Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1889-09-05

u tbc peru, titl Amy conceived very
scornful ideas OF his nerve and horseman-
ship
A mile or two beyond they met Mrs.
Anthony driving home. Louisa com.
planned of fatigue, dismouuted, and took a
seat beside her aunt
Now, Miss Dermot," Fred exclaimed
, cheerily, rs the others drove on. "are Won
game for an old-fashioned steeal,ohase'
But let US wait till poor little Loo can't
see"
They returned across country flying,
and Amy found herself quite out-not In
the matter Of his riding alone
She fought hard against a growing con
viction that Fred was chivarous and
gallant fellow. Toward her he showed
just the miugling Of respec, and interest
and familiarity which became their re
spectiye positions, but with Louisa he
made no progress, and Amy was glad 20
see IT, She suspected the projects I'm view.
Fred perceived in no long time that the
more agreeable ne made himself the more
confused and troubled his cousin grew;
though gentle and attentive to her he fell
into habit Of talking with the compan-
ion.
1t was not easy 20 keep alive a feeling of
distrust and hostility as she came TO know
him better, but Amy struggled, recalling
her grievances hour by hour. He relieved
ner ON sudden, going with some friends
on yachting voyage.
In his absence a cousin Of the other
branch took lodgings in the neighhorhood
which was convenient for his business in
town, The Staymers hardly recognized
him, for Mark Thomas was very unob-
truSive young fellow socially and person
ally, cool, silent and thoughtful They al
lowed him to go to and fro as much as he
pleased, TO escort the girls from church on
Sunday, and to call of an evening. Amy
had often met him, but his time of greatest
intimacy at Clapham had reached an end
just at the moment when her own began.
Mark went TO study .the language and
commercial affairs at Leipsie before es-
tabishipg himself in a modest way at
home. This cousin was the only male be-
ing with whom Louisa could be comfort
able. His ways did not daunt her, and
his cool self-possession gave a sense of
trust
But Amy had no suspicion how far this
soft and timid liking went until Fred's re
turn was announced.
After breakfast on the day which fixed
that event, Mrs Anthony took Louisa TO
her room, whence the child emerged trem-
bling and pale and fearful
"Oh, Amyr she cried, taking refuge in
her friends arms, 81 am to marry Fredl
Oh, isn't it DREADFUL Oh, l don't know
whatever shall dOp And so on, helpless
in her misery.
IF it's dreadful darling, you sha'n't be
allowed TO do it, that's all What did your
aunt say"
"Ohl she said my mourning was over,
and Fred's would be in a short time. And
he was coming back ON purpose 60 marry
me, and lac loves me very much-and-
talked like thatl OH Pm 50 wretchodP
Poor little Louiel Wen, did you tell
her you wouldn't}'
"Amyl-Then aunt said it was my duty,
because Fred is ruined, and | can set the
family up again with my money. And she
doesn't mean TO stand any nonsense, be.
cause it's for my good, and | mustl Oh,
OH"
your manner betrayed you, darling;
but it doesn't signify It's not your duty,
and If you don't wish you shall not marry
Fred So that's all ahoutit Lctme think. "
The girl waited patiently, sobbug in her
arms.
"Can we trust Mr. ThomasF
"Oh, yes; but"
"But WHAT"
II would rather not speak to him, If you
don't mind."
"Of course not. Iwill speak, il neccs.
sary."
"But, dear Amy, please, if it doesn't
matter, / would rather
"Show me your face. You won't? Oh,
very well. Then l draw my own cOnclu-
siOns."
"Oh, there aren't any conclusions to
draw But Louisa would not emerge
from the shelter She had found crying,
with another burst Of tears IT'S no
usel must marry Fred if aunt tells me"
"Therel Take comfort little one. IN
see about il.
She requested AT interview With Mrs.
Anthony, and told her that the match was
distasteful That naughty dame resented
the COMPANIONS status-mmo'a until
Louisa marriage herself personally.
She repicd
eve looked for this, Miss Derm0t, and
my husband thinks you have every call
to protest. That IS the natural view for
a gentleman to take, but Indies expect
more deliclcy from one of their own SEX"
81 don't understand, madam"
"Of COURSE. Wen, Miss Dermot, / nd.
wise you to make your arrangements, for
my niece viii certainly be married short
ly."
Then Amy caught the significance Of
her remarks and holly replied: Perhaps
she viii, madam, and for my interest in
the matter hope it will be very shortly
indeed.
Mrs Anthony dld not comprehend now,
but she could get DO explanation They
parted pa hostility ayuwcd After reflect
ing and consulting with her husband, the
lady made up her mind that Miss Derno'
had a wicked scheme for wedding the
heiress To some low fellow probably o
connection Of her own Thereupon she
kept strict watch over the letters, forbade
her servants TO admit any visitor TO Miss
Dermot, and put a stop 10 outdoor exer-
else on Louisa's part Thus absorbed in
one idea she paid no attention 10 Marx
Thomas.
Amy and he came 20 an understanding
very quickly Tie heard the news with In
diuuafion. confessed his love and declared