Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-01-04

If it be true that coming events
cast their shadows before" and that
virtue is its own reward" he was
happy. He spoke cheerfully to this
one and that when they passed. He
did not look like a conspsctor. One
would not have dreamed that he had
made plan which for a audacity
woald fad few rivals, while for
simplicity it might find fewer.
Its better TO have it over as soon
as possible" he said to himself: ''bet-
ter for them and me-"
Alice Armden was passing him. He
leaned forward.
''Will you come for little drive
with me, Miss Arnden2 The night is
perfect, and you look as if fresh air
would do you good"
She accepted at once, hoping as she
did so that George Fenby would see
her. He was not there TO see how
ever, and Ralph had taken good care
10 know that. He was already half
way home.
But Miss Arnden was in no mood
to refuse. She was in a reckless tenn
per. and Ralph Warden had count
ed on that. One DESTROYS of widen
ing the breach between Alice and
George would have found it an easy
task to make beginning that night
Ralph Warden's lips moved slow
ly as he seated himself beside Alice,
but we will not try to determine what
he said to himself in that crisis in more
lives that one.
81 admire your cloak and hat, ex
claimed Ralph, though the saying
may be as much compliment to my
sisters as to your own taste. Hers
are like them, are they not'"
Every nearly; not quite. But l
didn't know you ever noticed what
your lady friends weari"
Il don't very often. l did today.
Would the masculine eye detect the
difference"
Il think not But it is pity to talk
of dress on such light as this. What
a strong and helpful sermon we had
this evening""
Eyes" said Ralph.
They made turn in the road, and
there was George himself only few
yards ahead. Alice put down her
| ven DIT OuCe. OuFtiy ldto was vi tuo
side of Ralph Warden's plan that
night.
"Get in George. l won't take re
fusal
"Who is it with you? Your sis
ter
Eyes, )" said Ralph, with a prompt
ness which should be admired and
pardoned ''Sit on this side" said
Ralph, as George got in; Il will sit
between you. The night is beautiful,
isn't it2"
Very beautiful!'
Very beautiful" said George, who
really had not thought of it be-
fore.
you needn't go home at once. |
will turn here, and we will drive over
to the shore"
He hal turned his horse down the
road leading in that direction before
either of his companions could say a
word. The two lovers were gazing
again on the scene they had looked
upon in the morning. The moonlight
may have softened its harshness a lit
tie, but the man between them heard
sob from the woman at his left, and
he saw the moonlight sparkle susplc
iously on the eyelashes of the man on
his rights And he thought grimly of
himself as the image of fate-with
the destiny of two human beings in
his mind.
Il found paper of yours this NOR
ming said Ralph slowly, land here
it is. l could hardly help seeing what
it was | congratulate you on your
bargain. You have bought the finest
estate about here, George. 1t was re-
markedly cheap at the price. | be,
lieve the deed was signed last eve
ning2'
Yes"
"Mr. Kinsley had not fully decided
to sell until then, had he?"
Not fully. He told me his daugh-
ter might decide to want it herself
when she is married Mr.. Kinsley
will of'course give her a handsome
residence somewhere, when that
event takes place, for Mr.. Jones, who
is to marry her, has no fortune of his
own"
ut has been your highest ambition
to own that estate, hasn't it2'
Certainly. | wanted the finest
place here"
You ought to be supremacy happy,
You said last night you would be
when you owned the place"
Eyes"
The answer was short. Ralph could
feel the strong man on his right trem-
BILE in spite of his efforts to control
himself, and he knew very well that
the woman on his left was crying
softly
you said something last night
about your ambition to be master of
that estate. Do you remember what
it was2"
Eyes, l think 1 do. Something
boastful, was it not2"
George Fenby was beginning to UNI
derstand why he had received the let
ter he had
Worse than that. Did you ever
think that one overhearlng it might
think that you meant to marry Miss
kingsley!"
Never until now. Oh, what have
done?"
mo matter Did you ever intend to
marry herr Not word of objection.
You've been led into answering too
much already to stop now. demand
ed an answer, George Did you2'
The eyes of the two men met. In
Ralph's there was the deter aination
to know, and perhaps, something
more. In George Feaby's there was
surprise, which changed to satisfaction
aud Indignation, which gradually
faded
Never, on my honor" he answer
ed.
Ralph Warden stopped the horse.
They had driven far to the south, and
had now turned back toward the vii
lago again. In front of them was the
level sweep of frozen marsh but
farther Oh was the peaceful village,
with its lighted windows, and with its
range of sheltering, wooden hills be-
hind it. On their right was the sea,
calm and bright. He stepped into the
road and placed the reins in George
Fenby's unresisting hand.
Bring the horse home when it is
all right, he said, but take all the
time you wish. Here is another paper
of yours which found this morning