The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1911-11-23
KathIeen's Reward

1
disastrous results, her experiences
with sundry women and men left
upon her consciousness only an as
surauce that their ultimate intention
had been fair enough. That girl
friends borrowed her prettiest clothes
and returned them ripped and soiled
was no proof OF their meanness. Kath-
leen accepted the care Of little Billy
Rindge for an afternoon or OF Baby
Upton for day, and bore with sweet
ness and patience the responsibilities
they incurred, with the thought or
how much worse II must be for their
mothers to have said responsibilities
Indefinitely.
One afternoon, about 5. Kathleen
was pouring tea for Billy Rindge's
mother. Mrs. Rlndge was just back
from town and her arms ached with
the weight OF her shopping, and her
feet ached with the heat and too
much walking. and her head ached.
More than all. her heart surged and
filled and bubbled over with bitter
ness at the sight OF Billy's best white
.pique suit, over which swept In grace
full lines a perfect wonder Of green
and red paint. Billy had escaped Kath-
leen and everybody else Interested.
and invaded painters equipment In
Kathleen's kitchen while the painter
had his lunch out OF doors under the
trees. The trees were green, 80 rea-
soned Billy, and why not he! The
roses were red, and 30, with equal
reasonableness, why not he? This
was what Kathleen had made out OF
his answers to her remonstrances.
"You have no idea. Kathleen" Mrs.
Rlndge was saying. what a care that
child is. II ! should have another
one think / should die. That suit is
ruined, utterly. hopelessly ruiped.
or course, / don't blame you, you
mustn't think that, but really. isn't
It enough to break anybody's heart to
look at that suit?"
"I don't see how II could have been
helped, Amy" Kathleen answered
patiently. BILLY seems to know what
he must do and what he can't do, and
promises 80 sweetly and looks such a
dear when he asks you things. that
you don't know how to refuse him,
and then. suddenly. the world top
pies over your head and you emerge
to see Billy in some wretched Pills 1t.
But you must love him so. Amy!
| Think what a baby girl would be
like II she and Billy's curls and Billy's
eyes"
And Billy's love OF mischief and
Billy's guile and Billy's paint that
won't come off," interrupted his
mother. Now we will go home, X tn
leen, though ! do hate to leave here.
everything is 80 cool and restful."
But they did go at last and Kath-
leen watched them turn toward home
with relief in her heart. Suddenly
she bethought her OF something and
rushed madly out of the house after
them.
"Oh, Amy!" she shrieked after the
rapidly retreating figures, did you
get that ribbon for me and the lace
at Mark's?"
I'm so sorry-forgot II until
didn't have any time left" came
back the dlsjointed sentences, and
Kathleen's courage failed her. Her
dress for tomorrow nights dance
was a dream, but II had no sash and
she simply could not wear It unless
she had some lace to finish the neck
and sleeves.
A man on horseback met her be-
fore she reached her gateway. He
noted her detection. Maybe he thought
she would accept little cheering.
Anyway, he stopped his horse and
dropped at Kathleen's side In time to
be asked within for a cup OF tea and
a cake. II was very cheerful In Kath.
leen's den. There were just a few
chairs that we're made to sit In and
broad, low couch and fireplace
Before the fireplace Kathleen's favor
ite rug gave light to the otherwise
dusly interior, q prayer rug. all am
ber and ruby and summer-sea blue
Dropping upon II and resting ':er
head against q pile OF pillows. Kath
leen related her experiences for thai
one day.
"And she borrowed my pear
brooch to fasten her collar because
she came away In such a hurry thai
she forgot to put one on. and now
she has gone home and forgotten tc
give It to me-" Kathleen ended. She
looked tired and hurt.
Treated you pretty roughly. didn''
shei" sympathized the man who un
derstood.
Somehow his hand found resting
place on Kathleen's shoulder; some
how his voice found an extra tender
note.
II don't know, but II may be my
own vanity that's hurt" Kathleen sait
after a moment. 81 wanted to lool
my best tomorrow night, as II clothes
made the girl, and rs II anybody woult
care more for me In pink dress
than he-they-would In blue one.
She flushed at the little slip she hac
made.
Richard Prouty took immediate ad
vantage. He had courted the CO.
young woman all summer, afraid t
speak although impatient at delay
He told OF his love and his Loneliness
in hurried words and. inspired by hi
own impetuosity. dropped his arm Il