Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-04-20
, with Owen Davies matrimonial inten-

do with Owen Davies matrimonial inten
tions.
"Ah, well." he said, IT see what you
mean; marriages are made in heaven; yes
of course. Well, it you want to get on with
the matter, I dare say that We shall fnd
Beatrice in."
So they walked back to the Vicarage, Mr.
Granger exultant and yet perplexed, for ii
Struck him that there was something lit
tie odd about the proceeding, and Owen
Davies in silence or muttering occasionally
to himself
| In the sitting room they found Elizabeth.
"Where is Beatrice ?" asked her father.
'I don't know" she answered, and at that
moment Beatrice, pale and troubled, walked
into the room, like lamb to the slaughter.
"Ah, Beatrice" said her father, eve
were just asking for YOU" --..
She glanced round, and, with the quick
wit of hunted animal, instantly perceived
that some new danger threatened her.
Indeed" she said, sinking into chair
in an access of feebleness born of fear.
"What is it, father?'
Mr.. Granger looked at Owen Davies and
then took step toward the door. 1t struck
him forcibly that this scene should be pri-
vate to the two persons principally con-
cerned.
Don't CO." said Owen Davies, excitedly.
"Don't go, either of you; what have to say
had better be said before you both. Ishould
like to say it before the whole world, to cry it
from the mountain tops"
Elizabeth glared at him fercelv-glared
first at him and then at the innocent Bea-
trice. Could be be going to propose to her,
then? All, why had she hesitated? Why
had she not told him the whole truth be-
fore? But the heart of Beatrice, who sat
momentarily expecting to be publicly de-
nounced, grew fainter than ever. The wa
tiers OF desolation were closing in over her
soul.
Mr.. Granger sat down firmly and worked
himself into the seat OF his chair, as though
to secure an additional fxedness of tenure.
Elizabeth set her teeth and leaned her elbow
or the table, holding her hand so as to shade
her face. Beatrice drooped upon her seat
like fading lily or prisoner in the dock.
She was opposite to them, and Owen Davies,
his face alight with wild enthusiasm, stood
up and addressed them all like the counsel
for the prosecution.
Last autumn" he began, speaking to
Mr.. Granger, who might have been judge
uncertain as to the merits of the case, 81
asked your daughter Beatrice to marry
me-"
Beatrice gave sigh and collected her
scattered energies. Tine storm had had burst
at last, and she must face it.
L asked her to marry me, and she told
me to wait year. have waited as long as
could, but could not wait the whole year.
I have prayed a great deal, and find that
must speak"
Elizabeth made gesture of impotence.
She was person of strong common sense.
and this mixture of religion and eroticism
disguised her. She also knew that the
storm had burst, and that she must face it.
$50 come to tell you that love your
daughter Beatrice, and want to make her
my wife. 1 have never loved anybody else,
but have loved her for years, and ask
your consent"
VERY fattering, very fattering, am
sure, especially in these hard times" said
Mr.. Granger apologetically, shaking his
thin hair down over his forehead, and then
rumpling it up again. "But you see, Mr..
Davies, you don't want to marry me" (here
Beatrice smiled taintly)-you want to
marry my daughter, so you had better ask
her direct-at least suppose so.
Elizabeth made movement as though to
speak, then changed her mind and listened.
Beatrice" said Owen Davies, "you hear,
ask you to marry me"
10 be continued ne1t Sunddy.]