Gilpin observer., 1903-06-04
pered rapturously at its close. my

pered rapturously at its close, my
wife, my wife!"
Throughout the sleep of exhaustion
which followed. she sat watching him
The band of gold about her finger fas.
cinated her. She was now really
Richards wife; and the first sensation
OF such mighty change was, in her
pure soul, one of infinite and reverent
love. When Richard awoke, he was
refreshed and supremely happy.
The coach was waiting; and, with.
out delay, Katherine returned with
Mrs. Gordon to her lodgings, and then
home.
AS time went on, without being
watched, Katherine felt herself to be
under certain amount of restraint.
1t she proposed a walk into the city,
Joanna or madam was sure to have
the same desire. She was not for
bidden to visit Mrs. Gordon, but
events were SO arranged as to
make the visit almost impossible :;
and only once, during the month
after her marriage, had she had an
interview with here husband. For
even Hyde's impatience had recogniz-
ec the absolute necessity of circum-
spection.
The marriage license had been OBJ
tanned from the governor, but extra
ordinary influence had been used to
procure it. Katherine was under age,
and yet subject to her fathers author
ity. In spite of book and priest and
no foi, + q, Oh,
least three years; and three years,
Hyde-in talking with his aunt
called IAN eternity of doubt and des-
pair" Fortunately Joannas wedding
day was drawing near, and it absorb
ed what attention the general public
had for the Van Heemskirk family.
For it was a certain thing, develop
Ing into feasting and dancing; and 1t
quite put out of consideration sus-
picions which resulted in nothing,
when people examined them in the
clear atmosphere of Katherine's
home.
In the middle of the afternoon of
the day before the marriage, there
was the loud rat-tat-tat of the brass
knocker, announcing a visitor It was
Mrs. Gordon. and she hooded and
laughed in triumphant way that
very quickly brought Katherine to her
side. MY dear, / kiss you. You are
the top beauty of my whole acquaint-
ance." Then, in whisper, Richard
sends his devotion. And put your
hand in my muff; there is a letter.
And pray give me joy; l have just
secured an invitation. l asked the
councillor and madam point blank for
it. Faith, think am a little of a
fayorite with them! How is the
young Bruce? My dear, If you don't
make him suffer, shall never forgive
you. Alternate doses of hope and
despair. that would benny prescrip-
tion."
Katherine shook her head.
"On my wedding day, as left Rich
ard, this he said to me, My honor,
Katherine, is now in your keeping.
By the lifting of one eyelash, will
not stain it,"
MY dear. you are perfectly charm
ing. You always convince me that I
am a better woman than l imagine
myself. shall go straight to Dick,
and tell him how exactly proper you
are. Really. you have more perfec-
tions than any one woman has right
to-"
Tomorrow, If have letter ready,
you will take it,"
Il will run the risk, child. Now,
adieu. Return to your evergreens
and ribbons" And so, lightly hum
ming Katherine's favorite song, she
left the busy house.
Before daylight the next morning,
Batavius had every one at his post.
The ceremony was to be performed in
the Middle Kirk. and he took care
that Joanna kept neither Dominic de
Ronde nor himself waiting.
Katherine looked for Mrs. Gordon
in vain; she was not in the Kirk, and
she did not arrive until the festival
dinner was nearly over. Batavius was
then considerably under the excite
ment of his fine position and fine fare.
He sat by the side OF his bride, at
the right hand of Joris: and Rather
inc assisted her mother at the other
end Of the table.
Ito be continued.)