Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1883-04-12


firm lip-something 50 unusual from the
gay, genial, Joyous expression which
usually characterized it--sent little
chill of apprehension to his heart, quick
ened. possibly, by the circumstance that
he did not feel quite satisfied with either
hisNown conduct, heart or feelings. But
Tom Arnold never beat about the bush;
his abruptness and impetnOsity always
brought him. straight to the point, and
so, without the least circumlocutiOn he
came at once to the object of his visit
I'm Straightforward fellow ne
said, advancing straight toward Ralph,
and not noticing his sisters suggestion
that it was going to snow and |
like straightforward dealing in others.
/ don't ask any man to marry my girl,
but, by Heaven! no man living shall
trifle with her heart, playing fast and
loose for his own amusement while
live. This Accommodation has lasted
plenty long enough, and 1 propose to
put an end to it without further cere-
mony. What do you say, Ralph Ander-
son?'
Simply this Ralph cried, firing
not be bullied into anything If you
of my cousin, have only to say that if
she insists on my marrying her, [ will do
so, but as [ have never asked her the
question, think
"Never asked her the question: in
terrupted Arnold, hotlv. ''You are not
a fool Ralph Anderson, and you know
that you have constantly sought her
society, and led her to believe you in
tended making her your wife. until this
girl, of whom gossip speaks none too
tfatteringly, crossed your path; there is
a little romantic reserve-pianned,
doubtless by her-a meeting or two, by
accident, of course, and Your honor, if
you ever had any, satisfies itself with.
: never asked the question:
Tom" broke in Mrs. Anderson. APP
pealingly, don't be SO unreasonable
and hasty. l am sure Ralph intends
marrying sB ;snche. but you must re-
member he has been at home but little
over two months. / do not see the
necessity of such great haste
''Mother, did ever say anything to
you about marrying my cousin? You
have all of You forced the issue upon
me. and have not been blameless,
admit. Twill go further and say that
BILE that / should marry Blanche some
day, if she consented. But, before God,
mother, | never tried to win her heart,
naed1sirsq to cast it aside. Perhaps it is
ungallant in me to say it, but it is true.
nevertheless; Blanche has used thrice
the arts to bewilder and enthral me
that / ever did in my trifiing : with
her. They were pretty, and / thought
then, innocent little arts; and rather
liked them. and gave myself up to the
enjoyment of them, wrongly and care
lessly, / see now. but not Intentionally
''Stopr' commanded Arnold, his
florid face growing white and rigid. Il
do not ask you for excuses, young sir;
my girl shall never marry an unwilling
lover; she would die with shame if she
knew that l was here, listening to
them: l simply ask you if you lore my
daughter-yes or no-and no excuses
..If you will have it then, no. l do
notr' Ralph said, firmly and haughtily.
Tom Arnold turned and walked alb
ruptly to the door; then, looking back,
he said slowly
From this day. henceforth, never let
me see your face inside my door. fyou
were not her child | would curse your
The door came to with clang. and an
instant afterward the fierce thud of
horses hoofs, growing rapidly fainter
and fainter in the distance as other in
stants followed, gave assurance that the
interview was thus abruptly and angrily
terninated.
'.Ralph, dear, you will think better of
this9" bis mother asked. anxiously, lay
ing her cool hand on his throbbing tenn
pies, and smoothing back the silky
chestnut hair, as she had done so many
times when her boy was flushed and
heated with anger. ''iou know how
quick Tom is-and you are so like
him-and Blanche is the apple OF his
eye. "ssB a-ftas
IAN apple of discord.' Just now,
should think. = he interrupted. drily.
''And you know, Ralph, we have all
depended on it, she continued. ear
nestly,. ''and it is generally understood
all over the neighborhood."
''Confound the rleigllborhood! / wish
/ was fifty leagues from land. and l will
be, if this thing is going to continue, in
less than ten days. if I have to throw up
my commission, and ship again before
the mast"
He was walking the floor now, his
blue eyes darkening and flashing. his
hair tossed from his flushed forehead.
and an expression OF resolute defiance
in every look and motion. Mrs. Ander-
son had never sbraved her boys temper
in all her life, and it was not likely that
she would do it now. as he stood erect
before her in his stalwart strength and
six feet of manhood. sfve -rssE.ses{
ooh Ralph" she cried, ''don't! you
will kill me if you go away So. O. my
dear and she burst into tears.
There. there, little mother" he
said. conquered instantly, = I'll not do
any such thing. I'll do anything you
say; I'll even marry Blanche, if you
think I'm bound in honor to do it. L
don't love her, mother, not as ought
to love the woman marry. but ii |
have been to blame-aEd / expect
haye-I will make all the amends in my
power. I have not meant to be s.
MOTHER rA
"a scoundreI!" she cried. indignant
ly; "you are the very soul of honor and
and Eno,x, d Iov,obo hoe Jo,o hor