White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1859-02-24

w az GShtOHs eiiO SiipPios oiuS-huc guess
ed Hugh Blaming could tell what had
become of her, if he chose Hugh, il
seems. heard of the remark. and to-day
he went with a dandyish doctor, belong.
ing to the navy, / believe, and beat the
poor cripple with a horsewhip, most
shamefully. think this violence has
ed suspicion against him.
81 am sorry not to have one pleasant
thing to say, except that we all love you
as warmly as ever, and hope to see you
soon here. Indeed, cousin Mark, l dread
to write it-but if you don't come soon,
think you will see father only on his
last bed.
Goodbye, dear Mark =!
"Your Cousin-LIZzY."
We viii waste no time in attempting to
analyze Marks conflicting emotions, but
follow him to Innisfeld, whittier he went
the same day. Great as was his desire
to see his betrothed, from whom he had
received no letter for many weeks. he
went first Of all, where duty and affection
called, to see the dear old man who had
been to him more than father.
Mr.. Hardwick was sitting in the cor
ner, but rose up with new energy as he
heard the well-known voice Mark was
not prepared, even by his cousins fore
boding letter, to see such change as his
uncle exhibited-the hollow eyes, the
wasted cheeks, the bent figure, the trem-
bling hands, bore painful testimony to
his enieebled condition. He held both of
Marks hands in his, and while his eyes
were dim in tear mist, said with fall
tering voice. "Bless you, m-my toy !!
I'm glad to see you once more. | tho't
| might hear my s-summons before you'd
come. You do remember your old IN
Gle p
Mark could not restrain himself, but
wept outright. The old gentleman sank
into his chair, still clasping Marks hands.
Neither could speak, but they looked to-
wards each other an unntterable tenderness.
At length, controlling the tide of feel
ing. Mr.. Hardwick said" D-don't be
cast down, Mark these tears are not b.
bitter, but full of joy. Tn there, now,
go and kiss your sister and Lizzy."
The girls appeared, wiping their eyes.
for they had left the room Sverpowered /;
they greeted Mark affectionately, and then
all sat down about the hearth. Topics
enough there were. Mark told OF his
pursuits and prospects. The village gos-
sip about the lost servant girl, (of whom
Mark knew something. bnt had reasons
for silence, the approaching marriage of
Mrs. Kinloch, and the exile of the heiress
from her own home, were all discussed.
After a reasonable time, Mark excused
himself and went to Mr.. Affords, pom
dering much on the strange events that
had perplexed the usually quiet village.
He reached the house, after a brief walk,
and was met by Aunt Mercy, the portly
mistress, but with something less than
her accustomed cordially.
Miss Kinloch is not able to see com
pany," she said, "and must be excused"
Mark poured forth a torrent of ques-
tions, to which Mrs. Afford listened, her
broad features softening visibly and at
length, with an apparent effort, she asked
him ''to come agin to-morror or the day
arter."
The more Mark reflected on Mrs. Al
ford's behavior, the more he was puzzled.
Had Mildred denied him admission i? His
own betrothed refused to see him No,
he was sure she was sick /; and besides,
she could not have heard of his coming.
So he soothed himself. But the imps of
suspicion and jealousy still haunted him
at intervals, and more miserable man
than the usually buoyant and sanguine
Mark, it would be difficult to find.
The next day, as soon as breakfast was
over, Mark, though trying to cheer up his
uncle. was secretly longing for the hour
when it would be proper for him to pre-
sent himself a. Mr.. Affords. But time
does move. albeit with tagging pace to
lover, and in due season Mark was on his
way. Near the house he met the farmer,
who greeted him heartily, and wished him
Joy with knowing smile. Mark took a
freer breath if there was any difficulty.
Mr.. Afford certainly did not know it.
But then it occurred to him, that shy
young ladies do not make con6dants Of
elderly husbandmen in long blue frCcks,
and his spirits fell again.
Mr. Afford leaned against fence and
threshed his hands to keep them warm,
while he told Mark that che had been
with Mildred privately out to the Probate
Court-that the case had been stated to
the ledge, who allowed. that, as she was
above fourteen. she had right to choose
her own guardeen-that he, Afford, was
to be put in, in place Of the Squire-and
that then. in his opinion. there would be
an overhaulin' SOS to hev things set to
rights" Ill
!. Mark shook the hand Of his good friend
warmly. and commended his shrewdness.
"But faint best to stan talkin' with
an oil Teller like me-" said the farmer.
"when you can do much better. Jest
look % %
Mark turaed his head. and through the
window of the house. saw the retreating
figure of Mildred. He bounded across the
yard, opened the door without knocking.
and rushed into the house. She had van
ished no one was visible but Mrs. Al
ford. who was cutting up golden pumpkins
in long coils to dry. r
Come, Milly,'' said the good woman,
faint no use; he saw ye."
And Mildred appeared, coming slowly
out of the buttery.