The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-12-18
REBELLION OF KATHERINE.
BY DoROTHEA NoURsE,

Woodsville, Sept. 16.-Dearest Ger
trude: If had lived hundred years
ago, l should at this moment be
locked in my room, white and droop-
Ing with despair, and in time would
languish away and die of a broken
heart. However, am a twentieth
century girl and will break my heart
over no one. What is more, l won't
allow it to have the least little nick.
10 be more explicit, Jack and l have
parted forever. don't propose to
lose my American independence for
any man. If | am to be cooped up
after am married and never speak
a pleasant word to any of the men I
know, | won't marry, that's all. Nat
urally | did not want Jack to think
was pining for him. so l thought
would get new gown or two, and
have just as good time as possible.
| went to father. He asked me how
much money | would need, and when
| told him-a very reasonable sum,
assure youths parental wrath was
Immediately kindled Daughter Kath-
ering was lectured accordingly.
Among other pleasant things he re-
marked that if I saw fit to break a
desirable engagement without shaG-
oW of an excuse. well and good, but
after this | must economize, as he
would no longer pay such enormous
bills for me. That made me pretty
mad, for have not had new dress
this month. From that moment I
made up my mind that I would be
independent. 1t is not that mind
economizing, it's the spirit of the
thing. If my father considers me
tax on his purse. ! will remove my
self.
| have decided to be governess.
Ones life must be lived through some.
how. Devotcdly yours. KATE.
Cnlcag0, Sept. 25.-My Dear Ger
trude: You have no idea how your
letter comforted and strengthened
me. You see by the date that l am
at Aunt Cora's. l came here so that
| might meet the woman who wishes
to employ me. This morning | went
downtown to interview her. You
would hardly have known the staid,
dignified individual who meekly an.
swered the hundred and one ques
lions that it seemed necessary for
madam to ask:
Finally she announced. in cold
bargaining tone of voice: Il think
you would suit Ue. You have a pleas
ing personality and that is quite an
important thing with children"
wanted to box her ears. Pleasing per-
sonality, indeed! suppose she thinks
her lovely infants will absorb some
of it! But | refrained from saying
anything about my inmost feelings,
and humbly begged leave to think it
over for one night. Your affectionate
friend.
KATHERINE STANDISH WOLCOTT.
WoOdsville, Oct. 10.-Dear Old Ger
trude: | must write Immediately to
tell you the sequel. The day after
writing you, | looked pale and sub
dued enough to teach SO children, for
wept oceans Of tears that night
Just to the minute of the time | had
agreed to give my answer there was
ring at the bell, and the maid came
up to tell me that a gentleman wished
to see me. | mustered all my failing
courage and descended to seal my
fate. The reception room was so
dark that could hardly see whore
the man was standing, but | began
my little speech without trying to see
him. Before | had said more than
Good evening, Mr.. -" he stepped |
quickly forward, drew me into his |
arms. pressed my head against his |
shoulder-thcre was something won
derfully familiar in the feel of those
arms-and voice | knew only too |
well though it was husky with emo
ton, said: Kitty, darling, how could |
you?"
If Jack had rot taken me so I'M
awares, should have had time to
collect my wandering wits and be
little child, but as it was, | simply
put my arms around and chung TO
him. sobbing as If my heart were
broken instead of perfectly sound and
whole
Jack says they are going to have
the finest cotllion of the season next
week and of course, | promised to
dance it with him.
must stop now, dearie, for | have
an appointment at the dressmalers.
AS ever, your loving KITTY
p. S.-Of course, you know you
are to be my maid Of honor.-K. w.