The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1907-12-07

afternoon at the art exhibition When
she was leaving she pushed her way
through the hall, and near the door
passed the same gay group who had
caught her attention once before
They did not see her this time, she
was sure; Louisa was eagerly critl-
clslng picture with a tall young lady,
and her brother was leaning over his
pretty blonde companion with some
laughing remark. No they did not
see her; she ran down the stairs. and
walked quickly along the crowded
thoroughfare. trying not to think
Why did she feel 80 hurt and angry,
and so inclined to cry? Why should
they have cared to recognize her--a
girl in a shabby gown? 1t was more
than year since they had seen her,
and then only for a few weeks-but
they had been such good friends dur
ing that short time True 1t was in
a country village where there was no
fashionable society, and boarding at
the same farm house, they were
thrown much together; and she was
very pleasant companion and had the
knack Of finding the shadiest rides,
and the hooks where the blackberries
4 grew thckest
II 1t had been anyone but Louisa
and-and Or Leigh She checked
rising sob and turned into side
street 1t was almost deserted, and
hardly half square away was tall
young man, coming toward her. She
recognized him instantly, and her
first impulse was to turn back But
no. he might have seen her-she
would not run away. She threw her
head proudly up, and looked straight
before her He might recognize her
now--he was alone; but she would
not see him. He was quite near now,
and her heart was beating fast Would
he pass her by?
Miss Graydon!" The joyful sur
prise in his tone sounded very gem
uino. but she would not notice 1t.
Eow do you do, DR. Leigh?H she
said coldly, ignoring his outstretch-
ed hand. Her expression changed.
Are you not going to shake hands
with me, Miss Katherine?"
She put her hand unwillingly into
his.
How long have you been in town?
Where are you stopping?" he ques-
toned
Il have been in town eight months"
she said distinctly and | am boarding
In South Benton street" She took es-
pecial satisfaction in naming the un-
fashionable quarter.
Katherine was an orphan and was
trying hard to cultivate her voice. She
managed TO make ends meet by TAX
ing pupils Of her own.
They walked on in silence a few
minutes They had turned into
street where the houses were tall and
shabby and built close together.
And you are living down here2"
he said, indicating the seemingly end
less row Of houses Alone, Miss
Katherine?n
Yes, alone. My landlady and her
family are very respectable and good
hearted. but hardly congenial Yes.
am practically alone This is the
place / can't ask you in. Dr. Leigh
IA have too much consideration foI
your feelings. Mrs. Hawkins front
parlor is something to weep over"
Now and then Katherine met DR.
Leigh walking In Benton street, and
he always joined her. looking sur
prised and pleased.
Shee knew he worked hard at his
profession, and also that the large
fortune left by his father rendered it
quite unnecessary. She ventured to
question him once when the subject
was touched upon.
Il love my work, he said. "And
should not be happy idle
But you need not be idle. There
are a hundred things to interest one
and fill ones time.
Katherine began to look forward to
these walks and talks, and to the
great lunches OF violets and hot
house roses she often found in her
room. with Murray Leighs card at
tached.
One day she found her washerwom-
an waiting for her with the plea that she
would come to see her sick daughter.
Il hate to bother YOU, miss, but
she's ben cryin' fur you an it seems
like she would git better II you would
come an sing fur her. She's that low
sperited she cant git well It's that
terrible la grippy, miss
SO Katherine went, taking with her
Leigh's lavish gift Of flowers
Il can at least add a little bright
ness to some one elses life, she
thought, and herself. felt brighter for !
the good 1t did the child,
She went often after that not know
ing how often she barely missed meet.
Ing DR. Leigh on the narrow stair
fase. Ono evening Murray Leigh stop.
ped quietly to listen a moment at the
half-open door. When the song was !
finished he entered without knocking,
and Katherine rose. flushed and agi-
lated and hade the invalid a hurried ,
sCood night % ,