172 THE VILLAGE GIRL. 



except to save her from positive oppression. He knew exactly 

 the degree of discipline her wild temper needed, and he 

 restrained his own impetuous feelings, for the sake of her future 

 welfare. So he read, and studied, and painted, and lounged 

 in the drawing-room with his sisters and cousin, but seemed 

 to be gifted with one of those happy, poco-curante tempers 

 which nothing can ruffle or disconcert. 



Two years had nearly passed away since her father's death, 

 when Kate, one morning, entered unannounced into her 

 cousin's painting-room. 



" Cousin Harry, I am going home ;" says she. 



" What do you mean Kate ?" 



" I am going back to my own dear home ;" said she, bursting 

 into tears. " I cannot bear this kind of life any longer. I am 

 tired of being snubbed and scolded. I am sick of hearing how 

 often I mortify the pride of your mother and sisters. I am 

 not fit for a city life, and no one here cares any thing about 

 me. The very dogs and cats in my native village know me 

 better than rational beings ever will here." 



" But Kate, dear Kate !" 



" There 's no use in talking, Harry ; I have written to old 



