The Hazel Green herald. [volume] (Hazel Green, Wolfe County, Ky.) 1885-19??, 1888-02-10
CHAPTER vI.-CoNrrNURD.

"What have we TO conceal" said Phoebe.
"Under the circumstances he continued,
growing red as IL just grated, 1--WE are
both alone in the world, as il were. And
there are people who would say it Is un-
suitable, but can not agree with them.
Therefore, said McArdle, with flourish
Of his hand, II apprehcnded had better AS
sumo that our friendship was but IA slight
one
al don't know what you are talking
about" said Phoebe. IF you have heard
things against me, IL would be kinder 10
stay away"
(" hare heard things, Miss Phoebe" ac-
knOwledged McArdc, magnanimously He
placed his hat Oh the desk and steadied him
self in his position. From what this -thls
brother Thorney OF yours has let DROP and
various circumstances, IL appears there arc
matters which will need explanation betwxt
you aud me- But before those matters are
explained" he hastened, silencing her, 81
want 10 express my views and plans, In
spite Of the fact that the church will require
me To make IA very crcumspcct selection,
and also in spite of the fact that know my
cousin Mrs Holmes will oppose il, am de-
termined. | apprchend that you under
staudr
mo" said Phoebe, lifting her eyes from "a
carved slit in her desk, which some unruly
boy, while sitting there in durance, had
turned into nm ink canal. IL don't know
what you mean
The muscles OF McArdlc's face expressed
vexation.
''Then will explain. hoped TO be more
cordially met by you, Miss Phnbc. You
surely feel unhappy and unprotected"
III can't remember ever feeling other
wise.n
"But more so now than ut some previous
date. l Offer you my protection. We can
be Of mutual assistance, You could still
teach or find some other congenial occupa-
ton, and could = assist: ah-in cultivat-
ing your mind. IL would be best for you 10
go away from here, no doubt | should be
at theological school, aud for the present we
would keep the matter quiet"
what matter quiet.' inquired Phoebe.
''Our-m marriage" replied McArdlc, wip-
ing his heated face with handkerchief he
had bought with money borrowed from her.
"Arc you asking me TO marry you"
al apprehended IL would scarcely be
necessary 10 explain that" he responded,
with aspority.
''Fut don't want to marry you"
"Consider what You are saying" inn
pressed McArdle. II know II may seem "A
strange proposition to you just now"
at does" said Phobe.
"But mean IL, and will take the risks.
Only prudence seems 10 dictate,n said Nc
Ardle, going over his ground again, "that
for the present we keep our own counsel"
II wish you'd go away" said PhGbe,
upon which McArdle stared at her with
startled eyes.
He waited in various uncomfortable atti-
tudcs while she put on her shawl and pre-
pared 10 fastcn the door. Then, stepping
out. he picked his way along by her side
looking at her occasionally with increasing
chagrin and indignation.
81 would like To know what am 10 appre'
bend from the last remark you made"
~ don't want you TO talk 80 to me-
"But under the circumstances, surely
Mss Phobe'i----
'sUnder any circumstance"
'sYou mean 10 convey II refusal
As McArdle tried TO ponder the fact MS
c0untenance hardened.
"YOul II regret II.
= ssgrct almost ever thing which ever