Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-01-28

were so overwhelming. She avoided the
piazzas, and on the third day had hidden
herself with book behind a rock, when,
bristling and pugnacious, he appeared.
Pardon my intrusion" he said, "but /
am exceedingly DESTROYS of seeing you,
and alone"
She bowed stiffiy.
Mrs. Page, we have been told of my
fathers proposal, and that you think OF
accepting him. The idea is very disagree
able to all of us; in fact, We can scarcely
think well of you. 1t puts you in a most
suspicious, really odious, light"
Mrs. Pages light-5rown eyes flashed in
dignantly at him.
There is but one object in marrying
my father" he resumed, after a moments
pause it is a transaction common
enough in Mohammedan countries. You
are purchased with million of dollars;
think that was the sum mentioned ?"
Her lip quivered like child's, indigna.
ton and tears strove for the mastery, but
cry she would not he never should have
that satisfaction
Mr.. Lee" she exclaimed, 81 don't
know what yOu think of your conduct;
think it cowardly-dastardly You are
afraid of demonstrating with your father
but you hurl cruel, insulting words at me
poor, detenseless woman. | admire vouI
father, | am even fond of him, but l was
very far from consenting to marry him
Now ! think | will. What his entreaties
could not effect, your insolence has" She
rose, and with a Juno-like air swept away
" 1t tn, Brute" exclaimed Mr.. Lee, Sc
nior, to his son William, who had walked
from the station and was registering his
arrival in the book in the office.
Not at all, my dear father" and he
took his fathers arm and led him away
| only came to see that you had fair play
Marry whom you please and as You please
But what is the lady's name?"
"She is Mrs. Page-a widow"
"Ah ~ exclaimed William, and his cor
diality to degree vanished.
Let me intoduce you," said his father.
No, ! am dusty and tired I'll make
my own way. They say she is staying
with the Aontgomerys."
Mrs. Page began to be very weary with
all these complications. She felt hemmed
in, beleagured, by the Lees, and was tax
ing 4 brisk morning walk on dusty high
way toward a neighboring town, in hopes
to escape them for a time. Some one.
however, was in swift pursuit; she felt
that 1T was Lee. The footsteps gained
upon'her
Alice? ~ exclaimed a full, melodious
voice; and William Lee seized both her
hands. "Alice, is it really your"
Mrs. Page trembled and grew very pale.
lie placed her on large stone which
stood conveniently near and sat down be-
side her. "Alice, where were you? /
travelled over Europe in search of you.
Will you forgive me, my darling, my sus-
picions, my anger, my absurd jealousy %
Mrs. Page closed her ewes and tears
rolled down her cheeks. At this iuncture
Mr.. Lee senior, breathless with his chase
after her, came up. He felt that this was
scene, and waited for explanations.
My dearest father" exclaimed Will
lam, rising and selling his arm. she
loves both of us, but she promised to
marry me first. | am sorry" he continued
ruefully.
Dear Mr.. Lee" said Mrs, Page, Selling
his other arm, you are so like him
your bearing, your smile, your tones
really, If could not have married Will
lam l must have married You"
cloud passed for a moment over Mr..
Lees face, but during his 20 years, when
ever there were heroic, unseltish qualities
to be displayed, he was never wanting.
My dear" he said in that pleasant voice
so like his sons, turning with kindly
courtesy toward her" my dear, it is best
as it is-more natural, more appropriated -
" And TO think it was papa's favorite,
William, that broke off the match, after
all, J." cried Gerty.