Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 3, Number 18, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 2 November 1872 — Page 2

lauah and talk together just as Mr.) There's nothing particularly wrong Thuriton and I used to when—" to-night," she answered. "I was going "I pUv eit* with Geonre because it to a concert and Mrs. Joues forgot to is better tha-. doing nothing but ho leave me the money. knows and bis 11 ride knows, that they are wasting my time." ••My dear, you can't bealwrys studying and working! You muj-t have iv creation. It has pleased me so much to see you and George together—just as we used to be." "Just a« you used to be—when mother?" '•Just as I used to laugh and talk •n with his uncle when— How long it is ago!"

I have no time for laughing and talking and dribbling at fussy little music! If Mr. Thurston does not see Tctnnotgive him three or four evenings every week to him and his nephew, you must tell him so, or I shall have to tell him myself very plainly." K*te was growing emphatic. "But it makes no difference to him he only c*res to amuse himself! He's as selfish a man as I know. I hale to be poor." "Hush, Kate, I hear them coming pray don't—I'll intimate it to Mr. Thurston, or you might to George— but don't offend him, you have no idea how angry you look bit down again."

But Kate etood erect before the lireplace, her paleeyes burning green with rage at her mother, and at the same time a look of hamor about her mouth that Mr. Thurston rccognized and understood.

I hate to bo poor Kate shrieked a* they entered,—Georg« timidly, for he did not understand her bis'uncl? Htniling and shaking hands, iind looking full in K.ito's face, encouraging her moo'.

Why shouldn't you be poor, Kate?'* to siid. "Isn't there a skeleton to every house? There are much worse skeletons than Poverty." "You don't know whnt you aro talking about," answered Kate. "Poverty is tlirt worst skeleton that there can be in any houso."

MM. Pnrkinan made an imploring litllo sign to hor as Mr. Thurston seated himself but it was too late She was iriitated by Mr. Thurston's quiet air of possesion and by George's dejection. Sbo thought him stupid not to assist her, and dull not to lind any fun in the discussion. His hopeloss expression as lie fumbled in her mother's worK-basket made her quite reckless. "Poverty," sho continued, "is worse than crime, sickness.death, or disgrace! It is mammoih skeleton composed of all tlieso minor skeletons, and no one can stand up against it "Sho doesn't mean anything," said Mrs. Parkin.in, weakly. "It is Iho worst possible curse, the most blasting, insinuating, a!l-perva-ding, dire, overwhelming, crushing, grinding

Couldn't you use lorcible language?" suggested Mr. Thurston Couldn't you play an accompaniment to iiiuko your words stand out a stronger light

I'd like to boat tattoo on the skulls of the rich by way of accompanimen," sho answered. Her lips were cojnpressed but still there was a smilo in the corners of her mouth which led Mr. Thurston on. "She's very tired*to-night," Mrs. Parkman murmured. "Mrs. Jonoa's child has scarlet lever."

I am not tired at all, and I will talk liko a begg. lor ones in my life. If wo wore in our propor sphere among the lowest bepgars wo might bite ouch other and light for food but that vindictive luxury is denied us, for wo aro among the shabby-genteel poor."

Sho busrt out laughing, and pointed with oratorical gesture to one of the littlo boys, who ran through tho room chased by Jane his hat had a ragged rim, one of his stockings had co:no down, and he shunted in his large shab bv shoos. Jane caught him and carried him out howling.

The Shabbv-genteel Poor' is the subject ol my discourso this evening," Mho continued. "Tho uses of adversity!'Sour are tho es of advorsity Fiendish is tho purpose of Poverty. 1 address myself now to tho light-haired j'ouih, as yet unawakened, who affects «io converse apart and have no interest in the subject."

Mr. Thurston laughed, but George ?would not by any look show that he ^thought her amusing. "To the light haired youth," ahesaid, "I would recommend a "tin of cold pol son if he be poor. Souse, Wit, Beauty,

Wisdom, Philosophy. Knowledge, shall avail him nothing. Ills classical nose must be brought to tho grindstone, his pauper divinity must shapo his end."

