Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1867-12-06

In an instant Bertrand Stevens was at the
foot of the stairs and had flung the large door
wide open. Through this Ash Duncan saw
the carriage standing there, and large fair
woman whom he recognized as Leo Ander-
sons sister-in-law, supporting Barbara. He
saw Bert stride down the steps aud across the
pavemen. to the carriage with the air of one
having authority, aad heard Barbaras start
led cry as she opened her eyes and saw who
was beside her.
."TIave you come at last, Bertrand I am so
glad 7"
without 80 much as ''by your leave. sir"
from Mrs. Eiliots arms and bore her into the
house, leaving Ash and Kathe to make what
ever explanations they might think neces.
sary.
1t was pleasant to feel her head lying
against his shoulder once more, and the touch
Of her hand on his neck thrilled him. He
could not forbear kissing her right there in
The Lall, even before he asked:
Are You Dhuty huft, uafilnB
'No, not very. The worst hurt was to think
that You had forgotten me-"
II have never forgotten you, Barbara-never
ceased to love YOU
She nestled closer to him when lie said that.
| do not think that even he guessed how she
had hungered for those words that set her
fears forever at rest.
s.Are you mine yet, Barbara? -
She looked up tia.idly into his face.
"Maybe you would not care 10 ask me that
question if you knew how near / came to ac-
cepting another man to-day"
'Leo Andersen. Yes, know and knowing,
ask you the question just the same-do you
siill love me we'll enough to be my wife Re-
member, dear, you are deciding my lfe's hap
piness as well as your own
Well, it was like Barbara Brandt to give
him the promise he asked for without waiting
TO inquire what had kept him away so long.
He made that all clear in a moment, however.
A sentence or two Of explanation while Ash
and Kathie were coming up the stairs, and
Barbara face showed that she understood
Women have good memories sometimes, and
Barbara was woran enough 10 remember Miss
Derringers old time rartlality for her brother,
aud to connect il in some way with the pres
ent situation.
Ash came in with an odd mixture Of alarm
and pleasure and quzzical fun expressed in
his coun.enance.
Barbara, Mr.. Anderson says he sent for a
physician before bringing you home, which
was very prompt and kind Of him. I'm sure.
Shall We have the doctor up when he comes ~
looking at her bright face which certainly
was not calculated q; This moment to cause
him much uneasiness on accoun, of her inju-
ries.
"Certainlv." returned Bertrand. speaking
for her iliaye him up by all means. I'm
afraid she's hurt more than any of US know
yet.
"No I'll venture to say you haven't given
her chance 10 say yet whether her neck is
broken or not. re.orted the brother good-
humoreIly. "Shall | give her your message
Bert?a
s'Thank you, it's quite unnecessary. con-
cluded to deliver i, myself.
And thus kathie broke in with Swell,
don't care, I'm sorry for Mr.. Anderson, Bars
bara. Ash had to give him hint, by way OF
explanation, yen know, as to who Bertrand
was and he looked hurt and proud, too-bu.
he sent his compliments to you, and shook
hands with Ash and me- and said he wouldn't
intrudc again till You were quite we'll, though
he hoped to hear from US all through his sister.
in-law. who would call Tomorrow morning to
inquire after you and then he bowed and
went off. And he's just love Of a man,
think-such a nice moustache and such q
pleasant way of speaking and I'd marry him
myself, if he d ask me, just to spite you all, ;"
wound up sweet sixteen with enthusiasm.
Ash laughed at this outburst; Barbara
smiled little, while Bert whispered. mis-
chievously. "Are You sure you won't regret
the nice moostache and the pleasant way,
Barbara.
How many true thing is said in jest
Before year had passed Kathe Duncan was
Mrs Leo Anderson. But it was Bertrand
Stevens who furnished Ash the money to fit
himself for successful business career by q
course of study at the bcs, commercial college
in tie Union. Aud Mrs Barbara thanks God
eveay day Of her life in that he has blessed
her in the love of a man whom she can truly
"Lovc, honor, and obey.