The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-12-29
whose agitation was relieved by signs Of life

| A few minutes more and the sad accident
spread through the festive crowd casting a
gloom over their joyous faces. One by one
they retired with heavy hearts, while many
nearer friends cast Il doubtful glance upon the
Unconscious suffer. Little did Allie Denton
dream of such a serious trouble coming Of her
fun making, for while she was full of life, she
was as innocent Of intentional wrong as Il
spotted fawn led captive by foster mother.
Anxiety and care mingled with fear could
plainly be seen on Edward Als!ons face as
they returned, for new trouble now disturbed
his mind. But before reaching home Clara
had grown so much better that the doctor pro
nounccd her out Of danger, which was great
relief to her father, who sat waiting in terrible
suspense, wondering if the only jewel left him
was to be ruthlessly torn away. Nothing was
spared that might be conducive to Clara's COM
fort during her few days of convalcsccnce. MaJ.
Walton never seemed more cheerful and atten-
tive, and Clara could not doubt but he would
grant the sacred boon she so earnestly desired.
Allie was her constant friend, and was more
than once assured offorgivcncss for the thought
less act
"Wc will have that boat-ride over she
would often say to Clara when growing dis,
pondent, "and | will push him so far next
time that you may see him get TIA real ducking'
81 should think he got good one then"
Clara would respond, half inclined to laugh,
One day while talking and musing over
their future lot, they were interrupted by mes
sage bearer who handed Clara note from
Capt. Brooks.
"a call from that digntary," SAID Allie, with
a twinkle in the eye. well guess I'll have
some fun before he leaves"
Eyes, and with one whom cannot endure.
Oh what shall do?" She continued, at the
same time hiding her face in Allies lap to con.
ceal the Tears that dimmed her eyes. 81 can new.
or respect him, but on papa's account must re-
ceiye his attentions" and she burst out IN sobs
that made Allie weep too
But the stern mandate of II father must be
obcyed and while her trembling fingers wrote
an acceptance her whole being abhorrcd his
presence Ere Captain Brooks made his ap-
pearance, she had regained her selfposscssion,
and met him with that deep melancholy look
that ever characterized her face in hours OF
trouble; and with all his winning manners and
sincere expressions, he failed to touch the
slightest chord Of her affections; and when he
declared in faultless language his love, she
firmly refused, though he offered her every
pleasure wealth could bring.
! No" she said, "to wed you without aicc.
ton would be death to my happiness"
Scarcely had his retreatng form closed the
door when she again gave vent to her troubled
spirit in floods of tears
At this point her father came in "Oh, my
daughter, my darling child, what is the mat
ter? are you sick"
"No, no; my feelings are wounded beyond
endurance" she replied Capt. Brooks has
proposed to me, and cannot accept him
"Oh! if that is all, You ought to be the hap
picst being in the world" he replied in aflec-
Tomato tones. "IIc is wealthy, a gentleman OF
honor and high moral principle, and to your
union with him | have long looked forward
with pleasure"
Eyes; but to marry him for his money alone
would be doing him cruel injustice and you
know can love Edward Aston alone"
Her voice faltcred as she met the fiery gaze
of her indignant father But before his wrath
found vent, he reflected and with his iron will
was able to curb histemper; for the imploring
face of his lovely child, as she looked up with
\ swimming eyes, was enough to melt the strong
est heart.
The night wore heavily away with Maj
Walton, for the interview with his daughter lay
heavily upon his mind and drove sleep away
Morning dawncd and with it new plan of OPP.
crations, for he well knew that his pet scheme
would never be consummated without some
speedy and radical change. Scarcely had the
fresh rays of light penetrated the room of Capt
Brooks when the postboy presented mes
sage requesting his presence as soon as posi-.
BILE at Mai. Waltons, on important business
As the Captain walked hurridly toward the
place, mornings fresh beauties had no charms
for his pcrturbed mind Had Clara accepted
u MS Olcr, anu Was lc sooh W W TIC haPpy ic
cipient of her pure love, or was the urgent
/, summons ola legal nature? for the business OF
i Mai Walton was entirely in his hands, and
4 little did Clara know that her fathers fnan
cial safety materially depended upon the union
he so persistently urged.
II Such were the thoughts that ran hurriedly
through the captains mind ere he neared the
place which was so soon to decide his fate AZ
he grasped the old majors hand, he felt an I'm
usual trcmor.
"Ah, you have come" mechanically spoke
: the old gentleman. II have plan toproposc
Walk into my Office where we can have ouI
talk in private, You are aware, Captain, tina
Edward Aston and Clara are engaged, aud ht
has just formed partnership with Frank