Sounds well but it is A litllo obscure," said Mr. Thurston "aren't 3*PU getting good-humored, Kate

I am not getting good-humored and wish you would not interrupt me. To be cheap is to bo nasty To bo poor is no bo hideous To be poor is to be cruel -or indifferent! To bo poor is to be nar-..row-minded or skeptical! To be poor is to bo hard-hearted or crazy. To bo poor

Is to be Kra-Kru-Kreck-Kreeee—which moans all these bad things and much more thai I am too starved with hun-

S

er, cold, and weakness to express •ut you may see it written in mv Parkman. poverty-poititod phi/.,—only don't dare to stare* at me imjiortinently," she *aid, going up to Mr. Thurston, and jsbakiug her fist at him.

Ho clapped his hands and said, •'Very fine, splendid you've not your rquaf in the Woman's*Right's Convention You aro a littlo profane, but that is borne off in the final explosion." "I don't think vou ought t« encourage ber, Richard,"" said Mrs. Parkman, "aho might get into a habit of—"

It is loo late, my dear Mrs. Parkman she has studied in private, she's finished. l#ook at George, was there

ever a more convinced expression, and look at me: lam fixed. Nothing can turn me. Poverty is the wickedest, meanest, dirtiest skeleton that ever took possession of a house. It does everything that is bad except cramp one's genius. You must admit, Kate, that you could not talk so forclby if vou 'were rich, and you would never have mastered music as you have without the spur of Poverty." "If I were rich I should have a warm room to study iu, and I should not htve to waste three or four evenings every week on you and George." "It you were rich you would have more time to cultivate manner*, and to be less saucy to old gentlemen, little girt." "Kate, do come and play a little for me," interrupted George.

Yea, Kate, do," urged her mother. Perhaps, after all, the concert was poor, and you might not have been in time, or something,"

That's the hardest thing of ali," *aid Kate to George. ''Mother thinks I can found my view* of lift tir-i a disappointment about a paltry oil concert.

They sat down to the piano, and Kate looked no pale and worn that George's heart ached,

Oh, don't have views of life :r»,| opinions and things," hA said. *4T. me what'* wrong. What is it at xit the concert? Wbv an* you about Poverty Ui-olght, especially r"

Kate, if you would ask me to take you where you want to go, it would oe Kind and right. Sometimes I think you disregard me utterly." He played a doleful little air on tne piano and did not look at her as be spoke.

Kate understood bim, and felt that this was the time to be very clear and explicit.

George," she began, "I never ask any one to take me anywhere: I go to the Opera and to concerts as a student as you go to' your affairs in the morning. Music is to be my profession."

George meandered off into another tune,while he thought that he could offer ber nothing but sympathy and^ devotion.

Don't drum now," she said "I have something to say to you, and I want to hear what mother and cle are talking about.

your un-

I suppose lie is making love to her as usual you 'don't care about overbearing that," said George bitterly. "No, I'm very tired of tho whole thing, and I was quite in earnest when 1 said that you and he wasted too much of my time. You must stop coming here" so often. It would be better if you did not come at all."

How bard you are You can tell me not to coino here as you would tell a man at the door not to bring doormats for sale again. Is it really nothing to you wtiethcr I come or not?" The poor little tune faltered.

You make me very hard, George! I must tell you plainly that this is miserable foolery it can have no end for you and me. Motherand Mr. Thurston will not see it, and I must put a stop to 3'our coming hem, and if possible to your uncle's visits."

Mv visits wiil end very soon, Kate. I shall be sent to the House in Japan next month. My uncle sees more than you think. Ho considers this a good time to promote me. I am not gratoiul."

I think it is time he thought ol j'ou and your mother and sisters. I hope you will be promoted and will not be poor any longer. What did my mother mean then? Did you hear her say'I wish I thought so, but Kate was'—" "lam not listening to your mother! Will it make no difference to you whether I urn in the world or not? Going to Japan without you is going out of the world to me."

It must be done," Kate said firmly. "You must go out of my world and I must not let it make any difference to me." "Am I to go away without any hope that you wiil care l'or me. or write to me, or wish for my return I dare not sav any more. You are so cold!"

Ilis wandering on the piano ceased. He looked at her hopelessly, and Kule might have said something too kind if Mrs. Park man had not just then said distinct^*—"Kate will never listen, she is too proud—when she knows your motive. You know she was not in earnest, that's only her way don't at tempt it."

