The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-05-02

A bored look came to her face. She
put On her things nstlessly-it was
such a relief to be free from her
mothers vigilance. AS she unfast-
ened the neck OF her blouse. mans
SILK handkerchief, knotted about her
throat. exhaled the insidious odor of
pipe smoke With a little gesture of
pehemence. she pressed 1t eagerly to
ner burning cheek-buried her face
In its soft folds.
Mrs. Metcalfe bit her lip as Rather
Inc whimsically insisted upon climb.
ing to a seat beside the driver. But
she did not interfere and smiled with
what grace she could muster as the
Judge helped her to her place beside
him in the rear. They drove for
hours, up red and gold-spangled hills.
through cool valleys and along pic.
turesque stretches of level. flower
fringed road The girl scarcely spoke.
but sat In silence, drinking in each
fresh beauty.
Mrs. Metcalfe and Judge Gresham
kept up lively flow OF conversation.
The mothers constraint vanished.
The Judge was in one of his liyeliest
moods. When. finally. at twilight,
they stopped In front of the house,
Mrs. Metcalfe excused herself and
hurried inside. Judge Metcalfe de-
tanned Katherine a moment at the
gate.
Little girl" he began awkwardly,
ut hi I - a..
you, have been wanting to ask you
for long time. Can you guess what
1t Isl"
Il believe so. think So" was the
faltering reply.
You know, of course, why I've kept
coming here And yet I've lacked the
courage to speak
Katherine lifted an impulsive hand
end laid 1t on his coat sleeve.
"I-don't think you-have anything
to fear" she said with little smile.
The judge took her fingers and held
them close In his big warm palm
THANK YOU he said, land do you
think I might call this evening""
You may come In right now and
stay 10 tea with US. DO!
Judge Gresham followed her on up
the steps and into the dimly lighted
library. There she left him, with a
backward smile of assurance, till she
could remove her things" AS she
entered her room, Mrs Metcalfe look
ed up anxiously. IL couldn't help
hearing part of it. Kitty; beg your
pardon-but-you accepted him?"
Katherine suddenly sat down on the
edge of a chair and putting her ell
bows on her knees, propped her chin
In her hands. ibid not" she an
nounced.
You did not? But always hoped
i always believed-that YOU"
As a father. perhaps; not as-a
husband" came the thunderbolt from
her daughters pretty red lips.
20 Kitty" she cried.
Yes continued that young person
glibly. hes downstairs now. pretend
Ing to he waiting for me. In reality
It's you he wants to see. Now let's
hurry and get on the mauve dress;
do your hair In that nobby new style
and"
Mrs. Metcalfe lifted an appealing
hand. "Please," she implored. you
mustn't You don't know what you're
saying"
Katherine rose quickly, crossed the
room to her mothers chair and drop.
ping on her knees beside II took the
trembling little woman In her arms
Il know only too well, you foolish
little dove" she murmured tenderly,
I've known all along As for that
precious old muttonhead of a Judge,
do make haste and get into your rags
It's almost tea-time and you've a
guest waiting in the library. And
by the way. Muzzie. I'm going out
with Jack to the theatetr at eight
o'clock. This Is one time-I won't be
made to play second fiddle,"
= Three hours later, when Katherine
returned. the light was still burning
brightly In the library and with her
finger on her lips she ushered young
Baker supertitiously into the drawing
room across the hall.