Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1897-07-14
CHAPTER V.-CoNr1NUED.

Angus in no uncertain manner he
would be able to make Clara Hill his
wife. Notwithstanding all he had heard
her say, it was still his opinion that it
was his uncle's wealth alone that in
luced her to accept his proposal; but
how would the removal help him, in re-
spect to wealth? Fannie would inherit
all.
Perhaps it would be best to win Fan
ME or coerce her into marrying him;
but she was engaged to marry Clarence,
and the squire and Clarence would be
more than he could overcome.
He must have their friendship, for he
would need them both.
| How, then, could his uncle's wealth
become his? Remove Fannie also? No,
that would never do.
One murder might be successfully
carried through. but two, not at this
tIme-and then there might be other
heirs who would inherit equally with
him-but, stay, there was the bankers
will among his private papers in the
vault at the bank! He had told him
where they might be found in case of
his sudden death.
The first thing was to inspect that
will, and that he would do before max
ing further plans.
Clara Hill returned to Orion Il week
after having accepted the proposal OF
Mr.. Lloyd, and it is safe to say that as
the Sunshine passed the locality where
she had fallen overheard Angus
Bruce was the one who occupied her
thoughts. He had been seldom from
her mind since the moment when she
had heard him eXciaim, as she was sink
ing down into the rivers depths for the
last time:
Courage. Courage. Clara Belle"
and she thought how Instantly she had
felt Il am saved!" and of the strong
arms of the brave Scot as he clasped her
in them and dragged her back from
death.
He has won my love nobly," she
thought. Il am Untrue to womanhood,
but he cannot have my hand"
When she arrived at Orion she found
her father and Clarence very happy over
the state of affairs. Mr.. Lloyd and her.
self had written them of the engage
ment.
This is well, Clara" said the squire
as they were riding from the landing to
the house. You will lie the fairest and
wealthiest bride in the old North state
Lloyd has wealth enough, but your
mother has no small dover for you, and
you shan't leave Orion aforementioned
by your father.
IT wish you to select two young ne
groes, male and female, from orion
any two that may please you. The girl
bring into the house at once and let
your mother and Aunt Eliza begin
training her for housemaid: the boy,
Clarence and Corbett can drill in the
care of horses. Thus you will always
have around you two servants whom
you know you can trust. and YOU shall
have a bill of sale foc them. receipted,
they go with you-yes, daughter, and
horses, and COWS, and any thing in Or
ton. that your heart desires; you will
be at the top of the ladder, child. Are
you happy?"
NO, father, not happy. and yet,
can't say unhappy. l know that Mr..
Lloyd loves me for myself alone, ana
not for any ACKNOWLEDGEMENT he ex-
poets to obtain to. his wealth, by OBJ
tanning me for his wife. 1 told him that
all your wealth went to your eldest son,
and he said, that having me, he con-
sidered that he had the greatest part
of it,"
why he has, so he has; and his
daughter shall be mistress of the rest;
two splendid marriages"
But. father. | came very near being
the bride of DEATH"
YES, yes! and Bruce stopped here GO
ing out and never spoke of it; feared 70
worry us. J. suppose, and the next day
your letter told us all about itLa brave
and trusty man is Angus Bruce. owe
him debt that [ can never repay, but /
can reward him we'll"
Speak not of rewarding Angus. IA
Their. You would insult a noble soul
But one object would reward Angus
Bruce, and that he will not seek
And that, Clara?'
us your daughters hand; he has her
love-
''Clara! you love Angus Bruce?"
YES, father, yes; and he loves me,
know. 1t is love of which princess
might be proud. If you had heard his
cry when l sank beneath his waves"
Il can't blame the lad; can't blanc
him. 1t is we'll you are to wed so soon.
Mrs. Hill did not seem as enthu
siastic over the coming marriage a.
did her husband and Clarence, and il
the weeks that interviewed between tn,
time of the engagement and the first o
June, while preparations were being
made for the double wedding, otter
said:
Daughter, if you think you will no
be happy, revoke your pledge to becom
his wife"
NO, mother, will marry Mr.. Lloyd
though 1 know if l told him I de
sired to be released he would releas
me, but I do not desire it,
Daughter, l would be willing 20
should marry Capt. Bruce rather thai
see you live a life of misery
II know, dear mother, but father an
my brother Clarence would rather Sc
me in the grave than welded to q pilot
son. l shall not live n life of misery
hut 1 shall always in my inmost hear
carry the image of Angus Bruce. Now
mother. pray. let us speak no more @
that"
| The next day all of the young darkie
on the place were assembled in front c
the mansion, and Clara, assisted by he
/