River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1881-03-31

CO." she said.
and why Lizzie, will you tell me?
| You need not fear to tell me anything"
| he added, as she hesitated.
She looked away from him, and her
voice was almost inaudible as she an
swered-
"Because-because-0, cannot tell
you; You know"
Il have thought of going, Lizzie; but
| realized to-day that | cannot leave
you-ever again, dear"
He put one arm about her, but she
drew away from him, trembling from
head to foot.
Don't, Mr.. McIntyre / want to re-
member you kindly, and | cannot if
you use such language to me"
For heavens sake" he cried in as
constituent, "tell me have said any
thing wrong to you? Is it wrong to love
you? If that is a sin, then ! am the
create st of sinners"
II do not forget that you are gem
tleman, and l but poor, ignorant
girl, who knows only what you have
taught her"
"But, Lizzie, ask you to be my
wife, and you have not answered me.
/ do not boast when | say my suit
would not be rejected in most families
of high standing where | am known"
"Ah, that is the idea, she exclaimed
| hastily; "if, as you say, you do care for
me"-she stammered little over the
words, "vou would soon grow weary of
my stupid ways. / should shame you
every day of your life, and your grand
friends would wonder at your choice.
and | should die of homesickness."
with me, Lizzie?"
Eyes, even with youl" smiling and
blushing as she met his eyes.
He laughed-he was SO sure of win
ming her-and kissed her mouth.
"Well, sweetheart, / will live here
then, and turn keeper of the light
after your father Will that suit your"
Don't deceive yourself, Mr.. Nc
Intyre. We would not be happy to-
gether, and think how terrible it would
be-bound together forever"
He laughed exultantly and with a
great deal of amusement.
Faith! | think it would be mighty
pleasant thing. Come Lizzie you can
deny me no longer. Do you not see
that your own happiness depends upon
your answer?
Now kiss me, dear, and tell me that
you will take the life you were so brave
to save into your own keeping"
He drew her gently toward him
but she faced him suddenly with great
tears trembling on her long lashes.
ado you think it costs me nothing
to refuse you-you who have made my
life so beautiful these few short weeks?
| am rude and ignorant-such a wife
weuld burden and disgust you in time.
1t is for your good that | refuse to &C
cept what seems like Il heaven to me?"
And then swift as deer, she flew along
the shore, leaving Mcintyre TO struggle
between anger amusement and wound
ed self-love.
All that day he tried to speak with
Lizzie alone, but she gave him no OPP
portunity. AT last, in very desperation,
he tapped at the door of her fathers
room. Capt, Clyde was again suffering
with rheumatism, ard the young man
found him in the easy chair, while
Lizzie lowered about him.
"Capt. Clyde" said Mcintyre, as he
blocked the doorway with his broad
shoulders to prevent Lizzie from es
Gaping, Il wish to say few words TO
your daughter in your presence, since
she refuses to grant me that privilege
elsewhere"
"Say on, my lad, she would be proud
to hear whatever you have to say to
her."
"Well, Lizzie, | will go away from
here tomorrow, and stay as long as you
bid me. When the time is up | will
return to claim you for my wife. You
shall see that this no idle passing
fancy"
His eyes. grave and sad. rested on
the girls flushed face, and the blutf
captains eyes widened in amazement.
Speak out, GAL" be commanded.
"Have you anything to say to this
Young man, who woos you like a gen
tleman? Shall he come-or mop
And Lizzie answered with downcast
eyes: "If he comes one year from
this time, and still cares for me, will
be ready"
"And is that all, Lizzie?' he SAID,
stepping toward her with outstretched
arms.
mo, I'll be bound !" said the old
man, with sly twinkle in his eyes.
"When l went counting, my little girl
used to kiss me-" And reaching over,
he gave Lizzie little push that sent
her into the arms of her lover; where
upon they all laughed, and Lizzie. after
kissing Mcintyre shyly, slipped from
the room.
A whole year passed by, and not un-
happily to Lizzie, who had faithfully
endeavored to impr We herself, She
spent the winter con the mainland"
with some friends. She studied, read,