I suppose my uncle is about to propose to you, and you can't listen to two men at once," said George, rising.

Don't be silly, George: he's going to give mo a grand piano, or a course of classical music! Y'ou won't let me hear a thing!"

Yes, I'm going off you c^n listen to all they say, and mane tho most of it I give up any hope of your even looking at me lor a few moments," said George.

Don't be a boy, let's both join in their conversation and ask whether it be a piano or a daughter," proposed Kate, laughing,

Kate, one moment for my sake if it be a plan tor you to marry iny uncle, toll mefwhat you will say and do?" said Geoi-go.

I should be so angry and so hurt that Ishould say 'Yes/ without hesitation but Mr. Thurston* would under stand me and would retire in confusion, I know."

Then you refuse the matter at all My dear fellow, I you at all."

to regard me in

may not regard

George almost ran out of the room into the night. The blow was so shar(^ and sudden Kate, who had filled his life, now seemed years and years away! Ho ran and sang and was a madman ho had lost himself and her.

Had he lost her? What had she said? Could he make it out through tho time that he had been humming and drumming? No, my dear follow, I may not regard you at all." Did she know what sue had said? Did it mean outer darkness for evermore No hope, no chance, never a thought for him Would not her lonely life make her think of him sometimes? but his undo would ask her to marry him. and sho had said that she should say "Yes" in hor anger. His uncle would not understand that she was hurt and insulted he must have decidod that it was the best thing to do, otherwise be would not have proposed it. And by this lime it might all bo fixed. Why had he left her alone to be insulted He would run back to her before it was too late.

Perhaps it was his mad fancy, after all, and ho should find Kate quietly practicing and his undo lingering over bis good-night

The going back was not so oasily accomplished. George had no breath, no strength. Long after midnight he toiled up to his room in the fifth story of a boarding-house, flung himsell upon his bed, and tried to think what was to bo dene if the worst bad happened.

Tho worst would bo that his uncle had proposed and Kate had accepted bim. At tho thought he sprang up and wrote note's to both of thein. And so passed the wretched night, and fell asleep at dawn, wishing that tho good ship might founder that bore hiui away from Kate.

Kato had been much astonished to see him run so madly out of the room she had not meant to deal him such a blow. lie had been ever kind and thoughtfill for ber: sho thought him in lier heart as knightly as tm unde, more so. "tieorgo is incapable of such selfishness as Mr. Thurston's," sho said to herself. "He loves mora, and yet be will never como here again now that he knows it is wrong. Mr. Thurston will come as he choosca and murmur to mother, and chaff ine, and listen to my music, and give the children presents." And so thinking she closed the piano and walked to tho door.

Mr. Thurston said a word or two almost in a whisper to ber mother, and then to ber "Mpn't go, Kate, I have something to say to you."

Kate relume^ and stood before him, looking her most defiant* Mrs. Parkman made a rustling as if she were preparing to leave the room, when Kate said iu a voice of command—

I had rather not be left alone with Mr. Thurston." I'm siur, my dear, you can't object to my goi,itj." had rather not be left alone with Mr. Tl.: r»ion," shore pealed

rso

thai Thur- .on smiled.

fiercely

Are you afraid to hear what-I have to say 3*ou?" he asked. "Perhaps it is a ew experience."

What have you to say to me, Mr. Thurston?" she said, looking at him very coldly.

Do, Kate, dear, if you only knew what it was, you'd prefer—indeed I really must not—"

I really must insist upon your staying in this room uutil Mr. Thurston leaves it."

Your mother wishes to save you the embarrassment of listening to my suit. Kate but I am not a young man and I am old-fashioned. I have asked ber consent. I would make you my wife. Y'ou have known me all your life."

He iooked down at her so kindly as he spoke that she did not feel insulted it was a cruel fate, sho thought, but ber lot in life had never been happy perhaps he had some good reason for doing this.

May I ask you, Mr. Thurston," she said, "why you do not make this pro posal to my mother?"

Mrs. Parkman hid her lace in her hands. She doesn't know, Richard—about her father—it your father—" she sob bed.

Your mother is not convinced that your father is dead. There is no certainty, you know."

