Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-02-18
iIcopyrighr. 1891. by A. N Kellogg Newspaper Col
CHAPTER xIx.-CoNr1NUED.

N. newspaper
CHAPTER XIX.-CoNrINUED.
Bladon carried the news to George
Arundel. He had a wonderful respect
for the old gentleman since he had done
: so much for his masters family, and
there was genuine ring of sympathy
in his tone as he said:
ssPoor Mr.. Hardcastle, he's gone an
done it at last, Master George-but I've
knowed for the past few weeks there
was no hope for him.
What" Arundel cried, in startled
dismay. Something happened to that
fine fellow?"
AYE, he's going to be married on
Monday
ITO Mrs. Evesham?"
THAT he be, sir. He says he won't
wait, an she's willing-mayhap, poor
chap, he thinks as it's got to be, he
might as well get it over an adone
with
Yes, Bladon was quite right. Mr..
-Hardcastle had pleaded hard and sue
s4cessfully for a speedy marriage. He
claimed that they were only ridiculous
owhile in a state of engagement, that he
had not so much time to spare that he
could afford to lose a single week OF
happiness, that the house wanted a mis-
tress and the girls legal guardian, and,
finally that there was no sense, need
nor eXpediency in delay.
1t was very quiet marriage. An old
friend of the groom came at the ap-
pointed hour and performed the cere-
mony, and the next day things went on
as though no change had been made in
the family circle.
In due time, when Georges physician
permitted it, they carried out cneir
plan of visiting England, and one Au.
gust morning found them standing on
the very landing-stage at Liverpool
docks, where, years before, the help
less babe had been delivered up by its
Inother'into the hands of n stranger.
''You were too young to remember it,
Wanda" Mrs. Hardcastle said, as she
stood gazing around with hand on the
girls arm.
''Ah, yes" was the reply in low,
soft voice; ''still the place has sad as
sociations for me. Oh, if 1 had not
fallen into your tender hands. 1 trem-
BILE to think what might have been my
fate
But, who is this stalwart young fell
bow, who, with flushed face and eager
eye, is dashing toward them at head
81 IOuS SpccU,
aside all who bar his way?
There is one cry from the lips of the
two girls. Harry and the next in
slant Kate and Wanda are hanging
round his neck, to the intense envy of
every male biped in that motley crowd.
And when Harry has kissed a dozen
tiIueS the sweet, uplifted faces, he turns
with surprise to see his mother, red as
"a summer rose, hanging on the arm of
mis- patron. Why has she too not rushed
with the girls to his embrace?
-'Mother!'' he cries, and in q moment
she is in his arms.
But Why does she sob so, and declare
in mild Mysteries that she could not
help it-but-but-but-t she would
have waited to consult him, if-if-
and then incontincntly and utterly
break down?
What is it, mother dear?' he asks,
soothingly, aghast at her emotion.
why just this, young gentleman, -
Mr.. Hardcastle says, coming to her res
cue. THAT the sweetest woman on
earth-you need not turn your eyes on
Wanda mean your mother-has given
me the precious privilege to call her
wife and you my son."
''Oh," Harry cried, lis that all! am,
so glad, sir, l can hardly speak. Nay
mother, do not turn away. You've won
the noblest heart in Christendom and
made me truly happy"
Then George Arundel and Blado1
came to join the happy circle.
Let me look at you," George said
=.seizing Harry's hand. Il have Otter
wondered what you were like"
He stood gazing in his face for a few
moments, then added with great tender
ness:
For with Wanda yours, and Kate
oImine, you know we shall be doubly
brothers"