News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1914-06-24
CHAPTER X.

Katherine was just as much amazed
at meeting Hayes as he was at find
ing her at the door.
Il didn't know you would be here"
Katherine apologiZed, otherwise I"
Bob's expression silenced her. She
had never seen such an expression in
his eyes before. Katherine was radi-
antly beautiful today. She knew it.
More than that, she had taken par
ticular care to gown herself in an
exquisite afternoon dress of dull blue,
a gown that had been draped accord
ing to her own fastidious design. But
in BOb's eyes there was no response
to her beauty or her clothes or her
poise. He didn't even attempt to dis
guise his disgust at her effrontery in
invading Mrs. SHADES retreat.
Il want to see Mrs. Slade," Kath-
crime finally announced.
Upon my world" his voice was
low, but hoarse. Il never heard of such
a thing as your coming to this house.
What Go you want here? Want to tell
that little woman you're after her?
w lldC w yOu NdII HcIS
will you kindly tell Mrs. Slade that
l am here?" Katherines eyes were
hard and her mouth thin strip Of
determination.
First, | want to know what you're
going to say to her." Hayes demanded.
Whether l say it today or tomor-
row doesn't NATTER" Katherine an
swered, quietly. "I'lI say it. So you
might as we'll let her know I'm here
and co."
"All right, but do you think you had
better risk it? You look out! When
she discovers" Mary's entrance at
this moment checked Hayes warning.
She looked questioningly, first at Kath-
crime, then at Hayes.
"Ill be back, auntie, in very few
minutes" Hayes remarked. I've got
to work on my car. This is Miss
Strickland" and he shut the door.
"Oh - Miss Strickland" repeated
Mary, very much pleased, but very
much in awe of the senator's daughter.
"You called on me once before, but
i had headache. I've often wished
since l hadn't had it. Won't you take
off your things and sit down. It's very
kind of you to call"
Katherine thanked her and sat
down. She had not expected to find
such a sweet little woman in Mrs.
Slade. The woman was so little, so
fragile, so harmless and helpless in
appearance. Even the old-fashionedi
cottage made it's appeal to the girls
sensitive spirit; the shabby furniture
gave her vision of what SHADES ear
lier life with this woman must have
been. Instead of her usual poise, she
found herself quite a little at a loss
to know what to do or say before the
frank, sincere gaze of SHADES wife.
The questions she had meant to blurt
out soon after her arrival remained
mutely on her lips. Instead she found
herself answering the questions that
Mary Slade was asking.
She found herself telling the woman
of her own struggles against increas-
ing poverty, talking of her own hopes
and ambitions.
Mrs. Slade, l don't say this is a
social call" Katherine found herself
as frank as the woman at the other
side of the table.
"You-you know all about my
trouble, Miss Strickland"
yes, that's what I'd like to talk to
you about, without offending you, if l
might. You see, this trouble comes
very near to US"
How does it come near to you, my !
dear?" Mary interrupted.
Mrs. Slade," Katherine set herself |
bravely to what she knew would be /
a bitter task. MY father is virtually /
a beggar. You know how we livel /
People think we're rich. Well-we're |
poorl We're getting poorer every day. |
Every penny is tied up in-politics.
My father was the first to see Mr.. !
SHADES strength. He is now living |
on Mr.. SHADES future"
Mary nodded.
- Mr.. Slade is a very important man"