We know that he was shipwrecked ten years ago we know that he was not saved with them in the boat who dia come back, and—"

Don't talk about it Kate, I could never do it, never there might come a time, and you could be so happy."

I suppose you mean that it will be great happiness to mo to accept Mr. Thurston

Yos, my dear, if you'd only think so, I could die happy, then, and the children could—"

Live happy, I suppose," suggested Kate. That's it. We woidd all be so happy together, and you could not feel then as you do now about poverty, because 3 011 would be rich and need never tench music.''

Y'ou give me. then, to Mr. Thurston, mother," slid Kato. "Do 3*ou accept me, Mr. Thurston?"

I have asked 3*ou to be my wife," he said. I thank you I thought, a few hours ago, that I could do anything to escape the daily struggle but I can't. Y'ou will pardon mo. Good-night."

In ber own room sho sat down and wrote to George, who seemed all that she had to care for her in the world. The temptation to write him a love-let-ter was very strong. If be were going away it might not he so wrong. They were so young aud willing to woik, why should they not have a sweet future to look forward to? George would be tho happiest of men if she gave him but the faintest hope, something to live for during the long separation.

But the unwritten love-letter made the written note stern and cold. "DEAR GEORGE—Your uncle did ask me to be his wife, and I found I could not. He did not make me angry enough. I am going to work harder than ever. There must be no more humbug practicings. Don't come to see us except to say good-bye, if you do soon go to the House in Japan. "Remember me always as your fr'.end, KATE PARKMAN."

As she finished ber note to George she heard Mr. Thurston going he called her at the foot of the staircase and she went down to him.

Good-night, my child, I am sorry to have offended you," ho said. "Y'our mother is much troubled. Will you go to her now and comfort, her if you can

He held out his hand as she tried to pass him without a word. His gentleness made her pause for a moment.

We will understand one another in time, Kate," he said, "at least don't make me leel that I added to 3'our cares, What can I do for you "Nothing, Mr. Thurston, 'there are worse skeleton's than poverty.' She had tried to answer gaily, but her voice died away and there were large tears in her weary eyes.

He said again, "Good-night, my child," with such infinite tenderness that bis words wero a blessing and a balm, but sho hardened ber heart and went back to her room.

I will nftt go to mother just because be asked it," she thought. "I would notknow how to comforter her." But often in tho night she woke to remember that Mr. Tburston had thought of her, seemed sorry for her and that lie had asked her in vain to do something for him. Sho wished she had gone back into the drawing-room just to see whether her mother looked ill why should she? She would try to talk it all ovor to-morrvw. Wrhat. along night it was, bow kind Mr. Thurston was, how strangely Goorpo behaved: and so she fell asloep. Very oarly in the morning, beforo light, little Jane camo to her room and touched her gpntlv. "Kate," she said," I don't know what is the matter with mother."

Kate sprang up and looked at her little sister her heart seemed to stop as she tried to read tho frightened face of tbe child.

Is she dead, Jane? Tell me tbe worst now." "I think sho's very ill she told me to come for you, and she looks so queer."

Sho can speak, then cried Kato. What a relief it was that her mother had sent for her. All her strength returned she was with her in a moment, calm and sensible.

Kate," said Mrs. Parkman, "this is paral3'sis, I fear. I was very dizzy last night when I went to bed, and I can't move my left hand it is very numb."

Kate put ber arms arouna her and lifted her up in bed. "It's nothing to bo alarmed about," she said in a very steady voice "now try to put your band to your head let me give it a good rubbing first."

You'ro always so cool and quiet, Kate,when there is anything really the matter don't cry, Janey, dear, sister Kate Is mnking me feel better already."

Cant I take a candle and wake 'up James, and send him for the doctor, Kate? I won't be a minute."

Why yes. that's the very thing to do, and ask Maria to make up this lire, so that tbe room will be warm ana comfortable when the doctor comes. Better mother?"

I really believe I-'am. I wish I had sent for yon sooner. At first I was afraid I couldn't speak, and then I was afhUd of another stroke. Call James, Janey. Kate," she whispered when the child was ont of the room, "you will take my place if I should be a cripple, and don't think Richard Thurston ought to marry me—that's over long ago and be very kind to bim, for he's the best man that ever breathed say you'll try to take my place and bo a mother to the children/' place 111 do my best, mother," said Kate, in a choked voice "no one can ever take your place."

