The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1890-07-25

iow," answered Noel, cheerily. Eve
come back from the regiment little
short of money, and 1 want to have
nest egg in the bank to begin with. It's
good thing to have fat cousin, isn't
it? He has always been very liberal and
kind to me. and, luckily, I've only drawn
ON him twice. So I'll hurry along"
Five minutes after Noel left, district
messenger entered with note for Capt.
Lane. 1t was addressed to him in the
handwriting of Mr.. Vincent. He opened
it with trembling hand. 1t contained
merely these words:
II am obliged to leave for New York
this afternoon. Can you come to my
Office at l o'clock? We can then talk
without interruption; and much desire
to see you. IT. l.. ""
AS the big bell on the city hall had
struck one, Capt. Lane appeared at the
Office of Vincent, Clark 81 Co., and was
shown without delay into the private
room of the senior partner. Mr.. Vim
cent, looking even older and grayer in the
wan light at the rear Of the massive
building, was seated at his desk and bus
lily occupied with book of memoranda
and figures. He pushed back his chair
and came forward at once at sight of
Lane, and motioned to the clerk to re-
tire. The cavalryman's heart was beat
ing harder then he had any recollection
of its ever doing before, except in her
presence, and he felt that his knees were
trembling. But the old gentleman's
greeting gave him instant hope:
II am glad you have come, my dear
sir; am glad to know man who was
taught as was taught. Young people
nowadays seem to rush into matrimony
without the faintest reference to their
parents, and your letter was surprise
to me-a surprise, that is, in the fact
that you should have sought my permits
sion at all"
Take this chair, captain" he contin-
ued, as he returned to his desk. ~ have
much to say to you," he added, with q
sigh. Let me say at once that from
what | know and have heard of you there
is no man OF my acquaintance to whom
| could intrust my daughters future
with more implicit confidence. 1t is
true that both her mother and had at
one time other hopes and views for her,
and that we wish your profession was
not that of arms. And now l beg you to
be patient with me, and to pardon my
abiding to matters which you yourself
breach in this-this most manful letter.
You tell me that you are not dependent
on your pay alone, but that from invest
ments in real estate in growing cities in
the west and in mines in New Mexico
your present income is some five thou
sand dollars. AS understand you, the
property is steadily increasing in value?"
"It has steadily increased thus far,
sir, and think it will continue to do so
for several years to come-in real estate
investments at least"
III am glad Of this, on your account as
well as hers, for Mabel has been reared
in comparative luxury. She has never
known what it was to want anything
very much or very long. She has been
educated on the superstition that her
whole life would be equally free from
care or stint; and if were to die to-
morrow, sir, she would be a beggar."
And here, in great agitation, the old
gentleman rose from his chair and began
nervously pacing up and down the little
room, wringing his white, tremulous
hands and turning his face away from
the silent soldier that he might not see
the tears that hung to the lashes or the
piteous quivering Of the sensitive lips.
For moment or two nothing more was
said. Then, as though in surprise, Mr..
Vincent stopped short
did you understand me, Capt. Lane?
| do not exaggerSte the situation in the
least. do not know how soon the AK will
fall. We are safe for today, but know
not what the morrow may bring Firth. ]
may be met EN- route by kilograms saying
that the journey is useless-that we are
ruined-and the money hope to get in
New York to tide us over would come
only too late. Next month at this time
the house in which Mabel was born and
reared may be sold over her head, with
every scrap and atom of its furniture
and we be driven into exile. Do you rea-
lie this, sir? Do you understand that
if you win her affection and she becomes
your wife / have not penny with which
to bless herr"
"Mr. Vincent" answered Lane, 81
would hold myself richer than any man
in this world if could know that your
daughter cared for me and would be my
wife. Do not think that fail to sympa-
thize and feel for you and all who are
dear to you in your distress and anxiety
but am almost glad to hear that she is
not the heiress people said she was. It
is Mabel I want, and here his voice
trembled almost as much as the old
mans, and his honest gray eyes filed up
with tears he could not down-"and with
her for my own / could ask nothing of
any man. have your consent tosee her,
then, at once if need be? You know l
am relieved from duty here and must re-
join my regiment within ten days."
''My full consent, and my best wishes,
captain" said Mr.. Vincent, grasping the
outstnetched hand in both his own.
"You have not spoken to her at all?''
mot word, Mr.. Vincent: and l can
form no idea what her answer will be.
Pardon me, sir, but has she or has Mrs.
Vincent any knowledge of your business