Marble Hill press., 1890-02-13
Uncle Arehie's Wife,
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
N.Y. mothers story made q great
impression on me; and from that time
two ideas were clearly fixed in my
mind one that uncle Archie was a
much more interesting person than
had hitherto thought him; the other
that at some, Ihoped 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 l kept the last idea as much as
possible in the back ground OF my
thoughts, and never allowed
even mother to discuss my
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 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-I began to think OF
uncle Archie. and to wonder what he
would say 10 such match for the last
of the Gerrards-for every one in
Ludleigh knew that Dick was us poor
as he was good looking.
l 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
care you repenting already. that
you look 80 portentously grave. Miss
Irene Gerrard? DO you wish to with
draw that sweet little admission ex-
tracted just now, and substitute a
cool. oh, if you plea Sc, sir, it was all
u mistake-I rather dislike you than
not. p"
laughed outright at this, though
my cheeks grew hot under the tender
triumph of his gaze.
"You are talking nonsense now, :"
I said, shaking my head ruefully.
"You know l like you, Mr.. Martin
eau"
He barred his sunny head, gave u
sweeping bow, and interrupted me
there.
You are too good, Miss Gerard
Believe me, reciprocate the feeling
with mock fervor and theatrical en-
phasis, for which he deserved to have
his ears boxed at least; and l suppose
he thought so himself presently, for,
when he found l did not speak, he
came little nearer, and said in his
softest and most persuasive tone,
"Have I offended you, IreneP Or is
it possible, my darling, that that mon-
strous supposition is founded on fact
that you really wish 10 unsay the
words that made me SO happy just
nowp"
"No, 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
triled or dealt lightly with in any
way.
"What is it then, lreneP"- seizing
my lands and forcing me to meet his
earnest, steadfast gaze. "Do you
think Mrs. Gerard will ob;ect-will
refuse to give you 10 me?"
mo; mother likes you so much
am sure she will be glad," answer
ed 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. IreneP"
"Oh, yes, there is-uncle Archie.
He has such strange IDEAS"
II know he is o confirmed woman
hater," Dick broke in mirthfully.
'.But will he insist on your turning
man-hater to keep him company,
IreneP"
"No, no-you do not understand p
I replied, a little fretfully; and Dick 8
tone changed at once. He clasped
my hands firmly and looked steadily
and keenly ut my face.
perhaps do, Irene. Shall I state
the case from your point Of view .
Your uncle Archie is very rich man
and you are his heiress, il he choose
10 make you 3d."
"Dick," I interrupted eagerly, for
all 1t once seemed TO see my own
thoughts and actions in new and
despicable light - "Dick, you are
cruel! It Is not that--not only that"
II know 1t IL not only that, my
dear" he answered, with q sudden
tightsoing pressure Of his strong kind
hands s.H Il we're, you would not be
The girl / love 20 dearly, my beautiful
hearted Irene. But there IL
something Of that in your thoug Ia,
n there notp"
ssPerhAps." / admitted meekly.
.'Uncls Archie has been 90 good 70 us,
Diok; he has filled my fathers place.
enc hes almcst my fathers right "
to
ssIs approve o. eoaAsmn your
oheieep ! grant all that, dear. but
evea fsem his vssdlst thers Il . Last
sppeal ~ yessssli. You ass The oas