Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1870-06-16

doubt if he would have seen 1t if there had
been q fiery sword suspended there, di-
rectly before his eyes. But when his un
Gle dashed up directly before the windows,
| ano the hery eyes and distended nostrils
OF his powerful roam stallion were 50 close
to TIE glass against which Ralph leaned,
that 1t was Obscured by the steam from his
nostrils, he started involuntarily, and
turned round just as his uncle threw open
f4Ae door. Something in the flushed face
Ind firm ap-something 30 unusual from
Slha gay, genial, joyous expression which
usually characterized it-sent q little chill
OF apprehension to his heart, quickened,
possibly, by the circumstance that he did
not feel quite satisfied with either his own
conduct, heart, or feelings But Tom Ar
mold never beat about the bush his alb
rnptness and impctuosity always brought
him strtight to the point, and so, without
the least decentralization he came at once
to the object of his visit.
I'm straight forward fellow, he said,
advancing straight toward Ralph, and not
noticing his sisters suggestion that it ''was
going to snow,'" land l like straight for
ward dealing in others. don't ask any
man to marry my girl, but by heaven no
man living shall trif1e with her heart,
| playing fast and loose for his own amuse
ment while 1 live. This noncommittalism
has lasted plenty long enough, and pro-
pose to put an end to it without further
ceremony. What do you say, Ralph An
| dersons' ts,.., r.
simply this" Ralph cried, firing up at
the threatening tone, that viii not be
bullied into anything. If you mean that
have trifled with the heart of my cousin,
/ have only to say that If she insists on
my marrying her, ! will do SO, but as |
have never asked her the question, l
think"
Never asked her the question |" in
terrupted Arnold, holly. "You are not a
fool, Ralph Anderson, and you know that
you have constantly sought her society,
and led her to believe you intended
making her your wife, until this girl Of
whom gossip speaks none too fatteringly,
crossed your path there is q little roman
tic reserve-planned, doubtless, by her
a meeting or two, by accident, OF course,
and your honor, If you ever had any, sat
isles itself with, never asked the ques
ton y"
"Tom," broke in Mrs. Anderson, ap
pealingly, "don't be 30 unreasonable and
hasty | am sure Ralph intends marrying
| Blanche, but you must remember he has
been at home but little over two months
do not see the necessity of such great
haste"
Mother, did l ever say anything TO
you about marrying my cousin' You
have all of you forced the issue upon me,
| and have not been blame'ess admit
| will 60 further and say that have some
times thought 1t very probable that |
| should marry Blanche some day, if she
| consented. But, before God, mother, |
never tried to win her heart, meaning to
cast it aside. Perhaps it is ungallant in
me to say it, but it is true, nevertheless;
Blanche has used thrice the arts to be
wilder and enthral me that ever did in
my thrilling with her. They were pretty,
and thought then, innocent little arts,
and rather liked them, and gave myself
up to the enjoyment OF them, wrongly
and carelessly, see now, but not inten-
tionally So"
"Stop" commanded Arnold, his ford
face growing white and rigid. II do not
ask you for excuses, young sir my girl
shall never marry an unwilling lover she
would die with shame If she knew that
was here, listening to them. / simply ask
you If you loue my daughter--yes or no
nde 10 excuses" 4
al you will have it then, no, do
not!' Ralph said. firmly and haughtily.
Tom Arnold turned and walked alb
rupily to the door; then, looking back,
he said slowly:
"From this day, henceforth, never let
me see your face inside my door. If you
were not her child, would curse you"
The door came to with clang, and an
instant afterward the fierce thud of horses
hoofs, growing rapidly fainter and fainter
in the distance as other instants followed,
gave assurance that the interview was
thus abruptly and angrily terminated.
"Ralph, dear, you will think better of
this?" his mother asked, anxiously, laying
her cool hand on his throbbing temples,
and smoothing back the silky chestnut
hair, as she had done 30 many times when
her boy was flushed and heated with
anger "You know how quick Tom is
and you are SO like him-and Blanche is
the apple of his eye"
"An apple of discord,' just now,
should think" he interrupted, drily.
"And you know, Ralph. We have all
depended on it," she continued, earnestly,
"snd it is generally understood ell over
the neighborhood."
"Confound the neighborhood / wish
was fifty leagues from land, and will
be, II this thing is going to continue, In
less than ten days, If have TO throw up
my commission, and ship again before the
mast" ,as.
He was walking the floor now, his blue
eyes darkening and flashing, his hair toss.
ed from his flushed forehead, and an ex
preston of resolnte defiance in every look
and motion. Mrs. Anderson had never
braved her boys temper in all her life,
and it was not likely that she would do it
now, az he stood erect before her In bis
stalwart strength and six feet Of man
hood.
"Oh Ralph" she cried, "dontl you
will kill me IL you go away so. %. my
dear boy,'-and she burst into tears.
I" There, there, little mother" he said, :
conquered instantly, "II not do any such
thing I'll do anything You say; III even
marry Blanche, II you think I'm bound
in honor to do it. l don't love her, moth
er, not As ought to love the woman |
marry, but if have been to blame-and
l expect / have-I will make all the
amends in my power. ] have not meant
IN no a scOI1ndrel mother