Gilpin observer., 1903-06-11


the green hills and meadows across
the stream. Her heart was full OF
hope. Richards recovery was SO far
advanced that he had taken several
rides in the middle of the day AL
ways he had passed the Van Heems-
kinks house and always Katherine
had been waiting to rain down upon
his uplifted face the influence OF her
most bewitching beauty and her ten
derest smiles.
AS she happily unused, some one
called her mother from the front hall.
On fine mornings 1t was customary
to leave the door standing open; and
the visitor advanced to the foot OF
the stairs and called once more,
"Lysbet Van Heemskirk! Is there
naebody in to bid me welcome?"
Then Katherine knew 1t was Madam
Semple; and she ran to her mothers
room and begged her to go down
and receive the caller. For in these
days Katherine dreaded Madam Sem
pie little. Very naturally, the moth
er blamed her for Neil's suffering and
loss of time and prestige; and she
found it hard to forgive also her posi-
tive rejection of his suit
And towards Neil, Joris had a Sc
cret feeling of resentment. He had
taken no pains to WOO Katherine until
some one else wanted her. 1t was
universally conceded that he had been
the first to draw his sword, and thus
indulge his own temper at the expense
of their child's good name and hap
piness. So, below the smiles and kind
words of long friendship. there was
bitterness. II there had not been
Janet Sempie would hardly have paid
that morning visit; for before Lysbet
was half way down the stairs, Kath-
crime heard her call out:
Here's bonnie come OF. But it is
what a. folks expected. The Daunt-
less sailed the morn, and Capt Earl
wi contingent for the West Indies
station. And who wi him, guess you,
but Capt. Hyde, and no less? They
say he has a furlough in his pocket
for twelve-month; more like it's
clean total dismissal. The guide ken
1t ought to be-"
mother shut the door of the sitting
room. great fear made her turn
faint and sick. Were her fathers
words true? The suspicion once en-
tertained, she remembered several
little things which strengthened it.
Her heart failed her; she uttered
low cry OF pain, and tottered to
chair like one wounded.
1t was then ten o'clock. She
thought the noon hour would never
come. Eagerly she watched for Bran
and her father; for any certainty
would be better than such cruel fear
and suspense. And. If Richard had
really gone the fact would be known
to them. Bran came first. For once
she felt impatient of his political en-
thusiasm. How could she care about
liberty poles and impressed fishermen
with such real terror at her heart?
Joris was tenderly explicit He said
to her at once: The Dauntless'
sailed this morning. Oh, my little
one. sorry | am for thee."
rs he gomez" Very low and slow
were the words; and Joris only an
bswered. Yes"
Without any further question or re-
mark, she went away. They were
amazed at her calmness. And for
some minutes after she had locked
the door Of her room. she stood still
in the middle of the floor. more like
one that has forgotten something, and
is trying to remember, than woman
who has received blow upon her
heart No tears came to her eyes.
She did not think of weeping or re-
preaching. or lamenting. The only
questions she asked herself were:
How am | to get life over? VIII
such suffering kill me very soon?"
About two o'clock Lysbet went to
Katherine. The girl opened her door
at once to her. There was nothing
to be said, no hope to offer. The
mother did not attempt to say one
word of comfort. or hope. or excuse.
She only took the child in her arms.
and wept for her.
Il loved him so much. moeder."
Thou could not help 1t. Handsome
and gallant and gay he was"
And he did love me. A woman
knows when she is loved
"Yes. | am sure he loved thee"
"He has gone? Really gomez"
mo doubt is there of It, Stay In
thy room. and have thy grief out with
thyself."
mo; will come to my work. Ev-
cry day will not be the same. shall
look no more for any Joy; but my duty
| will do"
They went downstairs together
| The clean linen. the stockings that
required mending. lay upon the table
Katherine sat down to the task. Res
olutely, but almost unconsciously, she
| put her needle through and through.