New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1916-10-16
How Katie Was Ready for Her
Wedding

Wedding.
ure had felt in getting ready for my
! own wedding In the help I was able
to give Katie in her simple prepare
tons.
Katies volatile nature dubbed into
almost constant smiling chatter as
through with her homework that she
might find time to work upon her
simple trousseau.
I had presented her with the ma
teriaIs for her wedding gown, and,
indeed, had provided practically all of
her outfit. I had suggested to the girl
that she be married in the pretty
little blue coat suit I had provided
for the short, inexpensive trip which
she and Jim were to take, and for
which Dicky had provided the funds.
But Katies face had fallen and her
expressive lower lip had trembled
when T had spoken of it.
ooh, dear Missis Graham" she had
said mournfully: you so goot to me
I want to do joost vot you say, but I
not feel married to Jim one bit if I
no have me white dress and wreath
and veil like girls in my country
Of course, capitulated at once. 1t
would have been a harder heart than
mine that could have resisted her eyes
and her tremulous smile, and Katie
and [ had spent a day in the New
York shops which was highly salts
factory to Katie if rather discourage
ing to the remnant of the money T
had saved from my Lotus Study club
salary.
I had carefully kept that money
separate from that given me by Dicky.
It was a foolish feeling, perhaps, but
it seemed more mine because T had
earned it. Out Of it each week
conscientiously paid Katie's wages
and put the rest in a checking &C
count, so that I could draw any Of it
at any time for any little expenditure
for which I did not feel like taking
the housekeeping money.
But I did not begrudge spending 1t
on Katie. 1t was only because of her
faithful, efficient service that I was
a BILE to earn this money for myself.
felt so much relief at the knowledge
that Katie's marriage was not to de-
prive me of her services that I would
gladly have spent twice the amount I
did upon her.
Why Katie Smiled.
Dicky's mother at first was slightly
incensed at what she termed my
criminal generosity" to the girl But
g fter I had carefully explained to her
that it was my own money, not
Dickys, that I was spending she felt
better. And when Katie, announcing
her intention Of making everything
nice and clean" before she went away,
went through the house like an indus
trious whirlwind sweeping, securing,
washing windows Mother Graham
r erceptibly thawed toward her.
THE girl really seems to have a
sense of gratitude" she said as she
her one day, and shortly at
terward found her sewing upon some
Of Katie's things.
THAT girl ought to have some
sheets and pillow cases and towels"
she said. Hasn't she any idea Of
what she will need at al? ?"
IT will speaek to her about 1t, I re-
turned quietly, and when I had an
opportunity T preached the subject to
Katie She listened respectfully to
what / had to say, but seemed to be
with a desire to laugh. |
When I finished she could not repress
a giggle.
"You joost wait ten minutes" she
said systematically. DOT all time I |
need to feex everything"
She left the room abruptly, and I |
hear her running up the stairs to her
room [ could not understand what |
she meant and when in a few |
moments she came back again, her |
face aglow, [ wondered vaguely at the !
cause of her pleasure.
"You plees get old vomans and |