The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1883-10-05

ga fly" the young lady suggested.
"Not exactly"
"Then a roach?'
so n, no; dear me, not so bad. Blu
it was a shred of something resembling
cotton"
"O!" said Robertine, in a relieved
tone, ga piece of the dish-cloth. Ant
you will change because of thatP"
II have serious thoughts. And now
Robertine
She turned to the window and gazet
intently.
"What are you looking at?" HI
asked. THAT literary friend of your
coming out across? Clever fellow, ISM
he? Wish could write. But, do yol
know, Robertine, I fancy-though
may be Mistaken fancy the poor fel
low hasn't got good tailor"
Robertine answered very deliberately
81 think it more probable that hi
hasn't any at ALL"
"What! you don't mean he is dis
tressed? That would be rough! A fel
low that can reel off such things. II
like to help him out some way or other
DO you think he'd be offended if
asked him to accept a present."
81 knoa0 he would be offended" sh,
answered decisively.
Wales heaved a sigh, but she knew
he didn't feel greatly disappointed. HI
was excellently disposed as far as offer
ing to be liberal went. 80, suppose
so," he assented; "these fellows ART
proud rs the dickens"
''But about your hotel?"
swell, have nearly decided to make
a change. A hotel is very comfortable
but a man gets to thinking he'd like s
home of his own" He left the rocking
chair for the sofa precisely as Ethel hac
done so short time before. "Robert
ine," he said softly. and took possession
of her hand; "Robertine, you know
what mean, don't you?"
81 do not know what you mean,''
she answered, in low, firm tone.
Don't you. darling; don't you know
I love you and want you for a wife:
Yes, want a wife and a home!"
She had caught every word; it haG
not escaped her that he wanted wife
as an adjunct to-a home. And she re.
sisted no longer, but allowed him tc
draw her face nearer, nearer, until il
touched his lips
1t was really arranged, thought Mrs.
Ferris, signing contentedly in the other
room, where she had not missed 8
word. After ali Robertine was a sensi-
BILE girl; and she thought she would 60
in and light the gas and receive the
news.
"Here are some matches, daughter, "
she said, innocently. cit will soon be
dark"
Wales arose bowling, and managed
after a fashion to announce the engage
ment.
Mrs. Ferris stood a moment as if as
then approached, smiling be-
Her little speech had been
we'll rehearsed. Il am not wholly sur
prised," she said. .Robertine is SO
frank that she has poorly concealed
from me her growing affection for you.
[ am overjoyed that she has found one
so worthy OF her-and-and | congratu.
late you both" Saying which she
with unusual dignity.
Mr.. Wales remained an hour or so:
then he told his betrothed she looked
tired and he would not keep her up.
He lifted her hand and pressed it to his
lips. 1t was not a very beautiful hand,
but we know lovers and lovers have
kissed other five and three quarter
members whose only merit was theiI
individuality. So Mr.. Wales
departed.
Robertine, on retiring, was extreme.
" wakeful, and tossed about so violent
" that her mother reminded her of the
style of bed they occupied.
" You are not crossing the channel"
she said, severely.
"Mother, haven't you really thought
If marrying Major Drummond? He is
very devoted; he hos a neat income,
md stands well in society. There is
nothing common about him. You
night be perfectly happy"
g Why do you want me to marry
lim?"
well, I have led Wales to under.
stand that you are thoroughly indie.
short, a very desirable sort
If mother-in-law; that you have some
nsurance-money, and also an offer OF
Mrs. Major Drummond
sounds well, mother, and nobody need
know the acquaintance began through
his advertisement for unfurnished
" /. think ! about it, Robertine."
Dick Ethel heard the news the next
lay when he called, Robertine being alb
tent.
~ hope she may be very happy" he
said, quietly, and went away. He re-
,eated this in note to the girl herself,
adding: Forgive me if ever L have hurt
7our feelings. We may never meet
again, but 1 pray God to bless you for
ever and ever"
She wept over his written words.
Forgive him! Dear old Dick, | was
lot worthy of him. o dear, dear old
Oick"
II shall accept Major Drummond,"
laid Mrs. Ferris, at last.
THAT'S right, mother. Really know
10 one I would rather you should mar
y. As for the govt, it only troubles
him occasionally, and badness has come
o be curable."
Il shall do" said her mother, sharp
y. "Perhaps you will, too, if you
maintain your dignity and stop asso-
eating with common trash like Dick
Ethel"
Robertine turned pale.
"Why do you never call WilfreJ
common mOther?"
"Why? Well-even if he deserved it,
which he doesn't wouldn't hurt your
ceilings"
MY feelingsH'-with scornful vehe-