Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1890-05-17

f1SFnApSs duiulhtSu uSeh4Ys
'sUncle Archie has been 30 good to us,
Dick; he has filled my fathers place,
and has almost my fathers right to-
To-
ITO approve or condemn your
choice' ! grant all that, dear, but
even from his verdict there is last
appeal to yourself. You are the one
Judge here, Irene. You think your
uncle will object to me-that he will
think me too poor man to marry
the heiress of Ludleigh Hall?"
He stated the case as against HIM
self and me with such perfect simplic-
ity and frankness that it hardly
seemed difficult to answer and agree
with him.
alt is quite possible he may"
s.And If he does? What shall you
answer. Irene, il he tells you | am
fortune hunter?n
..Oh. Dick" exclaimed in passion
ate indignation, II think you may
trust me to answer such charge as
that!n
ITO answer? Yes. But viii you
do more-will you help me to disap-
prove it? l am not asking little
thing or putting your love to light
test; but you and | must understand
each other once for all. suppose
your uncle bids you choose between
Ludleigh Hall and me-what answer
will you give him then, Irene?"
My heart beat so violently for few
minutes that l felt quite confused and
giddy; and then knew-knew that
there was no choice left for me to
make. 1t would cost me cruel pang
for me to give up that life long dream
OF reigning at Ludleigh Hall; but to
give up Dick-I would sooner give up
life itself.
With laughing cry Iput my hands
upon my lovers breast and raised my
lips to his; and Dick took the answer
from them, though did not speak a
word.
After that we talked the matter
over in sensible, practical fashion as
we strolled home together. Having
put the possible worst before me in
the strongest and most convincing
way, Dick was disposed to take rather
optimist views of our position and
Uncle Archie's probable behavior
towards Us.
II quite agree that duke would be
mo more than your merits, Miss
Gerard" he said with the affectionate
laughing glance found it so hard and
yet so sweet to meet; '.but, unluckily,
dukes do not abound In this corner OF
the world, and So"
'sAnd we must not put up with such
small deer as fortune does send in our
way. Mr.. Martineau. fortunately
am lowly minded, and do not ask
much OF fate"
He laughed, and then roioined more
earnestly
after all, so long as we have faith
in each other, nothing matters much.
We shall have the bread and cheese
to start with, dear; and afterwards
| who knows?-all the prizes in my pro
fession may fall to my share; viii
not despair OF winning anything wher
once have won you
His voice soltened with inexpressi
BILE pride and fondness as he uttered
the last word. We had reached ou
garden gate then; and. as as walked
into the cool shady sitting-room whert
mother sat placidly doing, with tn,
work-basket full OF colored silks be
side her and the kitten comfortably
curled up in her lap, was blushing 81
wildly, and looking, am sure, 81
happy, thath her suspicious were awak
ened at once.
'Irene and-and Mr.. Martineau,
she cried, blinking at US as thougl
something in our appearance dazzle,
her eyes. Have you been walking
too fast, child, or--or is anything tn
matter?"
Neither answered Dick in hi
usual m1rthful fashion, that did nc
admit Of fencing or delay. ..Iren
and have something to tell you, Mrs
Gerrard-or perhaps you guess?"
''Irene?" mother echoed, in hal
Supplied tone, gazing in an odd mixtur
Of alarm and admiration at the Dol
young stranger who made so free wit
her daughters name.
eyes, Irene-my Irene;" Dick an
swered, unabashed. ''She has give
herself to me, Mrs. Gerard; and you
hope, viii confirm the gift.
He seized her hand, looking 8
eager and handsome that | kne'
! mother, If she had ever wavereC
would be completely won.
, She looked at him and at me, shoe
| her head, sighed, smiled and said
"Since you seem to have settle
things between you, Mr.. Martineau,
do not know that there is much le
| for me 10 say"
''Yes, you can make US both yer
happy by saying just these few word
dick, can trust you with Irene
make her as happy as she deserves
, be. -
} And mother-bless hert--actuaIl
did repeat the words he dictated {
obediently as little child, and, whe
she had finished, kissed us both, sayin
: feryently
. "You must not rob me Of daugf
: ter, Dick; you must let me gain a sol
| Irene and I have aiways been go niue