The advocate., 1895-08-21

had seemed to get happier every hour when at last
he told Sydney they to call that evening" but as
he was obliged to 60 see patient he would not be
to accompany the expedition so he had arranged
that Sydney should escort the party. Whereupon
he gave minute directions how to find the house, all
of which Sydney took down with great care.
AT the appointed hour Sydney arrived with his
party and all were ushered in by Gertrude herself
whose happy look and becoming attire certainly gave
no indication of poverty. Nor did the welfurnished
psrOr hint destitution. ItWas Sydneys impression,
whether prejudiced cannot be known, that not only
had Gertrude never looked 80 lovely, but that no
woman in the world since Eve had ever been 80
beautiful. Indeed, he even preferred her to Eve
herself.
Her mother appeared, and, when Sydney was pre-
sented, greeted him cordially-a strange thing for
old Ike StilWels wife to do But what was his as
tonishment when Gertrude said, in the most matter
Of.cOurse way:
"MT. Stone, wish you to meet my father Ex
Cuse me moment while l 60 after him."
"FOr heavens sake, nor said Sydney with a
start, laying his hand upon her arm to detain her.
"Meet Mr.. Stilwell? Think of It'll Why-dO you
wish to drive me aWayP
"Why, Mr.. Stone, you have not warmer friend
in the world than my father. Why do you speak so
Of himP Let it be as say. shall take it very Ill
If you refuse me this pleasure"
"InsaneP Thank you. l think you must be out of
your wits to act so rudely. Remember, my father
my father"
| cannot understand it."
''But you will; and you will be glad you yielded :"
She left him completely dumfounded, and he sat
expecting the worst. A scene-a command to leave
the house, perhaps. However, it would be chance
to make Gertrude choose, and show whether she
cared for him. They would elOpe and 20 to Ohio
with BreadmOngsterS and live life of serene sweet
love, His imagination had already constructed their
cabin and made Vine-cOVered walk down to the
cool, icy spring. when he was aroused by Gertrudes
voice.
"Fsther, permit me to present Mr."
He rose to greet-DoctOr Wmmarleigh
"He was afraid to meet you, and was obliged to
plead with him."
"I am greatly fattered am sure" said the Doc
tor, with mock offended dignity.
"What sort of farce is thisP" asked Sydney turn
ing very red 81 thought was to meet Mr.. Still
we'll"
"You will never meet Mr.. Stilwell in this world
Mr., StilWell is in his grave, He was not my father
My real father was reputed to have been lost In q
shipWreCk; and finding upon his return that my
mother had married again, he turned hermit and
kept nobly silent. Dr. WimmarleiQh Ia INV own
dear father, come home again."
"Holy Jerusalem Let me get at himl' exclaimed
Breadmongster, springing at the Doctor and shak
ing his hand with Vigor. 81 knew you were good
man, sir, but man who can sacrifice himself like
ten wings on him. sir"
Loretta had embraced Gertrude and the two stood
with their arms about each other.
"Wel l swoW! was raised up a good Presby-
terian, but I've been sheddin my faith like guess
III take to belieVin' again." And Job beamed with
delight.
"You will excuse my absence moment, friends
l will return shortly"
The Doctor left the room. There was knock,
and Gertrude admitted gentleman who did not
need her introduction to make it clear he was
clergyman, and his entrance was wet blanket to
the company They could not imagine what he
came for and they secretly wished him in-OhiO.
But before they had yet had time to feel too much
disturbed by his presence the door to the next room
opened, and the Doctor entered with Mrs. StilWell
on his arm. The clergyman arose, they advanced
to the middle of the roOm and according to the old
time ritual they were pronounced man and wife,
The Doctor afterwards explained that this was done
to protect property rights in case of his DEATH as
his romantic story might not be capable of legal
proof.