The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-04-28
CHAPTER XVI.

prepared herself for the evenings enter
tainment. She was all ready at last with
a knot of blush roses in the lace at her
throat, with gloves and fan and cloak laid
ready to her hand.
edo hope Lyman will not be very late"
she was thinking for the fifth time, when
she heard him come in, accompanied by
some one whose disagreeable voice reached
up to her aud chilled the warm eagerness
with which she was already flying down.
''Pretty as a picter vow,'' was Ingot's
ad1piring comment. Them roses puts the
finishing touch, just as I thought they
would. I like the red, red rose' myself,
but them washy ones seem to suit the girls
best. If you are ready we may as we'll go.
I don't believe in being fashionably late. I
go to get my moneys worth every time"
Carols amazed glance sought her brother.
"Lyman, you are going with me- to-
nighta"
:sSorry, ny dear, but Mr.. Everleigh has
asked NE to call around. Not to disappoint
you, asked {ngot here to act as your es-
cort, and I'll meet you at the theater after
my business is over"
I'D rather not 60 at all, !" murmnred Carol,
with the tears coming into her eyes.
ooh, nonsense, after have arranged it
alln
s'No,v Go you know put in Ingot s. I
rather admire Miss CAROLS good sense. I'd
as soozl stay here and listen to her as to
Kellogg; a pretty young woman is better
than a fat old one amy day Of the year I'm
agreeable either Way.''
Thus driven: Carol decided to so, Of
course. Any thing Was preferable TO
an evening alone with Mr. Ingot. That
Jo 1or
though 5utwardly pleasant as ever, he was
raging within.
She hates me like poison and don't
trouble herself to hide it. I'll have to put
on the thumbscrews to bring her to time
ia rather be SHOT, for I'm soft on the girl,
but there's no other way. I'm getting my
self into q hun,or to make short work OF
the business, and Childcr shall help me-"
He kept npa running fire If conversation,
with the idea Of making himself agreeable,
all through the evening
"Can't say that like this sort Of thing
myself,n he observed "Why can't they do
their powwowing i'll English SO every body
could understand, like they do in the
'A1i.xado,' now! That's the style Of thing
takes me. Ireckon they would call Clara
Louise g. fine woman: but know ii girl that's
6. sight moro TO my taste. Couldn't guess
who, could .you?"
"Hush. pleased entreated Carol, and
kept her attention fixed on the stage to the
exclusion Of her unwelconle escort But In
got was not to be easily repressed. He took
advantage of the opportunity when the cur
tain came down to break out again.
"Nost iazzles ones eyes with her dia-
monds, don't she? You wouldn't think now
that had an interest in diamonds, but I
have, I'm thinking of buying one soon, i'll
airing, for p lady. Which would you advise,
a. solitaire or % clustar!''
"I2 / am no judge Of such matters
"Well, but you know which you like best, y
he persisted. 's;Tuin't SIS il { was well
enough off to get more than one, and I'm
bound to have something Of value that's
fit for the person intend it for. Iwonltin:t
like to find that she isn't gust suited"
.iNou had better consult the lady her
self, !" said Carol, colby.
S!That's what I'm DOING" returned Ingot,
with the utmost composure. 'fYou don't
suppose I would go to buying diamond rings
fer any one else, hopes"
Carols patience was exhausted at last
s'Let nc tell you, then: that Twill never
accept such a gift from you'll" she cried, in
a guarded tone: but with the angry color
would comet / wonder what keeps him! u
"Same thing that holds me- being with the
girl lie likes best in the world. And leJ me
tell gou that you aail wear my ring. and tilat
before Christmas is here, or it will he the
worse for-I don't want to mako threats, but
you'll wear it, he broke off. and there was
{; savage tone in Ills voice: Il look On MS
face, which made the girls heart quail.
they loved, where their love was not re
turned. and tseemed to her. that In got might
be equal to such an act. She wondered how
Lyman could be friends with such a man.
She Wouil, have an understanding with her
brother; she would not be Inundated and
made wratcned in this way again. He
Should not deny her right to the friends OF
her liking and force the society of the man
she detestcd upon her.
tt was late when Lyman appeared, and
he did noJ wear the blissful look Of happy
lover. I{e avoided meeting his sisters
eyes, and leaned back in The corner Of the
carriage, silent and absorbed. .eavpg all
the conversation to Ingot, who was appar-
emily not da1nped by lnoncsyllabic replies.
Carols intention Of speaking to her
brother was frustrated for that night, for
Ingot followed them in, without invitation.
81 want word with you: Childer. YOU'RE
SO precious busy on your own account now
adays that I don't know when Eli get an
other chance at YOU"
The two passed into the den together and
were still there when Carols eyes closed in
healthful slumber.
LYMAN was in the breakfast room when
she came down the next morning, having
risen early, determined to breach the dis
agreeable subject. He took the words out
of her mouth by Introducing it himself,
sIngot tells me that he made what he
considers as good as a proposal Of marriage
last night, Carol, and that he did not urge
an answer because he wanted to give you
time to think the matter over. ] scarcely
think you are inclined to regard him favor.
ably, my dear?''
s:You must know that I utterly detest
him: Lyman"
':Detest! That is a strong word. hope
you have your feelings sufficiently under
control to hide the fact from him, for time,
atleast. Think You would make q sacrifice
for me, Carol, III were to assure you that ii
is necessary and for a worthy purpose"
"Not if the sacrifice is toto accept that
man, she declared.
"But if it is only to seem to accept hint
give you my word that J. shall never ask
you to marry him. He is not the man