he thought to himself, and resolved
to ignore her completely. But when h
stood with the bridegroom in the big churcl
that afternoon, and saw her coming to
ward him in her lovely white frock, his hear
gave queer little turn, and then seemed t.
stand still In the quick glance he had o
her, he thought she looked little pale, bu
so pretty, so wonderfully pretty. AS sh
| passed MN sne looked up AT MN u moment
but Toms eyes were fixed above her head
and he never glanced at her.
All during the reception and supper
was the same. His eyes never seemed t.
rest upon her, although he was wildly awar
Of Sheldon's devotion.
But after the excitement of the bride
departure had died away, and almost all bu
the house party had gone, Tom came up t
her as she stood talking to Sheldon. Hi
manner was as cool as it well could be.
''Nlay ] see you moment, Miss Kenyon?
lie said quietly, looking at Sheldon.
"Alr Sheldon will excuse me?" said tn
girl, which Sheldon did, with as pleasant al
expression as he could muster.
They walked through the long drawing
room 10 the little rose reception-room III
der the stairs, 1t was quite deserted.
81 wish to Apologize, Miss Kenyon, if
offended you last night. 1t is perhaps need
less to assure you that it was unintentiona
Will you pardon me?" He stood before her
stiff and straight, with his blonde head we
up.
The gir1 was picking a rose to pieces. He
fingers trembled little.
| az am sorry IL I was r1lda IN Won las