Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1895-03-28


and it would not give her the one thing
she wanted-some one to love.
A stumble up the dingy staircase,
into which the fog penetrated with i'm
punity, and knock at the door an
nounced a visitor.
Come in," Nora said absently, for
getful of tear-stained eyes and fingers
besmoked with perusing her love let
ters in the dull, smoky fire.
The door opened and gave admit
lance to short, spare man, who
hustled in and was all over the room
before he had finished saying Good
afternoon" and had laid his hat and
gloves in a place of security.
He was very plain, with reddish
hair, which stood straight up on his
head, and light colored eyes with red
rims and NO eyelashes to speak Of
"Now, do sit down, do sit down.
Miss Wortley," he said, with brisk
though embarrassed utterance. 81
have just dropped in for friendly
chat and to exchange congratulations
about the verdict, you know"
"Thank YOU" said Nora, without en-
thusiasm. II am sure you did your
best for me, and Of course | thank
you"
Just so, just So
"A pause ensued, which Mr.. Thomp-
son bridged over with sundry dis
jointed CALCULATIONS.
81 dare say you know / am Il
bachelor, Miss Wortlcy?"
"No, | did not, Mr.. Thompson"
Eyes, yes, am, I'm sorry to say. 1t
isn't right, you know, and ! must say
have been struck by the affectionate
disposition you have disclosed Now,
don't speak, my dear lady! 1t is so,
very much struck, indeed. In fact,
madam, you affection is treasure |
long to possess
Excuse me-" said Nora, hastily; 81
have no atfection-for any one"
Come, come Miss Wortley, just
listen to me. Accept my hand and you
will find plenty of affection for me. |
will make you an excellent husband,
very domesticated, don't smoke, don't
drink, not very particular about my
meals, and very easily pleased, if any
one cares to study me. Now just say
yes and 1t is all settled"
81 am much obliged, but | would
rather say mo-"
"But | am not going to take that for
an answer; If you don't say yes to-
day, l will call again tomorrow, and
so on every day"
81 assure you | mean no." said
Miss Wortley, decidedly; Il beg you
will take that for an answer. shall
never get engaged again"
Poor thing, poor thing. You have
such an affectionate disposition, your
thoughts are running on the injury
that great brute did you. Never mind,
my dear, $4,000 makes a very excellent
plaster, and will soothe the wound
very much. That reminds NEEDLESS
my soul, how could it have escaped
mc?-of course, you shall have entire
control of your money yourself, though
| could find an excellent Investment
for It."
will not marry you, and as for the
money you were Instrumental in get
ting for me, am so ashamed of it that
| think shall give it to some charity"
Nonsense, Miss Wortley, you will
get over this. | wish that fellow was
not such a great hulking brute.
should like to give him a horse-whip-
ping-as soon as the money is paid, of
course"
somebody in the court wrote a pro
pasal of marriage and passed it to me
rs soon as the damages were awarded;
he was beforehand with you"
"Do you mean that you accepted
him?" Thompson grew red with anger
and his hair stood up more aggres-
Sively than before.
mo. | do nut, any more than | have
accepted you;'but I like him better
than do YOU"
"Why?" ne asked sharply,
because he took no for an an
Swcr."
"Goodby. Miss Wortley, for the pres
cnt," said Mr.. Thompson, making Il
frantic rush for his hat and gloves.
Thompson opened the door and gave
admittance to some one who was about
to knock He gave a look at the new
conner and hesitated to Leave, but a
very decided action on the others part
induced him to do SO.
The door which had been held open
80 meanlngly for him was very
promptly slammed after him, not with
out suspicious movement which
looked like kick. which was aimed ut
the departed guest.
The newcomer was Oliver Toogpod,
tall. burly. hearty looking man Of
forty, having the appearance Of a
country gentleman, though he was
really horse dealer. very we'll known
in his county for honesty and fair
dealing.
He drew up chair to the fire which
was now burning brightly, and,
flushed with excitement and without
samtatDn he began
What was that cringing little beg