The sea coast echo., 1895-07-20
A GAME POSTPONED.
ny GERTRUDE SMITH.

whiteness. The woods along the
banks of the Iowa river were pillows
of snow. The large farmhouses, and
the number and size OF the barns and
other outlying buildings, gave evil
dence Of the richness of the soil that
lay buried and resting for another har-
vest.
Judge Hilton's house had the dis
tinction Of being built OF brick. There
was dignity in its solidity over the
usual white frame houses on the sur
rounding farms that well became the
dignity Of the Judge.
The judge was New England born
and bred. There is the veneration for
Puritan ancestry in the entirely west
ern soul that the Puritan mind still
has for good old English blood.
Isabel Hilton was her fathers house
keeper and only child, The mother
had died while she was baby, and
she had ruled the house and been
ruled by her father since that time.
She had all her fathers reserve and
pride Of family, and at the same time
his happy nature and gracious manner,
that won her friends when she desired
TO make friends. Those who found it
impossible to win their way into her
favor called this reserve in Isabel her
down cast airs There was dis
couraging belief among the young men
In the country around, some of whose
fathers owned farms and herds of
cattle large enough to divide and es-
tablish them in enviable beginnings,
that II tho Judge thought any of them
worthy to win his daughters love
there would never be an opportunity
to gain the consent of the young lady.
The Judge had theories against Isa-
bells entertaining young men alone,
nor would he permit her to go with any
escort but himself.
The privilege Of spending the even
ing with Isabel, in the presence of her
father, was considered mark of dis
tinction, and held the one so honored
ON the wave of hope.
If fellow had the backbone to out
sit the Judge some night, he might pro-
pose TO the daughter" was the com
ment Mr., Holderman made to his son
one day, Clint Holderman had been
one OF Isabels most persistent admirers.
THE trouble with all of you is. you
go there shaking In your boots, and
talk to the judge, and come away with
the big head because you dared to do
that; but | tell you, II | was young
fellow I'd out-sit him il sat till the
break Of day. It's some such pluck ms
that the Judge is looking for. He
raised her, and he knows her value;
and she amt going cheap to none of
you. II you can go in ahead of the
other fellows and tow her In, I'll give
you ten thousand dollars and deed you
section of land. Come now, let's see
what you're made Of"
In some way this lordly promise got
adrift the current of country gossip,
and reused the admirers of lisa bel, one
and all, to new interest in the contest.
Large stories were told of the late
hours the Judge kept that winter with
1sabels suitors.
Clint Holderman drove over to the
brick house early on the evening that
had set his mind with fint-like de-
termination to give his fathers advice
the trial.
1t was cold night, and as he sped
along in his new cutter, drawn by q
handsome span of black horses, and
we'll tucked in with buffalo robes, his
heart was warm with hope.
He had spent many evenings of the
winter playing chess with the Judge, sc
he was sure OF his welcome; but to.
night he looked beyond all this He
thought of the hour when. at last, with
his heart and understanding touched,
the judge would bid them good night,
and he should be left alone with Isabel.
There was no handsomer young mar
In the country than Clint Holdermnn
none who danced better, or who drove
better horses; but, more than all this,
the judge had repeatedly told him thai
he had never known Il man who PLAYED
a better hand at chess.
This was an encouragement indeed
for II the judge had a weakness it wa.
for chess, and it would be decidedly
pleasant to have a son-in-law who
could be to him such ready source Of
entertainment. AS he drove into tn,
yard, the judge came out on the sid,
piazza
Good evening" he called out. "Jus'
drive on 70 the barn; the man will pu
out your horses"
One of the farm hands came out O
the stable as he spoke, and Clint threw
him the reins and followed the judg,
into the house.
Swapping cold, but splendid sleigh
ing" the judge said, while Clint wa.
pulling off his overcoat in the hall.
Yes, believe my ears are touched,
Clint answered, rubbing them.
Isabel is popping some corn. Shell
be glad you happened over to hell
eat it."
He led the way into the long sitting
room at the end of the hall.
Isabel was on her knees before al
open wood fire, shaking corn pepper
The white kernels snapped and ex
panded with a pleasant sound.
The lamp had not been lit, but tn,
freight made the room bright ant
cosy.
Isabel, here is Mr.. Holderman, m,
dear"
She sprang up.
Il didn't hear you come in. Coco
evening Come over here by the fire
Why, It's Clintr she said, as he came
into the glow. ~ thought fathe,
meant your father. never think o.
you as Mr. Holderman. Have some
corn"
She held the pepper open before
him. I'm sure l never think of you
as Miss Hilton, " he said, plunging hi:
hand into the corn, and laughing