Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-08-29

than anything else when l went into
the river. knew there was no real
danger if 1 kept a steady head. But
I hope the little boy won't take cold ];
and as that is the only danger just
now" And before Mr. Hale could
recover himself to find speech, she
was flying toward the Alexander House
much as he had seen her speed six
weeks before.
Miss Bennett" Mrs. Alexander
said. few days later, coming into the
library after the children had gone,
II have a commission to discharge.
It's rather peculiar one, but I hope
you won't mind such thing coming
through third person. OF course
the situation is peculiar and rather
delicate for Mr.. Hale. He thought
he would rather put it in my hands;
that is, rather let me find out first
your-your feeling about it..
Miss Bennett locked up bewilderea.
II don't understand, Mrs. Alexander.
Is it about the little boy? Does Mr..
Hale want to reward me"-a deep
flush suffused her fairness for
what did, l coul init take his money,
of course"
q don't know that he would look
at it quite in that light" Mrs. Alex
ander answered. at probably help
ed to bring matters ia a climax with
him. Indeed. he intimated as much.
And perhaps it is a reward of virtue.
Certainly it is quite after the story
book style, but you are pretty enough
and bright enough, as | told him, for
almost any position. He is a self,
made man himself; it isn't such a
wonderful condescension when one
remembers that. He couldn't expect
to marry into the Maytlower, for ali
his wealth.
Miss Bennett felt as if her senses
were playing her false. You don't
mean you can't mean" she cried,
that he wants to marry mel?
Mrs. Alexander put her arms about
her soothingly. Il suppose it is rather
Overwhelming, my dear. 1t was to be
me at first. But, after all, why
should he not? There are the three
children, of course, and he's twenty
years older, and he hasn't much be
sides his money to recommend him
but it would be a splendid home fol
you, dear. 1t seems he has wathcheo
you ever since that time you tres
passed. And he has made inquiries
of me. He began making them some
time ago, but didn't notice. | thought
perhaps he wanted a governess. o.
course l gave you the highest rec
concentrations. y sheadded. laughing
Though / didn't know the position
he wanted you to fill. He seems quite
sure of his own feelings, and it is Ger
tainly great triumph for you, my
dear"
Miss Bennett sank back in the chail
from which she had half risen. Hel
mind plainly could not take in the
new situation; but she came to her
self when Mrs. Alexander went on
"Of course, you may want time tC
think it over, but he would like to see
you this evening, and he hopes fol
an answer then"
ooh? ohm Miss Bennett cried
springing to her feet. There's lie
use. / couldn't if my life depended
on it, for I'm engaged to some one
else. And [ never knew-indeed,
never knew, Mrs. Alexander, until 8
few days ago, that Philip was his
nephew. You see," she went Oh
breathlessly, 'his sister was with me
at school, and that was the way
learned to know him. And Mr.. Hale
was very angry at his engaging him
self to 'down-East school-ma'am,
as he called me. He had promised tc
help him before, but-but they quar-
relied over me, and Phil went West
and came here. And it was only a fort
night ago that [ wrote him-because
/ hadn't much else to write-all about
my tfespassing, and what had come
of it. And he answered. had his
letter last week That's my old dra
gon of an uncle, aud if you've won
one concession from him, perhaps
you could do more. If he learned tc
know you, he might think differently
about our engagement, and though
don't need any of his help now, still
he's my nearest relative, and | should
like to be on good terms with him
And | had been hoping now
now you see how impossible it is
And if Phil had his own way to make
and we may have to wait long time
and perhaps always be poor, [ love
him too much TO mind"
The soul of young love and trus
was in her eyes as she looked up a
Mrs. Alexander, and the woman's
heart in her was touched. 1t was the
philosophy of the Babes in the Wood
indeed; she could have overturned il
with touch of worldly common
sense; but she only bent nearer her
and then suddenly Ruth felt kiss or
her forehead. a kiss of a mothers
comprehending love.
But when she had cooled a little
from this unexpected touch of enthu
Siasm, Mrs. Alexander had her plans
She met Mr.. Hale herself that eve
ming; she COMPOUNDED him with the
news that the school ma am despiseG
for his nephew was his own elect; and
she followed up her advantage till he
consented to express his gratitude tC
Miss Bennett by the gift of a home
of which he should not be master
And since young Phillip was doing
well at the West, and needed no more
of his uncle's help, the new home was
hardly ready before he could claim il
mistress. Only one touch OF romance
Mr.. Hale allowed himself-the wed
ding gown which replaced Ruth's un
lucky dress.