Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-09-27
Uncle Archie's Wife
CHAPTER III.

CHATTER III.
My mothers story made a great
impression on me; and from that time
two ideas were clearly fixed in my
mind-one that uncle Archie was q
much more interesting person than
had hitherto thought him. the other
that at some, hoped distant, day /,
Irene Gerard, should surely be mis-
tress OF the grand old house that !
loved very honestly and sincerely on
its own merits alone
l will do myself the Justice to say
that | kept the last idea as much as
possible in the back ground OF my
thoughts, and never allowed
even mother TO discuss ny
future greatness with me; but
nevertheless the thought OF il
colored my whole life and, when Dick
Martineau asked me TO marry him
which he did quite suddenly at "A
tennis party one day-I-well, when |
had ceased to feel dazzled and confus-
ed and taken by storm, and quite alb
surdly happy began to think of
uncle Archie, and to wonder what he
would say TO such match for the last
OF the Gerrards-for every one in
Ludleigh knew that Dick was as poor
as he was good looking.
j suppose my troubled thoughts
were expressed pretty plainly in my
face; for Dick said suddenly. in tone
OF anxiety that was in striking con-
trast to the happy laugh in his blue
eyes
"Are you repenting already. that
you look so portentously grave, Miss
Irene Gerard? Do you wish to with
draw that sweet little admission | ex-
tracted just now, and substitute a
cool, oh, If you please, sir, it was all
a mistake rather dislike you than
not p"
| laughed outright at this. though
my cheeks grew hot under the tender
triumph OF his gaze.
You arc talking nonsense now"
| said, shaking my head ruefully.
You know l like you, Mr.. Martin
eau"
He barred his sunny head. gave a
sweeping bow, and interrupted me
there.
You are too good, Miss Gerard!
Believe me, l reciprocate the feeling
with mock fervor and theatrical en-
phasis, for which he deserved TO have
his ears boxed at least; and / suppose
he thought so himself presently, for.
when he found / did not speak, he |
came a little nearer, and said in his |
softest and most persuasive tone,
''Have | offended you. Irene? Or is /
it possible, my darling, that that mon |
strous supposition is founded on fact
that you really wish TO unsay the
words that made me so happy just
noTp"
mo, no. Oh, Dick, you know its
not that!' / answered, half laughing.
half crying in my wild hysterical
alarm; for. soft as his voice was. there
was an expression Of sternness in his
eves-for good or i'll, Dick Martineau
was strong man, not 10 be
trihed or dealt lightly with in any
way.
What ia il then, lrene?"-seizing
my lands and forcing me to meet his
steadfast gaze. ''Do you
think Mrs. Gerard will obiect-wiIl
refuse to give you 10 me?"
mo; mother likes you so much !
am sure she will be glad answer
ed shyly, bot with absolute sincerity;
and Dick drew me TO him with a con-
ented laugh.
"Then, If you and Mrs. Gerard are
,n my side, there is no one else 20
ear. IreneP"
'Oh, yes, there is-uncle Archie.
He has such strange ideas"
IL know he is confirmed woman
,ater," Dick broke in mirthfully.
But will he insist on your turning
ian-hater TO keep him company,
reneP"
''No, D-you do not understand
replied, little fretfully; and Dicks
one changed at once He clasped
ry hands firmly and' looked steadily
md keenly at my face.
perhaps do, Irene. Shall state
he case from your point of view
Your uncle Archie is very rich man
md you are his heiress, If he choose
o make you So.
"Dick," l interrupted eagerly, for
Ill at once / seemed TO see my own
thoughts and actions in "a new and
espicable light - ''Dick. you are
ruel! 1t is not that-not only that"
III know it is not only that. my
ear, he answered. with sudden l
ightening pressure OF his strong kind 4
lands. IF it were, you would not be