Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1895-10-24

&W& summons, there was
" an influential plat
form with DR.. Balthazar Walker in the
chair, and Admiral Hay Denver among
Nlis more prominent supporters one
benlghted male had como in from the
outside darkness and had jeered from
the further end OF the hall, but he had
been called to order by the chair, petri-
fed by indignant glances from the UNI
'cEfranchlsed around him, and iinally
escorted to the door by Charles West
macott. Fiery resolutions were passed,
70 be forwarded to q large number OF
leading statesmen, and the meeting
broke up with the conviction that
~ahrewd 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
20 week 1t had increased until no day
ever passed without their being to-
gether. The coming meeting had been
the excuse for these continual inter-
views, hat now the meeting was over,
and still the Doctor would refer every
point which rose to the judgment Of his
neighbor. He would talk, too, to his two
daughters Of her strength Of character
her decisive mind, and Of the necessity
of their cuItlvating her acquaintance
'and following her example, until at last
VIC had become his most common topic
OF conversation.
All this might have passed as merely
the natural pleasure which an elderly
fgnap might take in the society Of an
Intelligent and handsome woman, but
Z there were other points which seemed
70 Clara to give it a deeper meaning.
She could not forget that when Charles
yWestmacott had spoken to her one
night he had alluded to the possibility
af his aunt marrying again. He must
have known or noticed something be-
Fore he could speak upon such n sub
,aasst. And then again Mrs, Westmacott
had herself said that she hoped to
change her style of living shortly and
take over completely new duties, WHAT
could that mean except that she expect
ed to marry? And whom? She seemed
TO see few friends outside their own lit
Gle circle. She must have alluded to her
father. 1t was q hateful thought, and
yet It must be faced.
NOne evening the Doctor had been
rather late at his neighbours. He used
to go into the Admirals after dinner,
but now he turned more frequently in
In Cd
Clara was sitting alone In the drawing
room reading magazine. She sprang
up as he entered, pushed forward his
e4ehair, and ran to fetch his slippers,
3 NYou are looking little pale, DEAR"
h6 remarked.
"Oh, no, papa, I am very well"
"All well with HaroldY
eyes. His partner, Mr.. Peahson, IS
atill away and he is doing all the work"
"Well done. He is sure to succeed.
Where is Ida?'
'In her room, think"
SShe was with Charles Westmacott
on the lawn not very long ago. He
Heems very fond of her, He is not very
bright, but I think he will make her u
good husband"
II am sure Of it, papa. lie is very
manly and reliable"
eyes, 1 should think that he IL not the
aort Of man who goes wrong. There Is
nothing hidden about him, AS to his
brightness, it really does not matter,
fer his aunt, Mrs Westmacott, is very
rich, much richer than you would think
from her style of living, and she has
made him a handsome provision"
1T am glad of that"
ut is between ourselves. am her
trustee, and so know something Of her
Arrangements, And when are you going
TO marry, Clara?"
"Oh, papa, not for some time yet. We
have not thought of a date"
"Well, really, don't know that there
"a any reason for delay. He has a com.
lnetenca and 1t increases yearly. AS long
as you are quite certain that your mind
Ha made up
ooh, papa"
"'Well then, really do not know why
There should be any delay. And Ida
too, must be married within the mex
few months. Now, what 1 want to know
Gs what am to do when my two littl,
spoke lightly, but his eyes were gray,
as he looked questioningly at his daugh
ter.
Dear papa. you shall not be alone
1t will be years before Harold and
think Of marrying, and when we d.
you must @ome and live with u.s."
"No, no, dear. I know that you meal
what you say, but have seen some
thing %f the world, and l know tina
ouch arrangements never answer. Their
cannot be two masters in house, an
yet at my age freedom is very neces
'gary to me-"
"But you would be completely free.
emo, dear, you cannot be that il yo
are a guest in another mans ho9sl
Can you suggest no other alternatlve7
'That We remain with YOU"