You mske me so happy, Kate. I •hall soon be well now tell Janey I

IERRE-HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL, NOVEMBER 2, i87-2.

am going to sleep, and that I feel a great deal better, poor little child," Kate found it bard to comfort littlo Jane, when her agouy was so great. She had little experience as a nurse. It seemed unnatural to her that her mother should fall asleep so quietly, looking as if she had no care in the world.

Perhaps she would never wake again! Perbaps she would only wake to bless them all and say good-bye, and she would never have a chance to tell ber anything to make ber last hours happy.

The thought seemed to be unbearable! She saw James come in and look at his mother before he went for tbe doctor, she watched the servant make the fire, she knew that little Jane was dressing the children, that the boys had come down stairs and had been quieted by tbe words "your mother is very ill she knew that she could not sit and stare at ber mother for ever at last she heard the doctor's voice and ran to ber room.

Her hands shook so violently that she could hardly put on ber clothes she cried a little when Jane came in and helped her, and said "The doctor wants to see you, sister Kate."

I believe you are an angel-child, Janey," she said, and kissed her as she left the room.

Mother must be dj'ing," thought little Jane, with a groat ache in lier heart.

Mr. Thurston and George came while Kate was talking with the doctor. James bad brought them. It was a great relief to see Mr. Thurston come in. He took tho doctor aside and talked along time to hi in and Kate went to ber mother. The doctor had given her many directions it was real happiness to do something intelligently. Mrs. Parkman was cheerful, onl3T the stricken arm and pale faoe told the tale.

She was to be kept perfectly quiet above all she was to suffer no mental agitation. The doctor would come again in the evening.

The doctor camo that evening and many evenings, and many mornings during the long winter months and still Kate had to take her mother's place. In the spring Mrs. Parkman was able to sit up the greater part of the day, but she was very weak, and the house was still silent and sad.-

George had gono to Japan, Mr.Thurston came but rarely in the evening, Kate had resumed her music lessons and bad a fine class. James was getting on well, too, and helping to bold up the old house. Little Jane was always tbe angel. But the wolf was still at the door. These young people had long and serious debates to keep their mother from knowing how poor they wore. Little Jane was admitted to a seat in tbe family council, and she proposed the wisest expedients but there was the pitiless piles of bills ever increasing Kate had been gloomily over-looking them one evening, and doing sums until ber brain was added. "I am going to throw them in tbe lire, James," she said, desperately "I can't bear them in my sight any longer." "It isn't James, it is Richard," said a voice behind her.

All the bettor, mother will be so glad to see you she is almost herself again."

Mr. Thurston sat down to the table with Kate, and took up ber pile of bills and her paper covered with the wretched little sums.

I am delighted to hear the old impatient tone," he said. "Are these what you can't stand?" "Yes, 'the butcher and baker and candlestickmakerI'm tired of their society," she answered.

And you are trying to fight them all single-handed?" Gracious! no—very much helped by Jaines, and really we have managed wonderfully."

You have fought a good fight this winter." Mr. Thurston, I havo been wanting to toll 3*011 ever since mother's illness that I know how wicked I was."

Don't look repentant, child. I have come to ask a favor. You would do almost anything to make your mother well again, would'nt you

Almost anything, I believe," she said. Would you pack up your clothes, and hers, and go off to my lodge in the country with me,and leave the scholars and leave the house and children to blessed Jane and James, and be my child for a few months and help me take care of your mother Do say you will help me

Kate put her hands over her face to conceal her tears. Tho fight had been to no purpose then she could not conquer alone. -Hor mother was to be lifted out of this slough of weariness and want by some one else. The magic touch of wealth Just a touch And sho had dug and delved and striven in vain.

Jane might go with you and mother!" she said, taking down her hands. "Jane might go, I know," said Mr. Thurston.

She's more helpful tban I am, and so sensible." And she would go wthout a word," said Mr. Thurston "but—"

And I could go on with my scholars then." "And we could como back and find you dead," he said. "Do 3*011 want to die and go to another country before you have seen anything pleasant here? Do you want to fly away aud leave little Jano with 3*our burden to tako up? Or do .vou want to be good

I don't want to be good until I have to. Mr. Thurston laughed. "I don't doubt it, Kate," be said. "Don't think I feel like a conqueror keep your sword have your little rebellions as often as yon choose, but help me this lime for your mother's sake. Will you

He took her thin, blue pale bands in bis, and waited for her answer. She threw back her bead and said bravely, "I will," and left the room to bring her mother in.

