The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1892-08-13
CHAPTER Nj.

THE COLONEL TAKES A HAND.
Bertie's hope was realized. No undue
exhibition oil temper on the part OF his
father had cut short his visit, and though
several weeks had passed, he was appar-
entity fixture ut The Ccdars5 Tor an in
definite period.
He ma lie the most of his opportunity
for enjoying AIicc's society, and the
Colonel smiled grimly at his maturing
plans.
But he was not of vacilating char
acter, and as time went on, and matters
| had not reached a definite settlement,
ne began 10 consider the ACCESSIBILITY of
some action on his part.
With this idea IN view he came rather
unexpectedly on Berthe and Alice III the
sitting-ioon one morning.
We resIar4GI them tiNrdly for a mo-
alton, and i'll words which fell with the
force Of a bombshell on the ears OF his
surprised listeners, he exclaimed:
What under heaven are YOU two mop
ing in here for? Confound me, if | I'M
dcrstand such nons.nsa. For heavens
sake, BERTHE, have spnnk enough to ask
III" girl 10 be your wife. When | was
counting your mother | said-plague
| take that girl if she hasn't run away.
, This comes of your everlasting fooling.
May the Lord give me patience with
such young ninnics, Where 5 she gone!'
I'll find her, sir, volunteered BERTHE,
borrowing his fathers determination of
face and voice.
lie left the room with alacrity, and
passing down the long hall looked into
every room; but no Alice was to he
seen. An open door leading into the
garden suggested her possible mode of
escape, and Immediately he followed
the narrow path which led to a summer
no .se. \ few rapid steps brought him
up to the crouching figure.
Alice, he called, with new gentle
ness in h 5 tones.
III never forgive uncle, never" she
exclaimed, with her face still buried in
her hands, and her voice limiting rather
strongly of tears.
Poor father, | don't think he de-
serves your ill-will. Look up, Alice, l
have something to tell you
BERTHE, if you don't leave me I'll hate
you.
1t is very we'll to say that while your
face is covered, my dear but fortunately
| know you don't mean it. My bird has
been SO coquettish and Knocked me with
SO many sweet songs, that | am glad to
see her Gagged at last. Now, as she per-
sistently refuses to unclose her eyes to
the beauty of my countenance. l shall
proceed to take matters in my own
hands
This threat he promptly carried out.
Disres arding her resistance, he lifted
her blushing face until he could look
into her dropping eyes. Then, appar-
entity satisfied with his long intent
gaze, he drew her closer to him, and
kissed her unresisting lips with a grave
tenderness.
Alice, was right; you do like me a
little
A half hour later, Alice suggested the
ACCESSIBILITY of returning to the Colonel
BERTHE acquiesced reluctantly
Come in" called the old gentleman,
as they hesitated at the door
How many miles did you have to
travel to find Alice? You've been gone
Just thirty-tive minutes, but I'll forgive
you. Think you've gotten ahead of the
old man, Ell: Wouldn't have a wife of
my choosing? Oh, no. Wanted an old
mare to your liking. Humph, You
empty pate, you've got the very girl /
picked out for you. Think l have taste,
eh? Well, she'll lead you dance. She's
got the devils own temper, and you're
about her equal. sir"
Il am your son, was the imperturba-
bic reply
Yes, yes Nobody'd think it, though.
You'll never have Your fathers sense,
boy. Come here, you little coquette,
and kiss your uncle. And BERTHE, you
scamp, if you don't give her everything
she wants, III shoot you. Now clear
cut, both of you. You addle my bewl-
dered brain"
Au clear out they did. with alacrity.
During the days that followed Mar
garet and Alice saw great deal OF each
other. but this constant companionship
was fraught more OF pain than Of pleas
ure TO Margaret, for the happy content
ment which filled Alice'S heart Knocked
her with the knowledge of something
wanting in her own life. The pain was
hidden in her own heart, but her doubts
and fears found outward expression in
nervous reStleSsneSS. a lack of definite
purpose and lowneSs Of spirits. Many
times did she rerroach herself severely
for allowing such feelings to influence
her; but, do what she would, she could
not Danish the vague pain with which
she looked forward 10 the future. 1T Is
not that / am unhappy" she told her
self, but it is the possibility of what
lies before me.
One evening, during one OF Brian's
periodical visits 10 EImwood, she went
with him 20 take dinner at The Cedars.
She found the evening thoroughly en-
iay4b4e. aud Ipr tbs t!Gsa being she laid
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