The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-02-06

bed. When lie on my good ear
can't hear sound, you know, and you
uncle can come in without waking me.
.sBut how does he get imp
"Oh, he takes key; we have two fol
the front door. There's the extra ons
over the clock. You'd better have it to
night; then, if I don't feel like sitting ur
for you. / won't. You won't be likely
to get home before twelve
By twilight Miss Daisy's turbulent
crimson mad softened into sea-shel
pink. Aunt Abby fiattered herself thai
she had never seen the child handsomeI
than when, in filmy draperies, she
floated down the piazza steps to Tom
Raymond's waiting phaeton.
ssThe infatuated boy looks as if he
was beholding an angel from Heaven =
unused the pleased lady. who dearly
loved Tom. But she said, prosaically
..Do drive carefully, Tom. Daisy, did
you take the key?"
Eyes, auntie; it's in my pocket
''Pocketp-can they put pockets in
sea-fcamP" laughed Tom, tucking the
linen lap-robe about the young lady's
billowy aounces. 81 feel myself quite
inadequate to the care of this fluffy ele-
gance, Mrs. Blunt, do assure you"
"But it's his; he has only to ask and
it's all his" thought Miss Daisy, scorn-
fully, as she babe her aunt gay good
bye.
In the whole region round about
there was not lovelier drive than this
five miles between Oakland and Oak
land Falls. Taking it by moonlight, on
a perfect July evening, with fascinat-
ing young lady by his side, and spir-
tied horse obedient to his will, Tom
Raymond mentally acknowledged that
the conditions were favorable for enjoy
ment. He had been planning this tete-
a-tete for days; indeed, he had gone so
far as to formulate certain momentous
speeches to be delivered on this occa-
sion, but with the strongest desire to
lead the conversation into sentimental
channels, he was continually baffied by
an intangible something in Miss Daisy's
manner. He spoke of lovely bird he
was mounting especially for herself.
and she discussed of the swallows in
Aunt Abby's chimney; he limited at
man S craving for affection, and she de-
plorssi Abrams craving for drink; he
quoted Aurora Leigh. and she cited
Mothc, Goose. She sang nasally like
Deacon Shed, mimicked Squire Eddy's
late Fourth-of-July Grafton. and, in a
word, was as captivating. frivolous and
reckless as heavy-hearted girl well
could be. As she passed Grace Ray
mond in the ;sall that young lady whis-
pered to jack McKcen that Daisy
Campbell was tine belle of the audience.
with one exception, of course"
gallant Jack
Proud, sensitive little Daisy! She
pretended to listen to the music; but
from the Lord Admiral to Lia,le Butter
cup, the entire company seemed to her
to be chanting: i've only to ask. to ask,
to ask-Tve only to ask for the little
lady,"
Her very fan kept time 10 this re-
frain. She was thankful when the
opera ended. For all that, on the
homeward drive she wished herself
back in the hall. 1t was so hard to
meet Toms lover-like gaze with indif-
ference, to school her warm, Maynard
heart against his tenderness, so precious
but yesterday! At first she strove
bravely to maintain her former vivacity,
but her liveliest sallies fell unheeded.
The slogan was in the air. Daisy knew
Tom had something particular to say.
All, well, for that matter, so had She
her cold little hands together
she waited in silence.
'Daisy, I've been thinking
Dangerous symptoms, my young
friend; let the doctor prescribe"
I'm going back to the medical school
next week, Daisy"
$50 soon?" in tone of cool regret.
''And want to ask you, Daisy"
1--WE only to ask and the little lady's
nine," prompted taunting memory,
in Daisy's eyes a dangerous
ire.
Notwithstanding his Wanted assur-
,nce Tom hesitated over the vital cues
ion, iidgeting with the reins till the
horse rebelled and started off at q
,anter. Having soothed the animals
'ufiied feelings, Tom began afresh.
..Daisy?''
swell, Mr.. Raymond"
Now, Daisy, you promised to call
ne Tom"
did 1? 1t isn't half so pretty name
Is Mr.. Raymond.
I'm glad if you like my name, Daisy.
wish you'd take it to keep"
''You re too generous, Tom, I'm not
, strong-minded woman. Shouldn' t
want to be called Mr.. Raymond.
Don't tease, Daisy. You know what
mean. I'm just dying to make you
Mrs. Raymond, my beloved little wife.
81 should have to die if you did, Tom.
Beloved wives are always under tomb
..Do be serious Daisy. You must
Know I've been in love with you from
he first day / saw YOU"
s.Ab,' thought Daisy, with curling
lip, eff / hadn't played eavesdropper
what happy little simpleton might
,e?" Serious, Tom?' she said aloud;
I'm literally serious as the grave.
You've made my stay at Oakland very
pleasant; you We given me glorious
lrives and sails, and I'm no end obliged.
But in regard to this new favor you pro-
bose to confer upon me, no, no, Tom:
must decline it. thank YOU
''Favor! Really, Daisy, L fail to see
low I've provoked that sarcasm"
Lets not talk about it, Tom. All,
we're nearly home.
''But, Daisy, l must talk about it, )"
pleaded Tom, seizing her hand. '.Do
Tou mean you never can care for me?
Oh. Daisy, Daisy, don't say it!''
His manner was eager, his tone peril
'usly sweet; though now at the door, he
made no movement to alirht: it seemed |