The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-03-26


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MY sTEP-FATIER SLIGHTLY SMILED.
his own actions, did not feel it to be
my duty to save him from what, II re-
gard the matter impartially, regret to
say that consider mistake. lie will
doubtless repent OF his marriage-but
that is his own affair. have won his
gratitude by giving my cordial consen,
to his addressing you. Ihave promised
to sanction the engagement
For once the smooth, monotonous
voice was like sweet music in my ears.
sat and listened, smiling softly-not a
smile of amusement, but of happiness.
l remember those blissful minutes still:
| remember them rs clearly as though
they passed but yesterday; they belong
to the past OF twent y years ago. How
blue the sky was.-great white clouds
slowly crossed it, travelling from the
west; there was quiet sort Of murmur
of rustling leaves; among the tall white
lilies the bees were busy; the last of the
hay was being carried in the meadows
beyond our garden; all the air was
sweet with perfume.
The monotonous voice droned on:
II told Mr.. Barnet that would first
address you on the subject. lie made
some objection to my doing SO, but !
overruled it. believe he said that he
should come this morning for his an
swer; l am not sure, but think he
L. s.l~
on you this morning. My interview
with him was somewhat abruptly ter
minated; . visitor was unfortunately
announced when / had had but few
minutes conversation with him. How
ever, / think I understood that he
meant to call this morning. Knowing
your impulsive disposition, Mabel.
thought it best to prepare you. wished
you to be perfectly clear about my feel
lngs on the subject. You have my per-
mission to accept him; you have my full
approval"
Thank you, papa" He seemed to
expect my thanks; / rendered them me-
chanically.
MIR. Barnet, ii not a very wealthy
man. is not q very poor one. 1t is as
good marriage as you can expect to
make, and desire that you will accept
him. ] am not sure what the exact
amount of his income is. but
IF Ned had fifty pounds year, if he
were a blacksmith or a carpenter or-or
any thing, I would marry him like q
shot il he asked me.'
my dear, your English, il graphic. is
scarcely classical"
But don't want to know what Ned 3
income is. don't care a bit.'
My step-father slightly smiled, then
slightly sighed.
II may tell Mr.. Barnet, then, that you
entertain his proposal?"
Yes. ! love him." said simply.
Some one raped at the door; the door
opened.
Mr.. Barnet announced the white
aproned, soft-voiced parlor maid; and
| Ned came In.
| Ills sun-browned face had ruddier
| tinge than usual, he was evidently EN-.
barrassed, but even in his embarrass-
ment there was sort of boyjsh frank.
ness and dignity; he was humorously
conscious OF being ill-at-ease, and he
| humorously appreciated the odd expert.
ence. lie nodded and smiled at me as
he shook hands, then he turned with an
eager, searching glance toward my step.
| father.
81 have been having q serious little
talk with Mabel" my step-father said,
in his slow, mild tone. Nothing ever
made him hasten in his speech. "A
| very serious little talk"
Ned looked toward me. l could not
understand the glance; he looked as
though he wished that would GO.
II have laid your proposal before
| her."
Again Ned glanced quickly in my d.
rection; he was silent; my step-father
slowly continued:
"And she is inclined to entertain
it"
"She accepts me?'
''She admits that she is very much in
love with you"
/ did not see Ned's face, my eyes were
fixed upon the brown roses on the car.
pet; but heard the joyous little excla
nation with which the news was re
ceiyed.
"Where is she?" asked Ned, after Z
moments pause.
mabel, my love, come here" said m,
step-father in his smoothest tone. Ii,
took my hand between his own and let
me toward Ned, who stood perfectly still
and made no movement to meet me. II,
took Ned's hand, too; he put our hand
together. looked up-I looked int
Ned's eyes, and he looked back int
mine; with little cry l drew my han'
away and he quietly released it. re
member still the kind, regretful look h.
gave me.
ITa nE GANTINI,En