The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1877-01-12

A weight was lifted off my mind !; but
never having previously heard Of .spoor,
dear Algy," my curiosity was stimulated
and I determined to pursue my inquiries
further.
"Dear me-" / said, moving my chair
closer to Mrs. johnson, "pray what was
the nature of Algy's complaint?s p
"Oh! Mr.. Uriah,n she murmured, plae-
ing one hand in mine, while the other held
her handkerchief to her eyes, "You have
a sympathizing heart, hr. Uriah, is it not
so q
I admitted the fact, upon which she
gave my hand another squeeze. Aramin-
ia and the annuity could not be far off
now.
ale was ny second, and I think loved
him better than the rest"
Indeed, I replied, why, ] thought,
Mrs. johnson. you never had but one 2"
"Ob yes, Mr. Uriah I have had three,
answered the grief stricken woman.
Determined rot to be daunted in my in
vestigation, ] asked, "Were they girls Or
boys, Mrs. johnson 2
Tie widows hand was suddenly with
drawn from mine; then bending upon me
a look, in which pity and indignation seem
ed to be strangely mingled, she said, II
do not understand you, Mr.. Quick"
III blood rushed to my cheeks, and I
know | blushed horribly at tie conscious
ness that somehow OF other had, yulgarlF
speaking, "put my foot in it"
What made the matter worse was that
Mrs. Jobnsons last inquiry had disturbed
Araminta ard the hated Smith, and they
also were looking inquiringI J atne. @Pray
na'am, were you-you not speaking Of
your children? 2" / stammered
Children! No sir2 she exclaimed,
drawing herself to her full hight, = spoke
ofny husbandsl"
Inyoluntarily drew ny chair a few
PAGES from the terrible woman from whose
clutches ! was bert upon rescuing Ara
m;nta. It was very rude and psinted Of
me, bat could not help it. Lucky fer
my purpose was it that this revelation
had not come sooner. Had | known how
things were, | could not have had courage
to escort Mrs. johnson from church SO fire.
qaently. No matter, my design was now
accomplished Araminta, | felt sure,
would shortly be mine, and il would be my
care to see that she did not follow the fear
ful example other mother.
I recollect nothing of what transpired
after this until [ founI myself outside the
house with Smith by my side. He had
been talking some time ere listened, but
suddenly my ears caught the name Of Ara
minta, and then became all attention.
"You have influence, great influence as
M Eaan an8, SIS saa d. see with her mother You
sWhy?' inquired mechanicallE.
Because you might be enabled 70 gain
her consent to our marriage.
"To your marriage? Marriage witt
whom z"
: "Why, With Araminta, Of course, Don
YOU know that if she marries without he
/ mothers approval she loses $500 2 year Z
: ~Nhat, have you proposed to her?7
'.Not yet, but mean to shortly That.
why / want you to talk about i 70 the oil
}, woman"
!, ! "What. / observed, lis filthy laer
Vhan weighed against true iove?'
Exactly said he, 'brt | don't car
about the girl without the money
This, then, was the mean, contemptib!
= creature who had been held up to me as
paragon among men. lie could not d
Il sociate Araminta from her yearly inson
% The two must come together or she shou
u never bear his name. Oh paEu'y seo9 SEQ. !.
i dreI Had he beso ssal aIie tall,
: would have crushed tsftIg 'dsa' a'oat Of him
L he stood before me. But nature has ma
me a short man, and Smith towers a to
,er above my head, 50 prudence repFessed
m my bellicosa INCLINATION.
,d We had now arrived ut road where
~ had to take one direction and anoth
/ He vrung from me a half promise thai
nv would say what ! could in his favor, a
II. then we parted. ! was glad to be quit
cas- him, for now knew that he had enter
ble the lists for Araminta; and wanted
ne mature my own plan Of acti9n l res@
are ID to declare my passion the next night
her The resolution with which ! retired
ant rest was strengthened when ! arose;
81. from the first hour.of business to the u
Gus when / returned to ny lodging ny
NO. pose remained unaltered. When and
der what circumstances was it best TO P
in. fer my suit !? Twilight : Yes, u the
was lights holy calm in that romastie h
be when the shadows deepen and all arc
nv gives token Of the approach Ct nlsh