Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-03-17
initial on a towel for Kathleen's linen

initial on a towel for Kathleen's linen
chest.
Later. when alone with her husband,
he also turned pale at tho recital.
Dewitt" he reflected, that name does
sound familiar. do you suppose. but no.
it certainly can't be-
at may be false impression" Mrs
Summers tried to speak reassuringly.
After what I know to be Kathleen s
feelings on the subject l do not think
should needlessly alarm her."
who could tell us?''
Old Jane has the papers. She took
them with her by mistake. thought
they would be safe with her and told
her not to send them back will write
at once about this matter, and tell her
Kathleen is going to be married.
"Where is she now" asked Mr.. Sum-
mers.
I'm Ireland; but probably our fears are
groundless."
The preparations for the wedding went
on. 1t was to be a simple wedding in
the little country Episcopal church.
Afterwards their relatives and a few of
their most intimate friends were to as
semblc at the Summers home for fes-
tival on the lawn
Being engaged did not seem to agree
with Kathleen. When questioned she
would reply: why? isn't that consid-
cred the surest proof I'm in love, that
I'm getting thin? Besides. I am busy
now; there is so much to be done"
To herself she whispered the reason
she had seen Charles just back from
Europe. and the old. deeper feeling re-
turned to her She knew she was fond
| Of, yes. very fond OF Dewitt and she
would not grieve him by retracting her
plighted word.
At first Charles absolutely refused TO
act as best man; but yielded when De-
witt reminded him OF their agreement.
| Meanwhile, Jane. now Mrs. Shan
messy failed to send the papers and Mr..
and Mrs. Summers forgot their fears.
The wedding was to be at noon. The
two bridesmaids looked traditionally
sweet and cool in white organdies. pink
roses and picture hats. The bride lovely
| in white lace gown. passed down the
aisle on her fathers arm.
she looks like a fairy" the people
murmured.
The ceremony had begun, At the door
old woman, her bonnet on one side, and
putting for haste. At the commOtior
more than one head turned in her dircc-
ton. The sexton grasped her arm. try
ing to calm her She broke away anC
rushed to the Chancel.
stop she cried,
The minister paused Kathleen looked
bewildered: while Dewitt angrily ex'
claimed. What is the meaning Of this?
Sure" she said, "yc'l be committing
a sin
Kathleen shrank away from Dewitt anc
would have fallen had not Charlie:
caught her,
TO the Vestry." said the Minister
leading the way.
Already Mrs Somers had recognized
Jane talking cxcitedly and pulling on
papers from a black bag. With the cry
1T isn't true it can't be true Kathleen
sobbed out, on Mother are you no
my own Mother"
Mrs Summers gathered the bewildere'
girl into her arms. Yes. Kathleen
dearest IL is true but We love YOU jus
as much. God gave us no daughter, bu
he let us find you. And ah. aren't W
lust as much to YOU as If We were YOU
own
Kathleen chung closer and tighter
n Meanwhile Mrs. OShannesy. Dewitt
and the Minister had looked over tn
papers There it was in black and white
u the birth records Of Richard Dewitt
9 of the little sister. Marion Dewitt, an
n the adoption Of Marion Dewitt whereof
n she became Kathleen Marion Summers.
ut must be true, Kathleen dear;
have lost a wife. but have gained a sis
r tor" said Dewitt, not without trace c
u regret in his voice.
| The story was soon ttlu. Jtllt lIdu thh'
" KYthleen away from her early hon
to put her in an asylum. when she coul
rot bear to part with her, so kept he
l. Their fearing she would not be able
>. shield the child from a life OF povert
and meeting Mrs. Summers she gave h'
the baby. provided she could stay
nurse But O'Shanncsv came along, ar
y. Jane left the Summers home.
- "Why had she not sent the papers
u Talking il over with O Shannesy 81
decided To come to America herself al
= surprise them. The ship breaking dow
D." in mid-oc"an made hen almost too late.
4 few weeks later Kathleen and ID
charles Reed were quietly welded in Il
little church with Dewitt Lee as Be
Man"
Copyriehtcd. 1909 by tho Foreign Stor
Syndicate, burlington, NtD