Rocky Ford enterprise., 1897-03-25
CHAPTER v.-(Cosr1su.p.,

My way then Is clear, and tell her
that If she had not so assured me, |
should not have had the courage to
speak further. And SO by degrees I
open my heart to her, and show her
that the happiness of my life is in
her hands. Well. we'll, what more can
| say of this interview? What more
than that, to my ineffable delight. Ma
bel accepts me as her lover, telling me
that she has loved me from child
hood, and that, although she has
never thought of me in the relation of
husband. she is blessed and content
ed In the prospect Of becoming a
sailors wife? We vow to be ever faith
full and true to each other, and break
sixpence. each taking half.
Il devote my life to you, my darling"
| say. as l kiss her and hold her in
my arms. my heart beats forever.
and only for you"
Many minutes pass In such-like
when she presses her first-born to her
breast, cannot experience greater joy
than animates me at this time.
When I command a ship" say. as
We walk arm-in-arm toward her house,
Il will take care that my wife shall
come out with me-if she cares to
come"
She says that would be true delight
to her, and says other sweet things
which, as she speaks them. are to my
heart like the murmuring music OF
birds. We go toward her house with
the intention OF acquainting her
mother with what has occurred, and
I fancy l see her watching us at the
window as We walk up the street;
but on our arrival she is not to be
found. It is settled between us that
Mabel shall break the news to her. and
| walk home.
80. mother" say, going to her In
the kitchen, where she Is making
pudding for dinner. mabel wouldn't
marry n poor man for love! OF course
not. when gold is flung before her
eyes! Well. mother. how much gold
have to buy her with?"
draw the old woman on my knee,
where. II my voice has not already be-
trayed me-but am sure 1t has-she
can read the joyful tidings In my
bright face and kindling eyes.
"Ah, nanny! You didn't know Ma
bel She is. as I said she was. the
soM Of truth, and her heart is better
Than gold. She'll be a sailors wife.
rs you were, nanny"
Does my old mothers face reflect the
Joy that shines on mine, or Is there
cloud Of doubt on 1t? Doubt Of what?
As to whether l have done right?
Away with It! will have no doubts
Or shadows. There is no room for
them in the sunshine of my life.
why, mother!' exclaim. II can
not tell whether you are pleased or
not at the news"
"I hope you have acted wisely, my
son." she replies. her lips trembling
slightly.
I snap my fingers at the word. WISE
ly! What lover ever thought OF that
when he was opening his heart to the
girl of his choice? And, after all, is
not love the best kind Of wisdom? But
l can scarcely understand my old moth
er speaking in this way, and 1t does
not satisfy me.
You married for love, mother; why
should not Mabel do the same? Come,
come: 1t would hurt me much to think
YOU begrudged me my happiness"
"oh, Amos" she cries. with all
my heart and soul wish you to be
happy" -
"WelI, then" reply. repeating words
that have been used before. there is
no happiness without love. and Mabel
and love each other true, as you and
nv father did. Don't tell me you doubt
Mabel any longer. You may have had
reason for 1t before, because OF peo-
ple's foolish tongues; but, now that
she has proved herself better than gold
YOU have no right to suspect her.
She'll be loving daughter to YOU ana
YOU must be to her as good mother
as YOU have been to me. There! there!
For the good old soul had suddenly
thrown her arms around my neck, and
beps NV forgiveness If she has hurt
mo In any way. She believes. she
says. that Mabel Is exactly as I have
painted her, and she sobs out blessings
anon both of us. So the little cloud
blows over.
But shadows come from Mabers
mother.
with a full-blooded face she says:
you can never mean 1t. Mr.. Bee
croft"
"I can, and do" I answer readily;
and 80 does Mabel"
Mabel is eighteen years of age" she
says; land your"
And I-well, ! am over forty.
hang my head ruefully.
She peers at me with malicious IN
quisitiveness.
Have you told her that?'
mo; It didn't come into my head TO
do 90"
"Of course 1t didn't. And that is the
way you take advantage OF chiid.
you. a full-grown man, with pearo
ASH soon be white; knowing, too, tnat
she was as good as married to man
as will be able to support her, anu
make a lady of her."
mo man can do that; she Is one
already" ,,.
"Thank me for that" she says, with
A toss of her head.
81 do. heartily. AS for the man.
- anne him "