Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1879-11-14

NO, 20 not go away, DugQale; you
are welcome friend here, and have
no desire to conceal from you the rea.
son of my presence here to-day. / have
come to ask Miss Carew's hand in mar.
rage"
Dugdale pales yisibly, aud his brows
Observation-Disclosures he SURPRISES all
outward symptoms of emotion. Then
suddenly wild determination to enter
the lists himself; to declare aloud his
affection for her, if only to let her see
how well, though silently, she has been
beloved, takes possession of him. AL
most without allowing time for reflect
ion, he turns to Carew, and says, with
forced composure:
" too, have come to Weston to-day,
bound on the same Grand | love
your sister, Carew. and would ask her
TO marry me. Let her choose between
u.s."
George rises slowly. He is still weak,
and finds difficulty in sudden move
ments; look of perplexity and DIS
comfort pervades his handsome face;
he trifles neryously with paper-knlfe
that lies beneath ms hand.
"You distress me-" he says at length,
addressing both the suitors. 81 hardly
know what to say. Of course, shall in
form my sister of the honor you have
both done her, -and-yeu must
abide by her decision. But it grleves
me to know that one of you-must-"
He pauses, aud unconsclously, in his
embarrassment, fixes his eyes on Dag
dale. Give groans inwardly; to him it
is a simple matter, the translation of
that regretful look, the finishing of that
broken sentence. zone of you must go
to the wall-and you, Dugdale, are the
man." So he reads it. The brother,
knowing well the sisters feelings, had
thought kindly to give him gentle
warning Of what is surely in store for
him. That glance was an i'll omen!
Well WE'LL He throws his head in
angry defiance of cruel fate, and draws
his breath little hand.
AT this moment light and we'll
known step crossing the hall outside
makes itself heard. 1t comes nearer;
the door is thrown open, and Carissa
fresh and sweet as the perfumes
flowers in her hands, stands upon the
threshold.
"Why, what solemn conclave," she
says, jestingly. "What long, long
faces! Butthat the silence of the grave
seems to reign, should say you were
all INDUCING in battle royal. What is
it, George?' laying her hand upon his
shoulder with soft, caressing touch.
Taking down the hand, Carew holds
ii closely in his own and regards her
with silent scrutiny for full minute.
Chen, CHANGING at the two men, he says,
rs though decided
"My sister is here-she shall speak
for herself. Clarissa, Sir Wilfred
Hlughton and Give Dugdale wish to
tell you-that they love you; they have
come this afternoon to ask your hand
in marriage. 1t is for you TO either
refuse them both-or-make your
choice between them"
He has spoken di>jointedly but to the
purpose. Clarissn growing white as the
lilies in her trembling fingers, shrinks
away from him, and letting her flowers
fall, covers her face with her hands.
ooh! why have you done this?' cries
she; it is terribie-it is cruel"
Not is the wisest COURSE" whis-
pers he, hurriedly. cit will end at
once all doubt and suspense. Believe
me, it is better so-and kinder"
looking up, she glances first at Sir
Wifred, who is evidently anxious, but
perhaps a little too assured-then timid-
ly at Dugdale, who is rather in the
background with his head bent down
ward, and his arms crossed upon his
breast. Feeling the intensity of her re-
gard, he raises his head, and meets her
gaze full. In his eyes there is world
ot Borrowing, 81 passionate regret, n
dumb agony, sad through its hopeless
longing.
Clarissa!' says Haughton, entreat-
ing, attempting to take her hand.
"No, mol" she exclaimed hastily
waving him back, her heart beating
painfully. Then, "Clive, will you not
speak to me?' she says, moving step
or two in his direction.
The effect is electric. AT her words,
Dngdale starts violently, the sadness
disappears, and in its place great
eleam of joy rises and illumes his face.
Yet even now he hardly dares believe
in his own good fortune.
Going up to her, he imprisons her
hands, and asks, in voice so changed
she scarcely knows it to be his:
Am your cloice?"
" Yes" family.
" You love me, Clarlssa - almost
vehemently.
" Yes" returns she again. And then,
overcome by her emotion and the situa-
ton, generally, she bursts into tears;
whereupon Give, unmindful OF her
brothers presence, or that Of his dis.
concerted rival, catches her in his arms;
ami with sob she lays her head upon
his breast.
lIIE GADIINE HuIHE