James, Kate, and little Jane held a more serious council In private. They made lofty terms of capitulation, and James used obsure phrases which he said meant business transactions.

Just as they appointed James to thank Mr. Thurston, and to explain to bim bow tbey proposed to manage

while Kate was away, he came is upon them and kissed little Jane, and shook hands with James, and said be was so rejoiced that their mother and Kate and be were coiug off to leave them to take care ol themselves, and were not coming back until Mrs. Parkman was well and Kate weighed two hundred pounds! '•Is Kate ill?" said James, as if he hsd never thought of that before.

Yes, my boy," said Mr. Thurston, "the doctor says if she is not taken out of this he will not answer for the consequences that's the reason I wish to go to-morrow, or the next day at the furthest."

I could pack tbem up to-night," said practical little Jane.

44

ou most blessed of cbildrra 11 Wh lievc you could and would," said Mr. Thurston, kissing her again as lie left them.

"Y'ou didn't say anything to bim, James I" "No, I'm on his side if you are ill. I think you might have told me before." "I am not ill, only tired," she answered and went to her room to realize that she had given up—surrendered unconditionally.

It frightened them all tbe next day, to see her lie on tbe bed and watch them pack, and write notes to her patrons, without one word of remonstrance she even listened to tho doctor's orders, and linalty allowed James to carry ber to the carriage. She looked so happy aud placid too! It was a sad puzzle!

Mr. Tburston ran back a minute to comfort little Jane, who was crying. "Thisis just the finest tbing in the world," he said "she'll not be ill now that she has given up." "She looks like a stained-glass angel," said Jane "so white, and hair so red. I can't bear it." "I'll tell her," said Mr. Thurston, "and I'll write to you what "she says good-bye again, Janey." "He's just tbe dearest old follow in the world," said James "he's thought of everything for us all." "If they onl3' come back well," said' little land "but I'm afraid and it's so dreadful not to know what they aro doingjill the time, and how they are, and what ihey want." •'Would 3'ou like to havo a magic mirror?" "No, I'd be afraid of that, too. I'm afraid of everything since mother has been ill."

If we only had George here now in tho evening to come in and talk about them," said James.

Yes, that would be tho best thing, because be seems to caro as much as wo do." "He's in love with Kate, so ho cares more," said James, in a tone of experience.

Jane had her private opinion, that no one loved more, or could be more anxious than sho was: certainly George could not have been happier than she, when her first letter came from Mr. Thurston. It was written on the night they arrived at his Lodge, He gave tbe best news of their journey, and said Kate would write hersolf in a few days, aud that ber mother would keep a journal for. her. "Which will be better than a magic mirror," said James.

Kate's first letter was to George. She tried to write to Jane, but she was 'not sober enough,' she snid. 'MY DEARGEORCE:—No ono except King David the Psalmist could do juslice to Ibis dear beautiful Paradise. 'I have been lying on my back in the sound of mighty waters, looking up, up, up at the hugo rocks and cliffs, and river-banks, watching tho thistle-down lloat like stars above me, looking at cbanco wild-llowors growing on kind, protecting shelves in tho rocK9, feeling so good and praiseful, and thinking that I would write all about it to you if I could begin to tell you anything. Nothing could bo told with pen and ink! •If you were here I should talk to you about it' •If you wish to realize your insignifl cance, come here where nature is so grand and glorious, and yet so gentle and tender, •Just at tbe edge of the terrace and lawn that slopes from tho house the river rushes oy—I mean it leaps, and roars, and claps its hands and over a

