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Kate lifted herself full height, and drew a deep breath "Well, I

guess I e a little Christmas after this," she said, "and

s I

needn't be such a coward I believe I canto think of so returns th she was spending She felt tied to Walden because

she owned the house, and could rely on working on shares with Aunt

Ollie for winter food; but there was nothing she could do there

and take care of the children that would bring , each year er and stronger; soon

they could help at so, if only she could think what The

tied, soul-

tiring grind, until sorew shabbier; things wore out and could not be

replaced; poverty showed itself more plainly So threetheir indelible ain she almost broke the spell that bound her, but she

never quite reached the place where her thought cleared, her heart

regained its courage, her soul dared take wing, and try another

flight When she thought of it, "I don't so ," said Kate to herself; "but I do seeht on"

Kate sat on the back steps, the sun shone, her nearest neighbour