The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1892-02-25

II don't believe l can meet you
| there"
"And why not, pray?'
HAS he not a niece, Doris Wilford?"
"Dear me! How should know? He
may have half dozen for all care.
don't see what difference it would
make, anyway"
| ut would make a good deal Of diff
ference. pet Doris MILFORD is the girl
my father wishes me to marry"
why don't you marry her? One
Doris is as good as another any day."
Possibly But ] love only one
Doris, and that one is you. Doris Will
ford doesn't stand the shadow of a
chance. Won't you marry me, pet?"
"I'll tell you week from to-day at
Mr.. Wilford's, and not one minute
sooner. l must have time to think
about it. like you immensely, but of
loving you I'm not so sure. But l am
almost frozen, and am going home, SO
1 must say good-by."
| Doris draws the soft crimson cape
more closely around her trim shoulders,
straightens the dainty sailor hat upon
her tumbled head, then walks away
some distance. Suddenly she turns and
calls back:
"Do you know Mr.. Wilford?'
Vane is at her side in moment.
I've seen him once or twice at
home. Why?'
''Then l suspect you had better ask
for him when you call next Thursday.
may not be there; but if 1 am you'll
be sure to see me-
Doris, you are too provoking
"Provoking, Mr.. Evarts? How,
pray?"
"Why do you keep me in suspense?
Promise me faithfully to be at Mr..
Wilford's Thursday, will your
20, don't know" impatiently.
Promise me, or I'll not CALI
Vane is standing before his compan-
ion, with one hand on her shoulder. and
the other under her chin, compelling
her blue eyes to meet his brown ones.
| you'll ask for Mr.. MILFORD, any
way?"
IN ask for Mr.. MILFORD, anyway"
Then I'll promise. Now, good "
"Good-by," says Vane, and before
Doris is aware he has stopped and
kissed her lips Forgive me, dear one, -
he whispers. 81 couldn't help it,
The next Tuesday morning a hack
deposits Miss MILFORD at her uncle's
door. Mr.. MILFORD sees her alight,
comes forward to meet her and almost
carries her into the house.
80 you are home at last, girlie?'
Eyes, and heartily glad to be here.
I'm tired to death of the country. Even
now when l shut my eyes l can't see
anything but cows Aren't you glad to
have me back?"
Indeed l am, little one."
They are in the library now, and she
is perched upon his knee as he sits in
his great armchair. She toys restless
ly with his necktie, and with difficulty
breaches the subject uppermost in both
minds.
"Uncle CAL I've done it,
Done what, child?"
| You know very we'll what mean. "
you've made decision? Is that it?'
eyes, and I've decided that rather
than live in the country for three NOR
tai years, I'll marry Vane Evarts, or
even the man in the moon"
Her uncle kisses her atfectionately,
saying: ''Now you are my own little
girl again. Suppose you go and put on
one of those pretty wrappers of yours
and rest while l write some letters.
Then this afternoon We'll go driving"
A second surprise, even greater than
the first, greets Mr.. MILFORD when on
Thursday afternoon card is given
him bearing the name of Vane Evarts.
Tell him I'll see him in moment"
he says to the maid, then turning to
Doris: "Will you come with me?'
I'm a moment, Uncle CAL" answers
Doris, who is already strengthening her
collar. She gives the gentlemen time
for the customary greeting, then de-
sends. Her uncle turns as she enters,
therefore he does not see the express
sion of pleasure that passes over Vane's
face.
"Mr. Evarts, let me present you to
my niece, Doris MILFORD Doris, this
is Vane Evarts''
Tableau. Doris, her pretty face
dimpling with smiles, stands looking
| full IN the face OF Vane EvartS, who,
in his turn, looks from her to Mr.. Will
ford and from Mr.. MILFORD back again
with expressions of surprise and con-
fusion chasing each other over his
countenance Uncle Cal forms the
background and stands, the picture of
bewilderment, rubbing his bald head
with the palm of his hand.
After a few moments of profound
silence, Mr. Evarts finds his voice:
'In Heavens name, Doris, what is
the meaning of this? Are you-were
you-you are not Doris Wilford?"
"Am l not? Ask Uncle CAL
"Well-but-why did you tell me you
were Doris Harcourt?''
II didn't tell you. You merely
jumped at the conclusion, and let you
stay where you landed. You fell in