{y

recipice,

and then Hows on quite mild-

not many rods below us 'Above this waterfall, and within sight, is another fall, obscured a littlo by the trees, but ever shimmering and beckoning and throwing up white shapes, that gleam and glisten and laugh, and bend, and disappear and come again 'You can take a boat and row to this upper fall and bo drenched by the spray you can wander off to wildwoods, you can tako beautiful drives, you can climb down the river-banks, and get iulo the almost dry bed of tho river in some place*, and foel as far away from mankind as Robinson Crusoe. 'Mother is almost well again. Mr. Thurston brought us here to separate us from toil and struggle that we might got strong. I was exhausted after the winter work and nursing. 'I have been wanting all Ibis timo to tell you, Georgo, how kind Mr. Thurston has been ever since you left. I can understand it all better now when I seo bis life hero. 'He is as wide-spreading, and protective, and grand, as one of his ancestral oaks. I leel of so littlo importance that I do not even suffer from past misconduct to him. •I think he feols grateful to me for not marrying him in my wrath, and 1 think he is as sweetly and blindly in lovo with mother as he was twenty years ago, or whenever it was that they wore young and happy. Ills devotion to her is partly habit now, I suppose, and it is bis nature to be kind to tbe weak and unprotected. 'You can fancy what peace and rest it is to mother to live and breatho bore, with never a shade of anything disagreeable, not a ripplo on the smooth waters, 'This is not a largo house it has groat many little low rooms opening upf»:i a balcony in the second story. 'The first night that I camel crept out upon tho balconv into an atmosphere of damp woods, into the darkness and into tho rnshiug sound of water. There was the huge white phantom ol the waterfall within a stone's throw. 'I leaned against tho house, which seemed to be moving to the water, and soon the moon rose for me behind the trees that was almost too much. I have found out by some cbsnce remarks of the country people that mv father was born here. 'James Park man's daughter,' one man said, 'red hair and down look.' This was not complimentary. I fancy that the tenants do not smflo upon me as I drive about with Mr. Thurston, and so I am conscious of my down look. 'They owe Jame* Parkman's daughter a grudge for being his daughter. •I don't like to auk Mr. Thurston about tbe paatyet, lost it should hurt him to have t« tell me. Mother haa evidently made visits here inner young days.

I wonder if what Mr. Thurston is enjoying now can be any the least compensation to bim for what he has suffered here? I do not believe he refers to the unhappy time by any word or look. •George, good-bye. I have not an­

swered

your love-letters, because it is

not well for yon to be as constant to me as your uncle has been to my mother. *1 am always your friend, 'KATB PARKMAX.' 'I can't get over tbe moving-off sensation,' said Kate one evening at aunset to Mr. Tburston. 'I feci as if the house and lawn and trees were all going to the water whenever I look at tbe falls.'

Let's take a boat and row to the upper fall, Kate. You'll fee 1 very steauy when you come back, after seeing so much water in motion above you, and

the banks are beautiful in this light. I'll hail a boat they keep them on the other side, generally.'

Mr. Thurston walked to the edge of tho terrace and made a signal to a woman on the other side of the narrow stroam. A man came out of a cottage, got into a boat, and rowed over.

I)o come, mother,' said Kato. 'It's so peaceful hero, I am sorry that I suggested towing. I just made that fomish remark by way of moving off myself, to leave you tvyo old lovers alone.' 'Kate! hush, my dear. Mr. Thurston might hoar you.'

4

Well, won't you come, mother?' 'No, I'd rather sit here. I never did like going, so near to the upper fall.

Mr. Thurston to ask that man to I suppose he goes there very

Ask row you often.'

Kate walked to the boat and gave her mother's message. Mr. Tburston smiled. 'This young lady's mother will not trust her with me,' he said to the man in the boat. •Do vou know the pull to the upper fall?'" 'Ever since I was a boy,'said tho man 'been up there twice to-day.'

Kate looked at the man at the oars as she stepped in and made a grimace uncomplimentary.

What's your name said Mr. Thurston to the man. 'James,' answered the man, shoving off tho boat. 'Both of you sit down in the stern the lady is light.' 'Mother would not come with me,' said Kato. 'She's afraid. Sho says sho never did like this row.' 'There's nothing to be afraid of,' said Mr. Thurston. 'It's a stiff pull among the rocks in the current near tho upper landing. Sometimes you can't get ns near to tbe talis as 3*011 would like, but there aro always rocks to step out on up there. Look at those littlo wrens high up among the wild flowers on the right bank why aren't they in their nest asleep at this hour, like orderly young birds?' 'There's a snake there,' said James. 'Don't let's go, then!' said Kate. 'We are not going to the snake, Kate it wouldn't w:»it for us if wo were.' 'Idon't like nny of it!' sho said. 'Not the flowery banks, all awake and sparkling with color, and the old woods above going to sleep in tho yellow light?' •I don't like any ol it,' persistod Kate. 'Shall we tupi back, then?'

