Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-09-17

have done, no explanation to OFFER. ana
ncne to demand. Some men, perhaps,
might be content to let the matter
pass without further allusion to it,
cannot do So. cannot be at ease with
out knowing exactly where stand. Let
us have at least no more than one mis-
| have called to ASK
you whether you have spoken or
written to Your father about my pro-
posal to you""
Il haven't known where to write to
papa: you knew that" responded Lou
Use.
Have YOU spoken to him."
1T seems to me YOU ought to do
that.
The doctor bit his lip to repress the
retort that that had not been a part OF
their understanding. He had pre-
pared other things to say, hut Louise
did not give him the proper cue Other
men have had such experiences. The
woman in the case seldom takes the
view of it she was expected to take.
Il am not here to argue" said the
doctor after moment | pat myself
unreservedly in your hands. II you
tell me to speak to your father shall
do so tonight. Shall H.
Louise looked around her hclplessly.
You may if YOU wish to" she am
swered. Il shouldn't think you'd dare
tc face him if he know what YOU said
in that horrid court
You may tell him, If you like to,
Miss Drummond."
Il want to forget it.
Does that mean" asked the doctor,
earnestly, that you love me and that
You wish to forget what WAS painful
to both of u.s.
Louise could not raise her eyes to
his, and for time she could not con-
tlol her quivering lips to speak. The
doctor waited with growing wonder.
rot at her. but at himself. A loyal
man who has or thinks he has reason
tC doubt his own loyalty suffers an ag-
ony that think is not set down In
is capable of that peculiar sorrow. In
days not so very remote, few weeks
al most DR.. Williams had said to him.
self that his heart never could fail to
glow more warmly at glance from
Louise, that her presence never could
fail to charm and relieve him He be
lieved it, as all lovers do, and he had
said to himself that his career thus far
had justified his belief
So, indeed. it had. and vet, here he
whom he had asked to love him. After
the misery of the inquest he had wrest-
led with himself alone, and had pursued
the task of self-analysis to the extent Of
his powers. Reasoning, as we'll Il ply
stefan might, he hat said that his ma.
ture was suffering from shock and
strain that dullled its senSihilities to
t; miliar emOtions; that presently all
would be as before, and he further ar.
gred that the one tonic for his emo.
With her, whether or not she re-
preached him with bitterness, he felt
that he should find restored all that
ardent love that had impolled him tC
do every thing short of positive crime
in shielding her father To feel again
that intense, yearning affection and the
craving for her love would be better
to him, even with disappointment as
its accompaniment, than this dull in
difference.
Well, here he was, and there was
she; and his heart seemed like black
cinder from which fame had long
since passed away Fearful of com
hitting the most dsloyal act possible
prepared to carry out the programme
of love in form, even If the spirit were
lacking
Miss Drummond," he said, at last
Il cannot go to your father unless you
tell me you love me 1t would be
merely postponing the end
Then don't CO." she answered.
He bowed gravely and held the door
ashamed, mortally ashamed, to feel re-
lief instead Of pain at his dismissal
Louise passed him with downcast eyes
and almost ran into her father, who
bad just entered the broad hall
All, doctor" cried the professor
"be sure not to go until | see you.
must have talk with you. Louise,
want you for minute. Excuse US
doctor"
Regrettine that his mothers presence
a Fairyiew made ii advisable TO re.
main, the doctor bowed his assent and
went to the dining room. Louise re-
turned to the room she had just left,
and the professor followed.
Lou he began abruptly, has DR..
Williams talked love to you?"
She looked up at him. half in sur
prise. half in fright, for the question
was unexpected and her fathers tone
was brusque
Answer me. Lou: you've nothing to
fear"
"Ypg " she fa1tpred "hp has