The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-03-05
THE gQUIRE'S CALL.

s'Neverl"' said the old squire resolutely.
And when old Squire Melworth said
"never'' he meant it. His pretty grand
daughter, Nanny Melworth, kneeling be-
side him on the floor with her fair, curly
head resting on his knee was like him in
her rosy bloom and clear blue eye. Frank
Melworth, the only grandson, who leaned
carelessly against the chimney piece, and
his young wife, sitting in the shadow,
completed the family circle.
Nanny" said the old squire gravely,
"my daughter Mildred was just your age
when she stole from my house, under GOV
er of the night and made a runaway
match with Charles Leland. When heard
of her disobedience, said would never
forgive her, and never have"
But, grandpa coaxed Nanny, s'you
will receive her orphan daughter to your
homer
''Neverl" reiterated the squire.
''Hushl'' said Nanny, holding up hel
finger. do you hear the snow beat
against the window? Think, dearest, she
may perchance be exposed to the terrors OF
the storm in some faroff place. Oh say
that you will forgive Aunt Mildred; that
you will receive her childp'
Nanny said the old man sternly,
''let this subject be a forgotten one be-
tween US from this time forever! have
said my nay, and the question is settledn'
There was silence for few minutes,
while the wind shrieked madly round the
gables of the old house.
Come here, little granddaughter,
said the squire at length to the fair wife
of Frank Melworth s'Talk to me, look at
mel love to hear the soft tones of your
voice. What tearsl Do you imagine the
old man is cross? Never to you, my little
Cora
land so you are satisfied with my taste
in the selection of a wife?'' said the young
man, laughing, yet embarrassed.
Don't know how on earth / should
manage to exist without my little Cora,
said the squire caressing Mrs. Melworth's
jetty curls.
Coras head dropped upon the old mans
breast, and she sobbed violently.
Whats the matter, darling?' inquired
the squire i'll rueful CONSERVATION. What
have l said to hurt your"
Nothing, nothing sobbed Cora.
"Only that love you SO very, very dearly"
"a queer thing to cry about, said the
squire, brushing a suspicious dew away
from his eyelashes.
The wind had howled itself into slum-
Der, the moon had broken through the
stormy riffs of cloud and rode, like silver
charioted conqueror, through the blue mid
night sky, and still the old squire sat
watching the smoldering fire and thinking
vaguely of the farof past.
''Why does not Joseph come with my
night draft" thought the old man, NOV
ing uneasily in his chair. Surely he is
late tonight
Slowly tie great clock in the ball began
to strike ole, two, and SO on through the
midnight tocsin. And at the same mo
ment old Joseph rushed into the room, his
face pale with terror.
''Oh, master, master, that should have
lived to see ghost!'
"A ghostl What do you rlfean?"
Master" said the old man solemnly.
''as 1 stand here, saw Miss Mildred inthe
hall just now, all dressed in gray, just as
she used to look!''
''Pshawl'' said Squire Melworth, turn
ing pale.
The door opened, and Mrs Melworth
entered, clad in dressing robe of soft gray
cashmere, her jetty curls floating down
over her shoulders.
There, don't you see?'' gasped Joseph,
retreating behind his master.
''Pshaw, you doting old fool!' exclaimed
Squire Melworth, lit is only Cora What
is it, my dear?"
Il wanted to say good night" faltered
Cora, sinking on her knees beside him.
He folded her tenderly in his arms.
mere, now, gSOu n1gnV, my llUu1e one,
and heaven hold you in its care!''
AT the same instant some sudden move
ment of his daughter-in-law as she left
the room made him start up in his chair
with cold dew distilling on his brow.
''Give me the hot port wine, Joe!'' he
said nervously. "Quicki That's right,
and now I'll go to bed.''
Knock, knock knockl&
1t sounded like the muff1ed beat of fu-
neral drum, that hurried tap at Frank Mel
worth's door in the gray. chill dawn of
the winter day.
What is the NATTER" he exclaimed,
starting up.
Master is dyingI He's took awful sud-
denl' suffered the terrified voice of old
.T0SeDh