People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1894-08-03
CHAPTER XIV
A Declaration and How It Was
Received.

nave oOIuO 6HcCt. Dub McduNull6
he had determined to accept his
fate, and act in accordance with the
instructions which had been given
him.
There was a private school in
Madison, kept by a college graduate,
and to this school Robert was sent
by James Cromwell He found him
self the most advanced pupil in the
classics, and he soon found that his
teachers requirements were far
from extensive or thorough. Still he
could learn by his own efforts,
though not of course, as we'll as at
his former school. and he resolved
to make the best of it.
Meanwhile the Irritation between
James Cromwell and Clara Manton
continued. The young lady was al
ways gracious, and 80 far as her
manner went, might readily be sup
posed to have formed a decided in
clination for her admirer, for such
the druggist had now become. She
had Il certain dash and liveliness Of
manner which fascinated him, and
he felt hattered in no slight degree
that such young lady should have
singled him out as her favOrite.
One evening there was to be a
concert in the village.
James Cromwell brought home
tickets, and said efficiently, Miss
Manton, will you do me the favor to
accompany me to the concert this
evening""
Thank you, Mr. CROMWELL she
answered, smiling graciously, Il
will accept with pleasure. | was
wishing to go, but papa does not
feel very well to-day, so | had made
up my mind that must pass my
time at home. At what hour does
the concert commence?n
AT half-past seven"
"Will it be time if am ready at O
quarter past?"
Quite So"
Then you may depend on me.
Strange as it may appear, it was
the first time in his life that James
Cromwell ever acted as escort to a
lady in visiting place of public en-
tertainment, and he felt degree of
awkwardness because of that But
when Clara Mention appeared she
was so gracious and sociable that all
his mauvaise haute disappeared, and
he walked arm in arm with her,
feeling easier aud more unembar-
raised than he had supposed to be
! possible. When they entered the
hall he glanced around him with
pride at the thought it would be pre-
ceived that he was the chosen caval-
Ter of such an attractive young lady.
Of the concert it is unnecessary to
speak. 1t closed at a comparatively
early hour, and the two wended their
way hOmeward.
Shall we prolong our walk a lit.
tle?" he said. 1T Is still early, and
it is very pleasant
"Yes; that will be pleasant" she
returned. Papa is probably asleer
by this time. and won't miss me.
What charming concert we had. >
None of them sang as well as you,
Miss Manton," said Cromwell.
80, now you are flattering me, Mr..
Cromwell. l cannot permit that, you
know" she said playfully.
"No," he said earnestly. 81 am
not hattering you, Miss Clara You
are so-so-I hope you'll excuse me,
but you are so beautiful and attract.
i've that
! 80, Mr.. Cromwell!n uttered Clara
adding to herself, ii dare say he's
going to propose. Well, It's just a.
we'll now as at any other time. How
ridiculous it makes him look, being
in lovem
Luckily unconscious of the
thoughts that were passing through
the mind of his companion, Crom.
well burst out, But it's true. Miss
Clara. | love you; and | don't think
l can live without you. Will you
marry me?"
a am afraid you have said such
things to great many other young
ladies before. How can | believe
you are in earnestm
mo; on my honor" he said earn.
estly, 81 never loved before. Dc
not doubt the sincerity Of my attach.
ment Don't you think you can look
favorably upon my suit?"
Perhaps | might" she answered
coyly. That is, in time. 1t is Sc
sudden, you know. 1t is not more
than month since | first met you. y
But in that month | have learned
to love you better than any one
ever knew, Miss Clara Can't vou
give me some encouragement? Tell
me that am not wholly disagreeable
to yOu?"
''lf you had been. would have ac-
eepted your invitation this evening,
Mr. Cromwell?"
Then you do like me little?"
he said, overioyed.
Perhaps a little" she said CO.
Quettishly.
After some time. Clara thought il
polite to confess that she had herself
no particular objections to him as a
husband-a confession which filed
the enamored druggist with delight
-"but." she proceeded, Il cannot
marry without my fathers approval. "