Yes, and come again another evening with you,' she whispered. •We'll go back, James," said Mr. Thurston.

The man obeyed, rowing, as he turned, nearer tho opposite bank. •Cross now,'said Mr. Thurston, 'or you'll get beldw tho landing on our side.'

Yes, you area goose we aro in tho swiftest current now it grows very rapid here so near the lower fall. What are you abovlt, man?'

The man made one or two strokes nearer the falls, to frighten Kate, Mr. Tburston thought be was now keeping in one place by rowing vigorously. 'What are you about?' said Mr. Thurston, louder.

Kato turned very pale, and clutched Mr. Thurston's arm. •I want to say a few words to you, Dick Thurston,' answered tho man, about that young lady by 3'our side. Are you going to marry ber?'

He throw his head back, and his hat fell off, brt Mr. Thurston know him to be James Parkman as soon as he said Dick Thurston beforo he showed bis great shock of red hair and bad eyes. •I am going to marry her,' he answered breathlessly, as a man with a rope about his neck would answer tho hangman. 'That's all!' said James Parkman, still keeping the boat from going forward by strong back strokes.

I wish to tell you and her that you have your choice betweeu going over tbeso falls, and swearing here to mo that you will marrv very soon. I'll give 'ou two weeks for settlement. You know me well enough to know that 1 mean what I say. I'll shoot you as there woods to bide in, if sho is not your wife before this moon wanes. De you swear, Dick

I do swear, to save berHife, and because she is already my choice." You'ro a liar! You swear, Kate

Y'es don't go nearer if you aro my father!" I don't care about going over tho falls any moro than eitherofyou,'' said tho man, with a leer. Pulling with all his might he gained tho landing in a few moments.

When Kate stepped out of tho boat. Mr. Thurston turned to Parkman and said 'You are as base and miserablo a bully as ever! Do you supposo 1 can't have you arrested as surely as 3'ou aro found lurking about my grounds

Play 3'our own game, Thurston you know mine. I shan't be found anywhere. I'll give you two weeks! I've not forgotten tho old days, nor havo you. Y'ou may support my wito as her son-in-law. I'll givo my daughter to you, as my wlfo's father gave her to mc! Kato is waiting lor you

Will nothing move you, Parkman Nothing not all your money in a pile. You know that I loved my wife when I married her. You know that sho loved you. If you had gone off as you might havo done, I should not havo gono to the dogs. The sight of vou rising as I sunk made a brute of mo. I ata a brute but sbo is my wife, and 3*011 are a dead man if you aro not Kato's husband in a fortnight.'

I tell you, Parkman, that I shall set your daughter free but Kato had joined them again.

Father, I do not wish to bo sot freo,' she said. 'You need not watch for Mr. Thurston's life. Wo will be married when you propose, I promiso you most sol«innl3'.' 'Bless you, my children!' said tho man, and rowed across the stream.

Kate and Mr. Thurston were silent until tboy drew near the placid mother, who said: 'What a short time you wore. I hardly missed yoti. Did you like tbo falls, Kate? I remember a fourleaved clover you found for me on that bank—do you, l^ichard ?—that time, you know.' "Perfectly!" he answered. "You gave it to mo, and said it was good IUCK 1" "And wasn't it?" "You liko Mr. Thurston much better than you did!" said Mrs. Parkman, on the following day to hor daughter, seeing Mato preparing for a drive. "Ifyou only knew him better!" "I'm likely to make bis acquaintance soon, mother said Kato. "I havo decided we had better be married. She left the room as she said this sho bad been trying some hours to devisoaplan for breaking tho news to her mother in case she and Mr.Tburston shouldthink it best to keep their promise to Mr. Parkman. "She's a very queer girl!" thought Mrs. Parkman. "I beliovo now she's falling in tove with Richard but that's not so Strang either. What will sho do next

It was a very silent drive for along lime neither Kate nor Mr. Thurston