The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1892-02-19
CHAPTER XXI.
MR.. HARDcAsTLE VENTURES.


1t is necessary now to account for the
presence of the American party in Eng
land.
When Mr.. Hardcastle revealed the
contents of Harry's letter to the in
mates of his house, you may be sure
there was rejoicing.
And the very next morning, when he
had settled himself in his study to
write long letter to Harry, he was
visited by no less a person than Mrs.
Evesham, who blushingly excused her
intrusion.
"AIy dear friend" she said, when she
had seated herself, 81 have come to beg
the favor of your counsel in matter
which | am quite incompetent to de-
eide"
"Ah, pray command me-" And sure
", Mr.. HardcaStle, there was no need
for you to leave your comfortable arm
chair and assume 4 far less luxurious
one, because it happened to be few
feet nearer to your interesting visitor.
"Well, sir, you see." the lady con-
tinued, II have Just been having a most
extraordinary and unexpected inter
view with George Arundel"
"a pleasant one, am sure"
"Well, l hardly can tell. VIII you
believe it, the foolish fellow has fallen
in love with my Kate, and wants to
marry her?"
81 will very readily believe It" Mr..
Hardcastle responded. And / think
the young gentleman exhibits excel
lent taste. But what does the lady say?"
''Oh, am afraid that she encourages
him in the proposition. But, do you not
see, Mr.. Hardcastle, that this is impos-
sible?"
Il don't, indeed"
what, don't you see that, with this
young mans prospects of becoming the
Earl of Arlington, such a match would
be"
Unsuitable? Not bit of it. A
well brought up American girl-the
daughter Of such a mother as you-is,
in my opinion, a match for the proudest
prince in Christendom."
Then you think / should give my
consent?"
"Ifyour daughters happiness is linked
with his am sure you should. George
Arundel has in my opinion a patent
of nobility grander than that granted by
any king. He is generous, honorable
and affectionate-whatm more would you
ask?''
You plead well for the young peo-
pie, Mr.. Hardcastle."
yes" he said. "And if could only
plead as well for myself, Esther Eve
sham, l should think myself happy
man"
The widow flushed scarlet, but never
helped him with a word.
II know it is madness for me to sup
pose at my time of life that could
win a woman's love, nor did l ever
think that | should meet 4 woman
whose love coveted so much as l do
yours. believe that, if you could for
get my years, and consent to share my
life, could make yours happy. You
see, your daughter will be marrying
this English lord. Harry will be mating
with Wanda, and you and will be Left
alone"
''Oh, it wouldn't be for that, Mr.. Hard
castle, if If said yes-but-" the
widow stammered.
"But?''
"But, oh, do love you with all my
heart and soul. think you one of the
noblest men God ever made"
She was sobbing in his arms, and AL
exander Hardcastle knew that he had
won the faithful heart.
And what surprised these two shame
faced lovers, when they confessed the
fact, was that no one was one bit as
tonished. but rendered their loving con-
gratulations as though it was quite an
everyday occurrence for a groom of
sixty-one to lead to the altar bride of
two-and-forty.
lro BE CONTINUED.