Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-02-08


came an awful pause. 1t was broken at
longth by the squire, who, standing with his
back to the fire, his Eyes fixed upon the wall
opposite, after much humming and having,
delivered himself thus:
II understand, Mr.. Cossey, that you have
come to hear my daughters final decision on
the matter of the proposal of marriage which
you have made and renewed to her. Now,
of course this is very important question,
very important indeed, and it is one with
which l cannot presume even to seem to in
terfcre. Therefore | shall, without COM
ment, leave my daughter to speak for her
self"
Zone moment before she does So" Cossey
interrupted, drawing indeed but a poor
augury OF success from Ida's icy looks II
have come to renew my offer and to take my
final answer, and l beg Miss do la Molle to
consider how deep and sincere must be that
affection which has endured through 50 many
rebufPs. know, or at the least | fear, that
do not occupy the place in her feelings that
should wish to, but look to time to change
this; at any rate, am willing to take my
chance. As regards money, I repeat the
offer that have already made"---
"Thore, I should not say too much about
that" broke in the squire, impatiently,
"Oh, why not!n said Ida, in bitter sarcasm.
"Mr. Cossey knows it is one of the best argu-
ments with our sex. l presume that, as q
preliminary to the renewal of tho engage
ment, the persecution Of my father which is
being carried on by your lawyer will cease
| "Absolutely.n
"And if the engagement Is not renewed
! the money will, of course be called inv
"My lawyers advise that it should be- he
| 10. hut do
may make your own terms about money
Marriage, after all, is practically matter
Of bargaining, and am not going to stand
out about the price"
"You are really most generous" waIt on
Ida, in the same bitter tone, tho iron Of
which made her father vince, for he Under
stood her mood better than did her lover
81 only regret that ! cannot appreciat" .ht
generosity more than do. But 1t is at least
i'll my power to give you tho return which
you deserve. 50 can no longer hesitate
but once and for alp
And she stopped dead, ard stared ar TIT
glass door as though she saw ghost. Boil
her father and Edward Cossey followed tn
motion Of her eyes, and this was what the,
saw Up the steps camo Col. Quaritcb anC
George. Both were pale and weary looking
but the former was at least clean. As 10
George, this could not be said His heat
was still adorned with the red night cap hi
hands were cut and dirty, and on his clothe
was an unlimited supply of incrusted filth.
"What the dickens'-began the squire
and at that moment George, who was lead
ing, knocked at the door.
"You can't como in now" reared tn
squire. Don't you see that we are on
gagedi"
'But we must como in, squire, beggin
your pardon answered George with dc
termination, as he opened the door. "We'v
got that to say as won't keep"
81 tell you that it must keep, sir, said tn
old gentleman, working himself into rage
Gam l not to be allowed a moments privac
in my own housed wonder at your conduct
Col. Quaritch, in forcing your presence upo
me when tell you that it is not wanted"
81 am suro that l apologize Mr.. de
Molle," began the colonel, utterly take
aback, "but what have to say is
"The best way that you can apologize is b
withdrawing" answered the squire, wit
majesty. Il shall be most happy to hea
what you have to say on another occasion"
ooh, squire, squire, don't be such full
begging your pardon for tho word" sal
George, in evaporation. "Don't so a-knocl
ing of your head agin brick wall"
evil you be Off, sirf" roared his maste
in a voice that made the walls shake.
By this time Ida had recovered hersel
She seemed TO feel that her lover had som
thing to say that concerned her deeply-prol
ably she read it in hiseyes,
"Father,' she said, raising her voice,
won't have Col. QnaIitch turned away fro
the door like that II you will not adm