The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1876-03-17

"Ali right, Lawson" he said; a
prospect offending my da, in t''e p~r-
house is not a pleasant one. and ] am
too fond Of my cottage in the glen to
part with It; besides, your promise Is
all I could desire. I hope you will
not break it,
Never fear, Lonjon.'
II will sec her tonight or to-mor-
row, and do all I can" said l.andop,
a. he lcft the room.
When, q short time aftcrwari, he
entered his nome, he found that Will
Norton was there. Landcn knew that
young Norton Lowell his daughter, and
vas quite sure that Nora reciprocated
his passion. lie had thought well of
win, and had approved Of the union
until this evening. He was now
bound to oppose il in order to retain
hi, property. Passing the parlor
door, the unhappy man. happening to
glance in. beheld his daughter and
Will Norton in pleasant conversation.
A sharp pain Of anguish permeated
him as he saw the happy expression in
his daughters eye. for he knew that he
muet, If he retained his property, ruin
her happiness, and bid the lovers
forget each other, and command Nora
to love and rcspect Henry Lawson. the
gambler.
Mr.. Landon went to his room IN
did not leave it until the next morn
ing. Nora noticed that her father
had gone to his room. She knew NOT
of the heavy heart he had taken with
him-knew naught Of what was ia
store for her. She sang awhile, and
quite charmed Will. Indeed, in this
case, the melody Of song proved to b
a wand of love, and its influence drew
his love, ay. his heart toward the fair
singer.
When the hour Of experiencing
that "sweet .orrow"-to-wit: saying
farewell-had passed. Will had quit
ted Morals side, happy in the posses
sion Of her heart, and had already sci
the time when he should "consul
papa"
"Iove, passionate young lave. hoe sweet Il IL
| To ave the bos,m msfe pnslise
By thee. liis-lishte. With my raint'o~ smile.
The next morning Nora's fatheI
told her all about Lawson's winning
all he had possessed. lie then began
his negotiation" in the following
manner
81 know that Lawson loves you
dearly. The only objection you hav
tn him, is that he is gambler. Now
it is noble to redeem a man whose in
nate nature is honest, and who be
came degraded through dire necessity
He says that could he win your afftc
, tons, he would quit his ncfarious pre-
fes-ion and be henceforth an homes
man. He is rich, and will buy pre-,
ty home where you both can live har
PLY. Nor is this all. You save m,
property if you marry him."
Drawing her petite figure to its fnl
height, with naughty dignity and de
fiancc in every gesture, Nora exclaim
ed
"Marryhim! Never! I have alrcad.
given my affections to one whose char
acter and mobility far excels tn
mans whose innatenature is honest
and who became degraded ihroug
; dire necessity. Oh. sir. you are NJ
BILE father to wish to barter your onl
child's person and happiness for
small estate"
Her derision maddened him. an1 b,
determined that she should MARI,
Lawson. Tho union should be accom-
pli-hed by force, it in no other way.
1T makes little difference" he hot
ly replied. "whether you acquiesco u
remain stubborn. Despite all YOU
protestations. you shall marry Lawson
know of a parson who has alread,
forfeited hi, soul for money, and ht
will gladly perform the ceremony
Now you may prepare for the nuptial
or remain sulky, rs it suits YOU"
"Oh! if could see Will Norton,
know that i should not be compelled
to marry man whom detest!"
"Will Norton will know nothing o
the affair. SO you will do well to sub
nit to the inevitable"
So saying. Landon left the room an
went tn his own chamber.
Il wonder" said Nora. reflectively
"when he proposes to have the mar
rage consummated! suppose no
Immediately. Probably week. hence
Well, viii Norton is to call this eve
ming, and think their plans will b
somewhat upset."
The morning wore away. Al abou
four O'Clock in the afternoon. Landol
left the house AMI walked rapidly to
ward the village, having first hcke'
Nora in her chamber. She knev
then that it was not proposed to "wai
week" before she should marry Law
son, but that it was to be done yer,