The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-20

there, snd on no apparent business Seth
noticed the girls start on seeing young
Farrel; also the latter's easy familiarity
toward her, and It angered him unreason-
rel remained
That was three months back, and now
the idea Of Nat had taken entire posses
sion of Seth. He thought Of her extreme
youth. So much the better. young women
were possessed Of 50 many queer notions
nowadays, He liked Martha better for
uardness. Would she care for him? All.
his heart beat faster. He would make her
do so. His love for her would kindle .
return. There must be mutual sympa-
thy, or what could inspire him
with such fervor. He would guard
her, protect her. Nothing unpleasant
should touch her that he could prevent.
He did not for q moment distrust his
ability to make her happy, 50 he made up
his mind to take the most momentous step
Of his life, to ask Martha TO become his
wife.
He went out 70 Fuller the next week.
Fortune was propitious. Martha was at
the landing when the boat touched, ready
and as Seth walked up to the house with
her, he made his opportunity.
Martha heard Seth Henderson's pro-
posai with genuine surprise.
II don't know: I'm not ft-I hardly
know what TO think" Her sentences were
stammering. her tones trembling.
Seth remembered what Mrs. Fuller had
said Of her parentage.
"Why not? There Is nothing between
Ms Your parenfage makes no difference.
'sWhy should t?' The girl turned TO
him with hard lines in her face and
proud. forbidding gesture. Il would hate
any man who would throw that up to me: !"
great tenderness possessed Seth. He
saw that she suffered, but his very tender
ness constrained him, held him from pour
ing out his lore TO her.
Il don't know. will write to you il
you leave me your address" and with q
quick step she left him.
Seth saw her go in q dazed manner.
What II she WAS never to come 10 him?
not, could not understand. With a few
strides he overlook her, and grasped her
firmly by the wrist.
Martha" his tone was masterful and
sweet. and thrilled his listener. II think
l could make you happy if--if you could
care for me. ~
a step vas heard approaching; Martha.
house. and the lover turned and met
Arthur Farrell. Seth execrafed his luck.
de had to return that very day, and the
insolenf. careless manner of Farrell during
the dinner f.lled him with apprehension.
Seth boarded the boat at the landing an
hour later. and looked back at the house
with something like jealousy in his heart.
He could not know that Mat was gazing
after him, standing little way from the
window, that she shonld not be noticed
Two miles below Larkins' there was an
other landing. and wien the steamer
swung up against the little wharf Seth
was the FIRST 10 spring on shore. He could
xa-<S So 81 <.rs SD
He would 60 back to Mat and know his
fate that day.
1t was not q long walk through the
woods, and Seth made his way over rus
Ting leaves and slight distractions with
swinging stride that told of his wish to be
at bis journeys end.
He came out of the shadow Of the trees a
dozen yards from the hoEse where he had
first met the girl who now Was all the
world TO him, and stopped suddenly, as If
he had been met with blow.
Just before him were the two who occu-
pied his thoughts. Mat stood beside the
rough fence of logs and stumps that divided
the garden from the forest, and close be-
side her was young Farrell. One Of Mats
hands rested upon projecting branch and
the other was in the hold of the young
mill-owner. But it was not . willing cap
tive. As Seth halted Nat drew herself
away.
II mean II, Mat. the young man said.
sI've plenty of money, and you shall see
greater sights and more luxury than you
ever dreamed of if you'll 60 with me.
The girls brows met and look Of hate
and scorn flashed from her eyes, but the
words on her lips were stilled as she caught
Seth's startled gaze resting upon her.
In an instant she had drawn away from
Farrell, and swift as the fight of bird
came to Seth and found ready shelter in
his arms.
The young miil-owner gave one half
smothered exclamation. then. as the look
of eager interest on his face changed TO
one of surprise and shame, he turned and
walked away. ROSE SIMMONS.
SEATTLE Wash Feb 2 1901