St. Landry democrat., 1886-09-18
A WOMAN'S HUNGER.
She Wanted Confidence as Well as
Tender Care.

'.What am to do with her, Arnold?
The child will be woman soon; what
am to do with her?'
A shade of perplexity was in the
speakers tone, and his gaze rested not
on the man beside him-a man his
Junior by too short cycle of time for
the difference to have left it's outward
impress-but the room, and out through
the open window on the lawn, where
stood girl caressing superb stag
hound. Unconsciously she made pic
ture lovely enough to arrest any gaze;
but the perplexity on Frederick Fa-
bian's handsome face vanished in
amaze, as his companion gave short,
quick answer to his half-involuntary
question, in these words:
"Give her to me-
For moment astonishment rendered
him dumb.
'Give her to you?' he gasped, at
last. "Why, Dick, old fellow, what would
an old bachelor like you do with girl
like thatp If you really like to adopt
one of the children, might turn one of
the boys over to you; but, somehow |
don't quite think could spare Mary.
And I'm not sure she'd accept another
father, Notwithstanding the manifold
advantages which might occur to her.
Fortunes lily divided in this world, is it
not? Here you are, bachelor, with
clear income of thirty thousand per an
mum; and here am I, the father of an
interesting family of six, and your In
come, divided by just about that num-
ber No wonder never can make
both ends meet"
Il don't think you quite understood
my proposition, Fred" responded the
other, though flush had risen to his
usually pale face, and scarcely per-
ceptible tremor of excitement was in
his voice. 'It is natural, perhaps, that
you should accept my meaning from a
paternal standpoint; and / am well
aware-believe me-of the slight differ
ence in our respective ages. But l
didn't wish to adopt Mary as my
daughter. / love her, and would win
her for my wife,"
..Your wife, man, calculated Fabian,
starting back in amaze. "Why, the
child is scarcely out of the nursery, and
you-you-why, we were college boys
together, Arnold"
II told you moment since was not
forgetful Of my age, but remember you
married, Fred, when you were twenty.
MAY is eighteen. and am thirty-six-
Just double her age, but not too old to
love her with fervor younger man
might envy me. Fred, if I gain her
consent, may have yours!'
Mr.. Fabian outstretched his hand, and
grasped that of his friend.
II can't realize it all in minute, my
dear boy, but know no man to whom
would as soon intrust my darling.
But can it be that she loves you, and
have been so blind as never to sus-
pectp"
81 dare not believe she loves me, but
hope to win her Iove," answered Mr..
Arnold, quietly, and then stepped out
through the window on the lawn.
A vivid blush overspread the girls
face as he approached.
sDown, Carlo-down!'' she COM
manded the dog, and advanced to meet
him on the green, velvety sward. Was
she unprepared for the earnest words
which told her of his hope, and how the
verdict rested with her? If so, she
.evinced no surprise, save the color
deepened in her cheek, and the low
"Yesv' which fell like whisper from
heaven on his ear, trembled in its utter
ance.
Dick Arnold had won her promise to
become his wife! Yet it seemed but
Yesterday that he had held her on his
knee a little, prattling child, whose
fingers penetrated into hidden pockets
for hidden sweets, even as she had PEN
etrated into the innermost recess Of
his heart. She was child to him still.
he would keep her child always, he
said to himself. Her path should bo
bed of roses, and not a single thorn
should pierce her little feet.
It was singular engagement. Inc
lovers were rarely alone, and MI. Ar