The Forrest City times., 1890-05-17
Uncle ArcEiie's Wife.
CHAPTER II.

much more interesting person than had hitherto thought him; the other that at some, hoped distant, day l, Irene Gerrard, should surely be mis- tress of the grand old house that I loved very honestly and sincerely on it's own merits alone
 l will do myself the justice to say that kept tue last idea as much a. possible in tho back ground Of my thoughts, and never allowed even mother to discuss mv future greatness with me; but nevertheless the thought of it colored my whole life. and, when Dick Martineau asked me to marry him which he did quite suddenly ut d tennis party one day y-I-well. when had ceased to feel daz2lcd and confus- cd and taken by storm. and quito ab- surdly happy--l began 10 think of uncle Archie, and to wonder what he would say to such match for the last of the Gerrards--for every one in l.udleigh knew that Dick was as poor as he was good looking.
 suppose my troubled thoughts were expressed pretty plainly in my face: for Dick said suddenly in u tone of anxiety that was in striking con trast to the happy laugh in his blue eyes
 ''Are you ropeniiug already. that you look so portentousiy grave, Miss Irene oerrarda Do you wish to with draw that sweet little admission ex- traeted just now. and substitute a cool. Oh. it you please. sir. 1t was all a mistakc-I rather dislike you than not Pn
 l laughed outright at this. though my checks grew hot under tho tender triumph Of his gaze.
 .'lou arc talking nonsense now, n I said, shaking my head ruefully. You know like you, Alr. Martin eau.
 He barred his sunny head. gave q sweeping bow, and interrupted mo there
 You arc too good, Miss Gerard Believe me. l rociproeate the feeling"
 with mock fervor and theatrical cm. phasis. for which he deserved to have his ears boxed at least; and suppose he thought 90 himself presently, for. when he found l did nos speak. he came little nearer. and said in his saftest and most persuasive tone. Have offended you. Irene? Or is il possible, my darling, that that mon strous supposition is founded on fact
 that you really wish to uasay the words that made me so happy just now?N
 No, no' Oh, Dick. you know its not that,' 1 answered. half laughing. half crying in my wild hysterical alarm; for, soft as his voite was. there was an expression of sternness in his eYes--tor good or III, Dick Marlinoau was a strong man. not 10 be trieed or dealt lightly with in any way.
 "Whai is it then, Irene" p"-seizing my Lands and forcing me io mee, his earnest. sieadfast gaze. s.Do you think Mrs. Gerrard will objcct--will refuse to give you 10 mepf
 No; mother likes you so much I trn sure she will be glad, answer cd shyly, but with absolute sincerity; and Dick drew me to him with con tented laugh,
 Then, if you and Mrs Gerard are on my side, there is no one else to fear. lreueqa
 ''oh, yes, there is.--unele Archie llfa haS .nsb ..nxce.. ,l..n..
 Il know he is Il confirmed woman hater,' Dick broke in mirthfully. ."Bu, will he insist on your turning man-haier to keep him company. Irenc2H
 f'No. no-you do not understand!n l replied, little fretfully; aud Dicks tone changed at once He clasped my hands firmly and looked steadily and keenly at my faeo.
 Perhaps do, Irene. Shall state the easo from your point Of view iour uncle Archie Is worry rich man and you are his heiress, if he choose 10 make you 50. Y
 Dick, l interrupted eagerly. for all at once l seemed to see my own thoughts and actions in now and despieable light ..Dick. you are oraell II is not that--not only that.
 ''l know it is not only that. my dear. ho answered, with sudden tightening pressure Of his strong kind hands lfit were. you would not be the girl l love so dearly, my beautiful true-hearted lrnne. But there Is something of that in your thoug hts. Is there not?N
 .'Pcrhaps.N l admit ed meekly. "Incle Archie has been so good to us. Dick; he has filled my fathers place, and has almost my fathers right to- to-"
 ''To approve or condemn your choice? l grant all that, dear, but even from his verdict there Is u last appeal to yourself You are tho one Judge here. Irene. You think your uncle will object to me---that he will think mo too poor man to marry the heircss Of Lndleigh Halipm
 He stated the case us agains, him. self and me with such perfect si mpllc. fly and franSncss that il hardly seemed difficult 10 answer and agree with him.
 .'lt is quite possible he may"
 And II he docss What shall YOU answer. Irene, if ho tells you am a fortune hunterg"
 '.uh, Dick. exclaimed in passion. ate Indignation, Il think you may trust me 10 answer such charge as thatlr
 .sro answcr2 Yes. But will you do more will you hcIp mo to disap- prove it3 ] an not asking q littlc