Mrs.Burton had a way of never blaming anyone, and slipped through life always thinking the very best of the people with whom she came in contact, crediting them with good intentions however far short they might prove of good in reality.
The sisters were alike in features and in their dainty, womanly ways, but in character they were a wide contrast.

Katherine, under her girlish softness and pretty winning manner, had hidden a firm will and purpose, a sound judgment, and a resourcefulness which would stand her in good stead in the emergencies of life.

She liked to decide things for herself, and choose what she would do; but Mrs.Burton always needed someone to lean upon and to settle momentous questions for her.
'Duke Radford was ready to start by the time dawn arrived, and Katherine was ready too.

It was so very cold that she had twisted a cloud of brilliant scarlet wool all over her head and ears, in addition to her other wrappings.

There were some stores to take to Fort Garry, and there would be others to bring back, as considerable trading was done between the fort and the settlement.
Very often when 'Duke Radford ran out of some easy-to-sell commodity he was able to replenish his stock from the fort, while he in his turn accepted furs in barter from his customers, which he disposed of to the agent when next he visited the fort.