Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-10-21
wound up his fathers business honora-

bly,.
II tried to do my duty to her,"
added Jack, simply, land she was
fonder of me than deserved. But she
knew, and every one knew, that mar
RED her for her money, poor thing
IF she loved you, and you were kind
to her, do not see that she was so
much to be pitied,' said his fair COM
panion, earnestly.
Then Dunstan took her hand, CRATE
fully. The young lady blushed. He
kissed it. She blushed deeper.
"Will you not tell me- he asked,
gently, chow you ever came in such
position as this?''
"Oh! for some probable and touching
excuse! But it is hard for girl to col
lect her thoughts when a handsome
and interesting man persists in hold
ing her hand and looking into her face,
particularly if she is not used 20 lying.
liam curious, I admit. Besides, I
should like to help you if you will al
low me. Can you not confide in me?'
he urged.
At her wits'-end. she broke out, con-
fusedly: LEFT widow at an early
age
"A widow? Your
"Certainly. Why not?" defantly,
with six small children and-and-oh!
and an aged mother dependent on me.
Twas ready to fall into the company S
plans. OF course they pay me, and
if-if-l had suited you, my future
would have been assured. But, believe
me, now that l know of your early
sacrifice, will be no party to forciL g
you into second loveless marriage.'
Dunstan had preserved an amused
and incredulous silence; but to her last
words, which seemed ''those of truth
and soberness, he answered, softly:
evil you not.'
"Do not think so poorly of me. Be-
sides, if you went to law about it, am
sure you would win your suit"
IL shall not go to law about it, he
said, slowly. II am thinking of &C.
cepting the company's terms.'
''Will you authorize me to tell the
president sop eagerly.
IF you are satisfied as far as you
are personally concerned"
II am not personally concerned al
ALL
"What!''
''Surely you remember that you dis.
tinctly refused me. Please move from
the door, MIR Dunstan; l wish to 60
out
''Not until you explain this comedy
you have been playing
There was pause.
"Well,' hesitating, ''if l must con.
TESS, the president of this company is
my father. was in his private office
when your affair was discussed.
wagered gold bangle that / would
get you to agree to his terms. Now,
you are angry wish l had not told
you! Oh, don't stare at me so, you
make me nervous. l did not think
you would take it like this. Do speak
to me! ! only did it for joke. You
must admit the situation was funny
She laughed to think of it. and then
there came a little sob in her voice.
'Rut l would not have hurt your feel
Jugs for anything.''
"You have done worse than that, -
said Dunstan, speaking at last.
bah! You are not in love with
me?'
II am not so sure of that. All, why
did you let me think you might be my
wife?''
The young lady stood with down
cast eyes, flushing and paling.
IF | have done wrong she faltered.
''You will try to repair it, will you
not? You will give me chance OF
winning you unless, indeed, you are
engaged, or feel sure you can never
like me-
"Iam not engaged" she faltercd,
''and l do like you-so far. And if you
wish to try''-slipping her satin smooth
fingers into his. mo! you may not
kiss me: Wait till we are really
engaged
Il could not possibly wait!'' cried
Jack.
"Ah! somebody is coming in!''
Somebody came ina tine-looking
elderly gentleman. He said:
IL think should apologize for this
madcap's freak, Mr.. Dunstan. She
twists me round her little finger or |
should never have llowed-Bless
me! Madge, what does this mean?'
ut mcans,' said Miss Madgc, blush
ing like rose, "that you owe me a
gold bangle, papa.'