Dodge City times., 1888-06-28

"Oh, nonsense, after have arranged il
all 4"
Now, do you know" put in Ingot, Z"
rather admire Miss Carols good sense. I'D
as soon stay here and listen to her as to
Kellogg; pretty young woman is better
than fat old one any day of the year. I'm
agreeable either way"
Thus driven, Carol decided to go, of
course. Any thing was preferable to
AN evening alone with Mr.. Ingot. That
gentleman understood her motive, and
though outwardly 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.
I'd rather be shot, for I'm soft on the girl,
but there's no other way. I'm getting my
self into a humor to make short work of
the business, and Childer shall help me-"
He kept upa running fire of conversation,
with the idea Of making himself agreeable,
all through the evening
"Can't say that like this sort of thing
myself" he observed. "Why can't they do
their powwowing in English so every body
could understand, like they do in the
Mikado,' nowl That's the style Of thing
takes me. Ireckon they would call Clara
Louise fine woman, but know girl that's
sight more to my taste. Couldn't guess
who, could you!"
Hush, please,'' entreated Carol, and
kept her attention fixed on the stage to the
exclusion of her unwelcome 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.
Most dazzles ones eyes with her dia-
monds, don't she! You wouldn't think now
that had an interest in diamonds, but l
have. I'm thinking of buying one soon, in
airing. for lady. Which would you advise,
solitaire or cluster?"
81: am no Judge of such Matters
"Well, but you know which you like best"
he persisted. '''Tain't as if l 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. wouldn't
like to find that she isn't Just suited"
You had better consult the lady her.
self" said Carol, coldly
That's what I'm doing" returned Ingot.
with the utmost composurc. '.You don't
suppose would go to buying diamond rings
for any one else, hopc.''
Carols patience was exhausted at last
''Let me tell you, then, that will never
accept such gift from your she cried, in
q guarded tone, but with the angry color
iaming in her check ''Oh, 1 wish Lyman
would come! wonder what keeps him!"
Same thing that holds me- being with the
girl he likes best in the world. And let me
tell yom that You rU wear my ring, and that
before Christmas is here, or it will be the
worse for-I don't want to make threats, but
you'll wear ii" he broke off, and there was
Il savage tone in his voice, look on his
face, which made the girls heart quail.
She had read Of men numbering the women
they loved, where their love was not re-
turned, and it seemed to her that Ingot might
he equal to such an act. She wondered how
Lyman could be friends with such man.
She would have an understanding with her
brother; she would not be humiliated and
made wretched in this way again. He
should not deny her right to the friends of
her liking, and force the society Of the man
she dctcsted upon her.
1t was late when Lyman appeared, and
he did not wear the blissful look of happy
lover. He avoided meeting his sisters
eyes, and leaned back in tho corner of the
carriage, silent and absorbed, leaving all
the conversation 10 lngot, who was appar
emily not damped by monosyllabic replies.
Carols intention of speaking to her
brother was frustrated for that night, for
lngot followed them in, without invitation.
Il want word with you, Childcr. You're
so precious busy on your own account now
adays that l don't know when I'll get an
other chance at you"
The two passed into the den together and
were still there when Carols eyes closed in
healthful slumbcr.
Lyman was in the breakfast-room when
she came down the next morning, having
81 oa,.l,- .3nfn fr hn =
agreeable subject. He took the words out
OF her mouth by introducing it himself.
'Ingot 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. l scarcely
think YOU arc inclined to regard him favor
ably, my dears
"You must know that / utterly dctcst
him, Lyman
''Detest! That is a strong word. | hope
you have your feelings sufficiently under
control TO hide the fact from him, for a time,
at least. Think you would make n sacrifice
for me, Carol. if were to assure you that it
is necessary and for worthy purpose"
mot if the sacrifice is toto accept that
man." she declared.
But if it is only to seem to accept hima
1 give you my word that ] shall never ask
You to marry him. He is not the man l
would choose for your husband. if l wanted
to influence your choice. That is a thing
shall never do. little sister. Your own
heart must be your guide, and il that be
fixed even upon one whom dctest. prom
Use you that will never raise an objec-
ton
The bright head droopcd. and blush
crept into the clear check.
Must explain to YOU why l am asking
this of YOU. Carol. You arc such child in
the ways of the world, you know so little
about business matters. that doubt if you
would understand the Importance L attach
TO keeping in with Ingot. This i viii say.
that he is deeply mixed in Mr.. Everlcigh's
embarrassments, which / find harder to
straighten than at first anticipated. Ingot
could do us much harm If he were 70 break
with us now, but in 4 few weeks more we
can afford to declare ourselves independ-
ent of him. BY the way. Carol, you were
gooc enough 10 give nc an unconditional
promise the other night regarding Ecrg-
man, but will modify that by letting you
do as you please about him. I'll even be
friendly with him FOR your sake. if You ask
it-after this affair with Ingot is over.
Until then, shall hold You to your word.
already given, and beg of you further to
aid me by keeping Ingot cocap!aisant. You
can do it without committing yourself. or,
if he will have promise. l will sec that it
is never enforced. You believe me when l
say that. do you not:''
There was no wavering in the eyes that
met hers now, though they were somber
and dark. and bore signs of the sleepless
night through which he had passed.
His reasons seemed vague and unsatis-
factory to Carol, She wished he would ex.