Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1891-12-09
CHAPTER XVIII

THE SERPENT MAKES A PROPOSAL.
During the next two weeks Pearson
went to Green's three or four times,
and though he never had an interview
with Louise. he gave her to understand
the state of his heart, and did every
thing in his power to ingratiate himself
into her good graces. He also sought
to broaden and deepen the hold he had
upon Johns feelings, and upon the
whole was quite well satisfied with the
progress he was making. He had no
hope of winning Louise's love, but he
thought he was gaining her esteem and
that was enough.
IF I can only have her respect" he
thought, 81 can easily bring her to my
terms when the time comes Green
will soon use up the money he Dor
rowed, and then Louise must choose
between me and hunger-hunger not
only for herself, but for her father and
her sick mother. And the victory will
be mine by easy odds, for she is such a
simple, honest-hearted little thing that
she will readily make any sacrifice in
order to spare her parents. Just a few
more days of clear sailing and I shall
arrive in port with my prize all safe
and sound. In the meantime, though,
/ must begin to prepare the girls mind
so that she may be prepared for the
climax"
So in accordance with this idea, Pear
son managed, on the occasion of his
next visit, to induce Louise TO take a
walk with him. She was 10th to 90.
knowing what his sentiments were to-
ward her, and feeling all her old re-
pugnance for him returning in full
force, but she recalled all his kindness
to her father and his generous solicit
tude for her poor mother, and she felt
it her duty TO acquiesce in so small a
wish.
At first he talked of ordinary matters.
such as any two acquaintances might
! spcaE'of, but finally he became more per
sonal and began TO ask her about her
life. To all his questions she made
straightforward. truthful replies. ac-
knowledging that her existence was by
no means pleasant.
Il should think" he remarked, 'that
/ you would long for society and the
brighter scenes Of life"
Il do she replied, though I try
hard not 20. 1t is very wrong 20 repine
and grieve, but it is not easy always TO
avoid it,"
II don't think there is any wrong in
/ II, he said. Yours is n hard lot. and
1t Is only human that you should long
for something better"
what's the use OF longing for some
| thing can't have? IL only makes me
/ the more miserable, and besides it's a
sin against those love. Think OF my
/ poor mother, how much less bright her
/ life Is than mine. know IL is wrong
/ % gricve over my situation. and I'm
/ ashamed that 1 am weak enough to do
/ So"
Pearson made no reply at once. but
/ walked on some distance i'm silence.
/ lie was revolving in his mind the
words She had just spoken and trying
\ 20 decide how 10 proceed the most ef.
! fectually. When at last he spoke IL
was 70 this effect:
We'll, You arc right, suppose. in
/ thinking that 10 is useless 60 gricve for
what we cannot have, but sometimes
we can have things when we do not
think So"
Louise looked up inquiringly. and the
I glance Pearson had Of her lovc1v face
emboldened him 20 proceed
't NAA uhFN n uhppler eNlstcrCo n
/ you choose. " he went on. "You can
have friends, society and enjoyment.
They arc all within your reach. Would
you exchange this life for that2"
Something IN the eagcrness OF his
voice, as hc asked the question. at
tracted the girls attention and caused
her - start. She had an intuition Of
his meaning and longed 10 hee from
him. However, as that was not posi-
bic, she walked on without making any
reply. lie waited awhile, and seeing
that she was not going TO answer him,
he repeated his question. by this time
she had rcgained her compos9rs. and
her reply came calmly and steadily.
Yes, 1t is only natural" she said.
that should be willing to exchange