Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1896-09-17
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'May,'' said Matthew Rivers. "a
week ago l told YOU of the critical con
dition in which | was placed for want
of a certain sum Of money. You told
me that it was possible that you could
obtain the means to help me. Have
you done so!"
NO" sobbed poor May; Il have
failed
And do you remember the only 9th
er way by which | can be rescued from
poverty and disgrace?
Here John Gridley rose. and, going
to the window, drew back the cur
tains and gazed out into the black,
stormy night.
Il remember. father"
John has spoken 10 me since CON
tiEued the maltster, land tells me he
feels confident that he can succeed in
making you love him. should you ac-
cept him as your husband"
May shook her head despondingly.
DO not, May, darling. reject him
do not. for a fancied dislike, turn your
father out in the world to begin life
again.
II can never love him, father"
Matthew, Matthew" said Mrs. Riv-
ers, do not press your daughter into
a union that is distasteful tc herr
"You do not know what is at stake!''
said her husband, angrily. Are YOU
prepared for misery and poverty?-to
leave Annadale disgrGced and ruined?'
Mother" said May, lit is not my
father who would force me, but John
Gridley. He it is who has the power
to free father from his embarrasS-
monte op1 ys1,n .n,olrns INV Iat,1 tIa
condition upon which he will do so!'
John Gridley turned and spoke:
let me say a few words" he ex-
claimed. IF il seems cruel on my
part TO make such a condition. it is
my love which urges me t, it. have
loved May ever since | have been in
Annadale. and Ii las ever been the
dearest wish of my life to make her
my wife. If / were not confident that
j could succeed in obtaining her love.
j would leave The place at once; but
am sure that IA life of devotion, a long
ing TO crafty her every wish. and the
true and ardent affection which | feel
for her. cannot fail TO bear fruit in
due season! Say, May. dearest. that
you will not reject me, and make your
parents as well as myself. happy
There was n dead silence Of some
moments duration, and then john
Gridiey resumed
u have but little to offer you in
worldly z IDS. The thousand pounds
which will free your father is al /
possess; but lffer you q stainless
hand and an honest heart"
As, with calm. ~unblushing face, he
said these words. q vivid fash Of light
ming. followed by Il terrific thunder
clap which shock the house 10 IT'S
foundations. darted from the sky.
John Gridley ceoled back in terror.
1t seemed to him as a sign OF heay-
ems anger at his sin, and il was some
moments before he resumed his ordi-
nary composure.
1t gave May time for reflection and
ms she rapidly reviewed all the cir
cumstances which rendered il neces-
sary for her TO return him a favorable
answer. she resolved to sacrifice her.
self for her father.
She was unable TO interpret her
lovers silence; and the doubt of him
which that silence had caused to creep
into her mind. made her feel that all
hope of marrying Ernest Hartrey was
mt an end.
Her love for him had been Il bright
dream. but now she had awakened to
the stern realities of life, and it was
her duty to serve him to whom she
owed her being.
Slowly she rose from her seat ana
advanced to wher the maltster's clerk
stood with hlanched check.
John Gridley," she said, giving him
her hand, II rill do my best TO love
you and make you a good wife. At
present, 1t seems all but impossible;
but, with heavens help, you shall lev
er regret your marriage with me-"
The rain came pattering down, and
the thunder growled, us. overcome by
her emotions, May sank back SENSE
less in her chair.