The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-04-25
A DETERMINED MOTHER.
CHAPTER l.

A LIE IEkM N ELI M n FIX.
 CHAPTER I.
 "I say you did, sir"
 "Madam, you certainly make a mis- take"
 {" don't make mistake, any such ot thing. These are the very'words you said: Mrs. Beasely, have not spoken to Hester concerning the matter, think ing that it would be better to speak to you first, but l would like very much to marry her. Those were your words Mir. Lucas and you needn't try to get out of it." "Why, madam, am much too old for Hester. have never had thought of marrying her. You certainly must have dreamed that addressed you"
 "Look here, Mir. Lucas, am wo- man-"
 "Of course. You have borne that reputation during many years"
 "None of your foolishness, sir. 1 say that am wom-"
 "A declaration which have not dis puted."
 She drew herself up, glared at him and continued: {" am a woman, but have the spirit of man. 1 am always pre- pared to defend my word against attack, and let me warn you not to again ques- tion my truthfulness. You said that you wanted to marry Hester.
 "Mrs. Beasely, this is an unfortunate affair. am forty years old Hester is seventeen. Surely the disparity"
 Disparity the deuce"
 "The deuce, Mrs Belsely ?"
 "Yes, the deuce"
 "All right, disparity the deuce, then, Mrs. Beasely."
 "When told Hester what you said she joyou,ly replied: Wont that be delightfulp"
 Mother, what are you and MT. Lucas towering about" exclaimed young lady entering the room. have been trying to write letter, but your noise scatters my lnOuButs, II nave any.
 "Hester, keep quiet I'll manage this affair. am determined that you shall not be cheated"
 "How cheated, mother?'
 "Now don't put on such an air of as- tonishment. You knowfwhat mean" "Ldeclare do not"
 "Now, daughter, don't be foolish. When told you that MT. Lucas wanted you for wife"
 "Mother !" screamed the young lady. "What's the matter3" demanded the old lady.
 "You never in all your life spoke to me about Mir. Luc IS wanting to marry me. don't know what to think of you"
 "Hester have not lain the weight of my hand on you since you were child, but if you persist in disputing my word shall box your ears. Lucas asked me for you. When told you, fact which you cannot dispute, you clapped your hands and said that such an arrange. ment would be delightful"
 Miss Hester's face grew scarlet With out replying, she sat down near the win dow. Lucas could see the tears rolling down her cheeks. MT. Lucas has dis outed my word, but he cannot deny the truth of what l say Now, shall leave you here to talk over this business"
 Miss Hester, this is a strange affair."" said Mir. Lucas, when the old lady had gone.
 never saw the like. l don't know what can ail mother"
 "She is certainly very strange"
 "Is it possible that she is going crazy P ''I think not, for she is perfectly sane on all other matters, and is the most ac- curate business woman have ever seen. As God is my judge, though, have new CT spoken to her about marrying you. have never thought of such thing, let me assure you"
 The denial was little too positive. The young lady turning with mock cour- tesy replied:
 "Oh, you needn't throw such emphasis into your words. Other men, men who are quite as handsome as you are, doubt less, have thought about marrying me. have never begged anyone to marry me, l am sure."
 "Miss Hester did not mean"
 "Oh, never mind making excuses. lust because you have large plantation and fine carriage, you think that everybody wants to marry you."