Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-05-28


ing his consent He had an idea that
;hat would be the correct thing TO do
to a father. lie had read a good deal
of that sort OF thing; anyway, he could
at least show SO much Difference TO par
entail authority. If his father should
refuse?
A hot flush rose to his face, his lips
set as he supposed it; he felt he would
marry Loo all the same. Alec had
been too long untrammeled by conVen-
tionalities TO have any doubts on this
subject. He began to see that 1t was
easier to promise ones self to do moth
ing rash than 10 refrain from doing it.
1t seemed SO terribly difficult to so on
ones own way in this world without
treading on some ones corrs.
AS he stepped across the threshold
and walked into the great kitchen Nan
started with alarm
is it you, Mr. Marin? l declare I'm
that nervous ever since, | jump at my
own shadow Sit down. she added
placing a chair for him, Course
you've heard the missile story
Yes, that's what brought me here,
Nan. Where is Loo
"Upstairs-all alone-pipin' mos
likely; she pines all day and all night,
she is SO still an so forgivin'. Nobody
would forgive me as she's done. If
they'd believed what | said she'd never
got olf-never the poor. innocent
81 fJAN ~ ~
you inside out and was on my oath
afore Gcd ar I had to tell what she
said to me an now see 1t was her goin
away she meant all the time, not ever
thinkin any harm to him
AS she spoke a footstep came down
the creaking stair and Loo attired in
a black dress, which accumulated her
pale, thin face and wistful eyes stood
before them.
Il heard your voice." she said, in a
low, quiet tone, as he sprang to her
and caught both hands in his, holding
them in a firm clasp.
"Oh, Loo! My darling" was all he
could say, something in the still eX-
preston of her face striking him with
a pitiful pain. What suffering must
have been hers when he had not been
b! to comfort her.
Nan essayed 20 rise, taking her wor
with her, but Alec caught her arm and
detained her.
''Sit down, Nan; you can hear all that
is to be said. There is nothing to be
ashamed Of Loo is my promised wife
and | have come TO ask her to fulfil
her promise"
Alec cried Loo, startled out OF her
unnatural calm. You must be mad
Do you not know what has happened
Do you not know? OH"
She covered her face with her hands
and bent double with the agony OF re
membrane.
Alec gathered her into his arms and
held her limp and UNI resisting.
Il know all, Loo. everything: ! left
the moment | knew; saw it in news
paper"
ooh, these cruel papers,. she
moaned.
But | knew better, Loo They
didn't know you as | did and when you
are my welded wife whoever says a
word about you will have to settle
with me.
Let me go, Alec, please" she en-
treated family and he released her.
Nan made another attempt to leave
them, but he would not permit her. All
the masterfulness of the towns terror
was up in arms now
sit down." he said, with stern per.
emptoriness What are you afraid of ?
I've come back to marry Loo; that's all
We've nothing to be ashamed Of"
Seems to me you're takin' the hull
thing for granted" grunted Nan. I'm
sure She told me only this mornin' that
she was done with all that was joyful
in this world"
Nan is right, Alec" said Loo, recov-
ering her calm; its all over thank
you, Alec. I'll never be able to tell you
how much think of your kindness in
not giving me up; but you know |
couldn't allow you to marry me now.
NJ oIdhO" VI a VI Inc IOliONS OlIt'
everywhere. Do you think | would
consent to that shadow falling or you
through me?"
STUFF and nonsense" exclaimed the
rate but earnest lover. Now, look
here. Surprising 1t had been I who had
been blamed for such a thing and yol
knew it was only through a strange
happening Of circumstances that blame
came to be attached to me at all
would you have thrown me up for
that
Loo turned her eyes, that seemed to
grow more and more hollow and visit
ful, toward the window and gazed un-
seeingly down into the orchard.
would you-hohtst now?" he asked
again.
you needn't ask me such a question
Alec; you know ! wouldn't" she said
sadly without moving. but it's differ.
emit I've thought it all out, and -
here she turned her eyes upon him
eyes deep and dark with sorrow-"1