The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1895-08-16
CHAPTER VIII.
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his more prominent supporters
benighted male had come In from the
outside darkness and had jeerea IRON
the further end of the hall, but ne no"
been called to order by the chair, PEI
fled by indignant glances from 'he W.
enfranchlsed around him, ana nnn.'
escorted to the door by Charles VIZ,
macott Fiery resolutions were passe
to be forwarded to large NUMBER VI
leading statesmen, and the mee."s
broke up with the conviction that
shrewd blow had been struck for the
cause of woman.
But there was one woman at least to
whom the meeting and all that was CON
nected with 1t had brought anything but
pleasure. Clara Walker watched with
heavy heart the friendship and close
intimacy which had sprung up between
her father and the widow. From week
to week II had increased until no uas
ever passed without their being 10
gether. The coming meeting had peeh
the excuse for these continual inter-
Views. but now the meeting was over
and still the Doctor would refer every
point which rose to the judgment or ms
neighbor. He would talk, too. to his two
daughters OF her strength OF character
her decisive mind. and of the necessity
Of their cultivating her acquaintance
and following her example. until at last
1t had become his most common topic
OF conversation.
All this might have passed rs merely
the natural pleasure which an elderly
man might take in the society OF an
intelligent and handsome woman, but
there were other points which seemed
TO Clara to give II n deeper meaning.
She could not forget that when Charles
Westmacott had spoken TO her one
night he had alluded to the possibility
Of his aunt marrying again. He must
have known or noticed something be-
fore he could speak upon such sub
Ject. And then again Mrs. Westmacott
had herself said that she hoped to
change her style OF living shortly md
take over completely new duties. WHAT
could that mean except that she expect
ed to marry? And whom7 She seemed
TO see few friends outside their own lit
tie circle. She must have alluded to her
father. II was n hateful thought, and
yet II must be faced.
One evening the Doctor had been
rather late at his neighbours. He used
to go into the Admirnls after dinner.
but now he turned more frequently In
the other direction. when he returned
Clara was sitting alone In the drawing
room reading n magazine. She sprans
| up ms he entered. pushed forward his
chair, and ran to fetch his slippers.
you are looking a little pale. dear"
he remarked.
"oh. no, papa. am very we'll"
IAN well with Harold7"
Eyes. His partner. Mr.. Peahson. Is
stiii away. and he is doing all the work, 9"
well done. lie Is sure to succeed.
| Where is lda?'
I'm her room, | think"
"She was with Charles westmncott
| on the lawn not very long ago, He
seems very fond Of her. He ls not very
/ bright. but think he Will make her a
good husband"
II am sure Of II. papa. He Is very
manly and reliable"
yes. | should think that he r. not tho
sort Of man who goes wrong. There II
nothing hidden about him. As to his
brightness, Il really does not matter.
| for his aunt. Mrs, Westnacott. IL very
| rich, much richer than you would think
from her style OF living. ana she has
made him a handsome provision
II am glad Of that"
"It ~ between ourselves. I am her
trustee. and so l know something OF her
arrangements. And when hrc you going
TO marry. clnra2'
"oh. papa. not for some time yet. We
have no, thought OF date"
We'll. really. I don't know that there
IL any reason for delay. lilo has n com
pr,ence ard II increases yearly. As long
AZ you are quite certain that your mind
nhue W.
VIZ Inp".
Ven, .h,n' , 'Va'y ~ no' Know WhS
thvt" hh"u'" w "ns ue,as' IN" iu",
too must ne hhtri.u Mlthih IN" next
fcw months now, What want 10 Know
In what nm 10 10 whon my TWO httln
companions run away ttoh me- he
spoke lightly. but his eyes were grave
~ he looked qucr'ioningiS at hir daugh'
ter.
Dear papa, you nhhh no, De alone.
II VIII be years before Harold ana
think OF marrying ana whrn We nc
you must come and i've with US"
NO. no, dear. ! know that you mean
what YOU say, but have seen some
thing OF the world. ana ] know thn'
such ARRANGEMENTS never answer. There
cannot hs two masters IN house. and
yet at my ngc freedom II very neeeH'
rnry TO me-"
but you would be completely free
NO d"hr, you cannot D" mat W you
nre guest IN another mans house,
can YOU SUBJECT no other alternative
That we remain with you'"
NO. no, That 10 out OF tho question
Mrs. W"rtmncott herself says that q
womnn'H nfr' duty In TO marry, Mar.
fianr' however should be an equal
rntth"rship' nv rhe points out should
wish you bo'h TO marry. but H'iii
| hnpulu Hkn huHHrAtlpn from you,