Page:Sheila and Others (1920).djvu/201

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CONCERNING CATHERINE
189

still beats the hopeful and tremulous heart of youth.

Catherine's ample breast should have pillowed young Canadian heads, and her warm heart concerned itself with the clacking cares of a happy brood. She would have made a devoted mother. Fortunately, it is doubtful if she has any suspicion that she has drawn a blank in life's lottery. She is fortified by an inner conviction of prosperity, and enjoys an income that in proportion to her wants I sometimes feel to be enviable.

If you were to meet her on the highway, you would probably take her for somebody's best aunt, she has such a heart-warming look of integrity and dependableness. A very pleasant and acceptable sight in these latter days.

Few there be who have the good fortune to approach the adventure of life through their own most direct and natural channels. Almost always we have to fall back upon second choices, second chances. It is so with Catherine. The more vital relationships for which she has abundant capacity, she knows only vicariously. The wandering tendrils of an affectionate nature, prohibited natural outlet, seek some touch upon reality in the experience