The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1882-11-17

There's no reason why that old
idiot should go into ecstacies if she IS
here,'' he said. savagely, under his
breath. And then he thought. as he
had tor the fortieth time since last night,
of the rumor Blanche had mentioned, TO
the effect that sMr. Montford was very
devoted to his new servant, and the
family were alarmed lest she might in
veigle him into low marriage
In the meantime, Mr.. Montford had
thrown the reins over the horses backs,
and now stood at the door.
"f you would be so kind as to keep
an eye on those horses, young man, III
-rll see you paid" he said, excitedly.
THANK you; but am no mans ser
want" Ralph replied, haughtily. his
face flushing with anger. Beside, L
am not in want of few pennies badly
enough to stand out in the snow to
watch pair of horses. evenas fine ones
as yours, Mr.. Montford.''
Montford looked at him in a sort OF
amazed surprise for a moment, and then
turned and went into the house without
speaking, and Ralph stalkcd off to the
barn, where he stayed till Mr.. Montford
had driven away with his maid.
..Ralph, l think you were a little
rude to go out without SO much as a
word to Miss Blake" Mrs. Anderson
said, in tone of mild reproof when he
came i'm. "Mr. Montford was so CRATE
full, too, and was very anxious to re-
ward you,' he said, but when told him
that you did not take rewards for doing
a simple act of humanity, he said he
could thank you, then, and"
81 don't want any OF Mr.. Montford's
thanks" he interrupted, shortly.
..But he was so delighted to find she
was safe-you never saw anyone so
glad as he seemed. think Mr.. Mont
ford is a real kind-hearted man to take
such an interest in one of his servants.
Some rich men wouldn't hardly have
taken the pains to send out servant to
make inquiries. but he has been out
these two hours. himself, in search of
her, he said. like the girl, and l am
glad she has got such good place"
'sWith the prospect of lettering it,
eh?" he asked. tartly.
"Bettering it? What do you mean?"
she replied, looking up with a per-
picked face. Ralph's mgracious mood
surprised her, too. as much as what he
said.
30 nothing" he replied. with superb
air of Indifference, ''only Mr.. Montfori
is reported to have partiality for Miss
Blake, and there is said TO be pros
pect that she may vet be the mistress of
Montford House. A very suitable match,
certainlyr'
"Why, yes,n Mrs. Anderson said.
thoughtfully, not noticing the sarcasm
in his tone, $50 it is. To be sure, he is
rather the Oldest"
Rather! Why he is old enough to
be her grandfather" was the sharp in
terruption.
20 no, Ralph. Mr.. Montford isn't
an old man by any means, and for my
part l think it would be good thing
for her. tell you. Ralph. there isn't
many girls situated as she is. without
parents or friends-she said this morn
ing she had none-who would refuse
such chance"
Then it is disgrace-an everlast-
ing shame and disgrace to their honor
and conscience, that is all have got TO
sayr' Ralph exclaimed. angrily.
You are looking at it in a preiu-
diced light" Mrs. Anderson interrupt
ed. "You assume that the girl could
not like and respect Mr. Montford, but
that she would make a sacrifice of her.
self. body and soul. for personal ease,
and to crafty. perhaps, a weak ambi-
ton. I don't believe Miss Blake is the
sort of person to do that. There is a
strong undercurrent of character be-
meath that exterior. l can see it in the
flashing eye and resolute lips. | tell
YOU what. Ralph, we may safely con-
clude that if this Stella Blake, as they
call her, marrics Mr.. Montford, it will
not be from any weak, puerile motive.
And another thing we may as safely con-
clude: If she resolves to marry him she
will do it if they both live! Inever saw
young girl with such tense, firm
look about the mouth. But it is moth
ing to us, and so we will drop the sub
ject."
Just then Tom Arnold drove up. his
fair llorid face glowing from its contact
with the cool, frosty air.
There's brother Tom" Mrs. Ander-
son said, with a look of admiration
lighting her face. II don't think it
would be very great sacrifice for a
young woman TO marry him. even if he
isn't young man."
Il hope you don't compare him to
that half-witted old Englishman!' Ralph
retorted, GROSSLY.
GOOD morning! Isn't this glo-
rious?' Tom Arnold cried, in cheer
full voice. stamping the snow from his
feet on the little husk mat in the entry.
"I'm not the first caller you've had
this morning, l see: | suppose it was
Montford. 1 heard down at Gordon's S,
as came past. that he found her here.
l was so glad! You see | didn't feel
entirely guiltless in the matter; ought
to have carried her home myself. /
don't know what possessed me to let
her start off alone, for it was showing
wish it had been Althea Montford"
"Why, would you have preferred
driving her home?n Ralph asked, his
good nature returning. MIR. De-
Vries wouldn't have liked that; he's
sweet Cd her, l understand"
30 yes =. heightened sweetness, long
drawn OUT; laughed Arnold. The
fact is, DeVries has taken Miss Althea
by the job, and it's for his interest TO
make it hold out as long as possible;
shrewd fellow that DeNries. | can't
quite make, him ont, he's too deep for
me, but then I've the least penetration,
do believe, of any fellow in the State.
1 am fair and square myself, and what
there is of me, good or bad, is on the
surface, so naturally don't look much
below that in others. There's Mrs.
Bugbee-why, that woman is an inscru-
tible problem to me; and Blanche, !
believe l hardly understand her, if she
is my own girl"