The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-04-13
MAYS FORTUNE.


! am to do with her?"
shade of perpleXity was in thu
speaker 5 tone, and his gaze rested no
on the man beside nina man his Jun
Tor by too short 81 cycle Of time for thu
difference To have left its outward i'm
press but beyond the room, and on
through the open window on the lawn
where stood a girl caressing a supert
stag-hound.
unconciously she made picture love.
ly enough 10 arrest any gaze; but the
perpleNity on Frederick Fabian's hand
some face vanished in amaze, as his
companion gave short, quick answer
to his half-involuntarv question, in these
words:
Give her TO me-
Fora moment establishment rendered
him dumb.
Give her to you?'' he gasped, al
last. why, Dick, old fellow, what
would an old bachelor like you do with
a girl Ike that? If you'd really like to
adopt one of the children, l might turn
one of the boys over to you; but, some
howl don't quite think that | could
spare May. And I'm not sure she'd ac-
cept another father, notwithstanding the
| manifold advantages which might ac-
crue to her. Fortun 3 lily divided in
this world, is it not? Here you are, a
| bachelor, with ii clear income of five
thousand a year; and here am |, the
father OF an interesting family of six and
| your income divided by just about that
number. No wonder.I never can make
both ends meet
Il don't think YOU quite understand
| my proposition, Fred, h." responded the
other, though n flush had risen to his
usually pale face, and scarcely per-
ceptlble tremor of excitement was in his
| voice. 1t was natural perhaps, that
| you should accept my meaning from q
| paternal standpoint; and l am well
| aware believe me of the slight differ
ence in our respective ages. But L did
II t wish to adopt May rs my daugh-
ter. l love her. and would win her Tor
my wife. "
Your wife, man?' calculated Fabi-
an, starting back in amaze why the
child is scarcely ont of the nursery, and
yOu-you Why, we were college
chums together, Arnoldr'
Il told YOU moment since | was not
forgetful of my age; but remember YOU
married, Fred, when you were twenty.
May is eighteen and, | am thrty-six-
just double her ACE but not too old to
love her with fervor younger man
might envy me. Fred. if can gain her
consent. may have yours?'
Mr. Fabian outStretched his hand and
graSped that OF his friend.
Il can't realise it all i'm minute, my
dear boy, but l know no man to whom
| would as soon intrust my darling -
But can it be That she loves you, and
have been so blind as never To sus-
poets"
Il dare not believe she loves me, but
| hope Ia win her love. " answered Mr.
Arnold. sti"tlV. ami then stepped out
q ruu,:it tn" window on to the lawn.
A vivid blush overspread the girl's
face as he approached.
'.Down, Carlo -downi" she command
ed the dog. and advanced to meet him
on the green, velVety sward.
Was she unprepared for the earnest
words which told her of his hope, and
how the verdict rested with her?
If so, she evidenced-no surprise, save
that the color deepened in her cheek and
the low ''Yes!' which fell like whis-
per from heaven on his ear trembled i'll
its utterance.
Dick Arnold had won her promise to
become his wife, Yet it seemed but yes
tcrday that he had held her on his knee
u little, prattling child, whose rosy fling
ers had penetrated into hidden pockets
for hidden sweets, even as she herself
had penetrated into the innermost re-
cesses of his heart.
She was child to him still. He
would keep her Il child always, he said
to himself Her path should be bed
of roses, and not a single thorn pierce
her little feet.
1t was a singular engagement. The
lovers were rarely alone, and Mr. Arm
Odds footing had always been SO close
and intimate one of the household
that there was little change.
True he never came now without
some rare and beautiful Gift for May but
latterly she received these with Il sort OF
petulance and tossed them the next mo-
ment, carelessly aside.
Once, Just before her wedding-day,
she burst into a passion of tears; but she
would give him no explanation of their
cause.
He remembered them, later, in con-
nection with the arrival, that same at
teinoon. of a Young soldier-cousin, who
had been invited to the wedding and had
obtained special leave to be present
After dinner May and this cousin-a
tall, splendid-looking young fellow
strolled together out on the lawn.
As once before, Arnold and her father
stood watching her.
They look well together do they not?'
said the latter Il used to fancy VIII
had preference for May, but l don't
think my acumen in such matters has
proved itself very acute.
And, with a light laugh, he turned
away.
But Arnold stood motionless, his eyes
fixed on the two figures on the lawn
Standing there, he felt an old man. In
that moment, Mays acceptance of him
appeared a sacrifice, but to give her up |
now
He could not even carry out the
thought.
Pshaw! What brightness could this
penniless subaltern throw into her life? |
And her father had fancied only his pre-
ference for her, not hers for him
He made a gesture as II throwing OF I
a burden. and walked out toward them.
As he approached, the young soldier
was speaking.
Its driving me to desperation,
Mavl'' were the words borne to his
ear
And a1May turned to greet him, giist-
eninp teaks were in the azure eyes.
Three DAYS after she became his wife'
and when the solemn vows were spoken
her voice was clearer and more distinct
than his.