Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1896-12-22

at home. Richard went away and Els
peth married Mr.. Danvers, the village
doctor. and so disgraced herself for
ever in her brothers eyes, although
the worst that could be said of the
doctor was that he was poor.
When year or two later he took
practice near ST. Louis. there was
but little communication between the
families. But after the death of Doc
tor Danvers, the squire used to help
his sister occasionally.
Thomas, the young squire, lost his
wife after he had been married a few
years. and was left with an only daugh-
ter. Miss Winfred, who grew up as
dainty a little lady as ever you might
wish to see.
The squire was very anxious that
the name should not die out. and so
it was always understood that young
Richard, the son of the same name,
would be his heir, and part of the ar
rangement was that he should marry
his cousin Winifred AS the two young
people were pretty fairly matched, the
fulfillment Of these plans did not seem
10 be difficult.
Then, one day, the squire received
a visit from Hugh Danvers. who
brought the news of his mother S
death, and brought also letter from
her TO her brother, written on her
death-bed. in which she asked for his
interest in behalf of her only boy.
Under these circumstances, Squire
Martin could not help inviting him to
stay at his house for time at least.
You may guess what happened
then. Without making long story
of it, these two, Hugh Danvers and
Winifred Martin. must needs go and
fall in love with each other; and as
young Richard was away at college,
they made good use Of their oppor-
tunities.
There was a fine row when the
squire found it out. Hugh Danvers
was sent away bag and baggage, and
forbidden ever to show his face at the
house again, while the young lady
too | expect. had very unpleasant
time of it; for the squire was very
hot tempered and masterful, and did
not like to have his schemes thwarted
IN this way.
when young Richard heard the
news he was about as mad as his UNI
Gle. He was invited to make visit,
and hint was given him to arrange
for the wedding as soon as posi-
BILE.
His visit was like locking the
stable-door after the horse is stolen.
The mischief was done, and Miss
Winifred was not likely to give in in
hurry. She had will of her own.
and although she dearly loved
her father in spite of his obstinacy,
she plainly refused to marry her
cousin Richard.
This all happened in the sum-
mer.
Now that have told you this much,
YOU will understand my surprise at
finding Mr.. Hugh Danvers lying at my
gate on the following Christmas eve.
Hugh, and presently. after the warmth
had revived him a little, he was able
to tell us his story.
He said he had obtained situa-
ton in Boston, and having been grant
ed a weeks holiday, he felt he could
not let Christmas pass without seeing
his sweetheart His fancy l think
he called her; but it was more than a
fancy with him, for if ever man loved
a woman he did.
He had written note asking her
TO meet him at the depot and sent it
by someone he thought he could trust.
Somehow or other the letter fell into
the hands of Squire Martin, who took
It upon himself to go and meet Mr.
Hugh.
Il suppose they had some words, and
nv private belief was that these were
followed by blows, for Mr.. Hugh had
a mighty independent way with him
when he was ruffied, and was not like
ly to stand the ugly things the squire
could and, no doubt, did say.
"Mr. Hugh, however, said they did
not come to blows, although it was a
close shave. He thought the squire
would have struck him, and he raised
his own cane to prevent the expected
blow, and then he turned and walked
a way. Hearing some one coming, and
not wishing to be recognized he clamb-
cred over the fence, and took the short
cut across the fields, out to the stone
uuarries. 1t was while he was climb
ing down these to reach the road that
he met with his accident. for his foot
slipped on the icy covering and sent
him headiong to the bottom, striking
his head as he fell.
The fall completely stunned him for
a time. and then he managed to crawl
as far as our house, where he swooned
away.
THE women folk were crying over
his story, and giving him all their
sympathy, and presently he went up
stairs to the blue room. | had no rea-
son to doubt him. but | must confess
| did not know what to think when
the postman, who came with Toms
Christmas letter the next morning,
brought also the news that Squire
.t.... r..I boa,, fnnnI daa1 naop the