The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1892-01-29

ton of a good woman's love? T. You
really have the interests OF your young
master at heart, man, you will second
me in my efforts to establish his happi-
ness"
Il second thee. Thee tall5est as
though thee did'na know thee vert play
ing with fire, Mr.. Hardcastle. Does
thee know what a young woman's ways
are, sir? Signs. an smiles. an snicl1cr-
ing, an before a young fellow knows
where he be, there's plain gold ring
on her finger. an he's caught for life"
And the best thing that could hap
pen to bim," Mr.. Hardcastle said
heartily.
All" Bladon sighed, 81 see how the
land lies. Blame me If they hasn't be-
witched thee too. I'd take my Bible
oath that pretty widow has got thee
under the harrows. Take my advice.
sir-run for it, while thou'st got the
chance; for there's no hope for thee
while thou stayest i Glastonbury"
Mr.. Hardcastles' face flushed purple.
Apoplexy at least seemed imminent.
"Bl2don, he cried, his eyes flashing
fire, you are a Grabbed, cross-grained,
scandalous old sinner
And having delivered himself Of this
righteous explosion of wrath. he turned
on his heel and went hurriedly towards
the Evesham's cottage.
Poor old chap Bladon Grinned.
Hes in the .meshes. same as the rest
OF 'em-an' whea a man o his years
gets took. he always has it Is bad as
can be. Poor old buffer, he amt bad
sort after all. Oh. them women. them
women. what sight o misery they
work / the world"
And it CHANGED that as Mr.. Hardcastle
strobe wrathfully down the street, who
should come tripping along but Miss
Wanda Arlington
'sAh, here You are" she said. merrily.
Il was hunting for you high aud low. l
want YOU to come long walk with me
by the river"
With all my heart, my child. he re-
piled. the smile invoiuutarily lighting
his face.
But you seem annoyed about some
thing, Mr. Hardcastle," she ventured,
when they had gone 4 few PAGES
Yes. my dear" he said. II am"
Then it flashed across his mind that
after all she would be the best person
in whom to confide his project.
II have been upset" he continued.
II have been building castles in the air,
and some OF them are tumbling down"
Il am 50 sorry"
ssA,5 ,-,.- ,,a-, hahn ra-Dafr the rllirS
L You wish, Wanda
I am 50 glad" was the bright re-
Spouse. Now what can do?'
He replied b. asking her question
Have you noticed lately the pleasure
that George Arundel takes in Hates So
cietv?"
-.Whv. yes, have" Wanda flashed
with quick delight. do you really
think ne is learning to love her?"
Il do. Would it not be a fine thing
for both of them? So now, little woman.
want you 70 put your wits to work
and further the good cause"
Indeed I viii. How strange that l
never thought OF this before. But.
wherein have you failed? For I pre-
sumo your fallen castles were built on
this base"
You are right You see I wanted
some one to help ne, and went 20
Bladon."
Wanda laughed merrily.
To Bladon. Why it does seem funny
to ask that vonan-hating old man -
interest himself in such 4 project lie
looks on love as little less calamitous
than smallpox"
so found ont. nv dear. Why, viii
you believe it, the ignorant old idiot
actually charged me with matrimonial
intentions on Mrs. Evesham."
How Shocking There was merry
CLEAN in the girls eye, which caught
Mr.. Hardcastle's glance.
What are you laughing at?' he
asked saappishly. Il an not quite
so old that = romance at ny time Of life
should seem absurd"
The mischief faded out OF the girls
face on the instant
NO. dear Mr. Hardcastie," she said
with quite ea-nestness- You are one
of those men who will never grow old
That is ridiculous. of course, but"
Nor must you think" she added,
laying her hand upon his arm, that
was smiling at the probability OF your
asking Mrs Evesham TO be your wife.
Smilingl Why, if / thought such a
thing was possible l should laugh aloud
for very joy"
''Eh. what. Wanda, you must be
crazy. Do you mean 70 say that you be-
Eeve for one moment that such noble
woman as Mrs Evesham would con-
sent to bless the flag end Of life Of bat
tered old hulk like me?"