The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-21

for minute or two You will excuse an old
man, who has not many months to live, if hs
saws things little bluntly. Try and suppose
that he is afraid that he has not time to do
otherwise"
Amy looked surprised, but said nothing
|. MY nephew" continued Mr. Fletcher,
''has told me that he wishes you to be his
wife. He has not believe, confessed as
much to you, knowing that the possibility
OF his marrying depends on me. | have told
him that if he gains your consent he will
not marry penniless girl for | shall give
you the same that shall give him. So you
see you may rely entirely on your feelings
in giving your answer it will not be case
OF marrying for money, but only for love.
What do you say?'
Amy said nothing. She turned her eyes
on Maitland, who persistentlY kept his avert
ed
This is too sudden, uncle" pleaded Dex-
ter
Perhaps it is" assented the old man. II
do not ask for decisive answer now. Plead
your own cause, my lad, during the next
week, aud then Amy shall give her re 4iy"
Amy turned her head.
There is no necessity to wait for a week"
she said; my mind is quite made up. L can
never marry Mr.. Dexter"
MY dear girl" persisted Mr.. Fletcher "do
not make up your mind so swiftly No doubt
my blunt way OF putting the matter has
me plead for my nephew. His love tor you
is disinterested; he knows you as but charm
ing young lady who is at present occupying
position unworthy of her. He knows moth
ing of you beyond that; judge then, whether
you are treating him quite fairly in refusing
to listen to him. Ii Is now SO easy to find
young men nowadays who are capable of dis
playing such disinterested earnestness and
devotion in seeking for a wife He tells me
he is even ignorant of the name of your par
ents-does not that show he values you for
YOURSELF"
Dexter had tried once or twice to interrupt
his uncle, but in vain. However, he now
managed to interpose with:
Really, uncle, you appear to imagine
that"
But he was interrupted in his turn by
Amy.
did Mr.. Dexter tell you he did not know
who my father WASP" she asked
Yes" replied Mr.. Fletcher stand ap-
plauded the delicacy of feeling he showed
II must tell you, then, that he did ask me,
and seemed very surprised to hear his name
There seems to be some mystery about it, for
its mention seems to have suffced to turn
MIR. Dexter from casual acquaintance into
an ardent admirer."
Dexter stood abashed; he did not ATTEMPT
to defend himself.
80, sir" said hisuncle, severely, ct seems
that you do know who this young lady is |
had my suspicious, and that is Why have
said what have, thinking l should catch
you il your own trap"
II thought you would be pleased il [ mar
ried her." pleaded Dexter
Don't say another word, sir Leave us
now; come to my rooms this evening; shall
have something to say to you. then"
Dexter walked away as carelessly as he
could.
Come little closer to me- my dear child"
said Mr. Fletcher in a tender tone as soon as
his nephew was out of sight. 81 have some
news for you. You must think me a very
strange old man-soI am, perhaps, but it
was for your sake. No one is near US now;
put your arms round my neck and kiss me
and call me grandpapa."
Amy looked at him in establishment for a
moment, and then glanced at Maitland. His
look treasured her; she flung her arms
around the old mans neck and kissed him.
'Grandpapa!" she exclaimed, ''is it true?'
Eyes, my darling All, if l had only
known it beforel It's your fault Maitland
Are you quite sure?" he asked
well, no. suppose it's chiefly mine. Do
you think, Amy, you will be able to love me
for the few months l have to live2'
"0h don't talk OF dying, grandpapa you
mustn't"
ASK Maitland"
"What must | ask him?'
'If he can spare rue part of your affec-
ton for time. All, know all about it, you
see. Ny eyes are not so dim yet but that
have seen more than either of you imagine
Take her, Maitland"
Maitland did not hesitate long for Amy's
glad look revealed to him that her grand
father had judged her truly.