Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-08-26
(Continued.)

said Sir Philip quietly. You are not
mistaken, sir! | love her with my
whole heart and soul! | want you TO
give her to me as my Wire
A change passed over the old farmer
He grew deathly pale, and put out one
hand feebly as though to seek some
n1pport. Errington caught 1t IN his
own and pressed 1t hard. $3.50
Surely you are not surprised, sirE'
he added with oagerness. How can
loving her! She IL the best
and loveliest girl have ever seen!
Believe mel would make her happy
"And have you thought, young man.
returned Guldmar slowly, that you
would make me desolate--or, think
ing It, have you cared?'
There was an infinite pathos In his
voice and ErrIngton was touched and
silent, He found no answer to this
reproach. Guldmar sat down, leaning
his head on his hand.
let me think little" he said. MY
mind Ia confused bit I was not
prepared for"
He paused and seemed lost In sor-
rowful meditation By-and-by he
looked up. and meeting ilrrlngton's
anxious gaze, he broke into short
laugh,
Don't mind me, my lad!" he said
sturdily. 1T Ii n blow, you see! l
had not thought 80 far as this. III
tell you tho plain truth, and you must
forgive me for wronglng you. | know
what young blood Is. all the world
over. A fair face fires it--and I'M
rulse makes It gallop beyond control.
Twas so with ne when ! was your
age though no woman, hope, was
ever the worse for my harmless love-
making. But Thema IL different from
most women she has n strange nature
moreover, she has heart and
memory she once ,earns the mean
Ing OF love she will never unlearn the
lesson. Now | thought that like most
young men OF your type, you might,
without meaning any actual evil, tribe
with hor--play with hor feelings
II understand, sir" said Philip
coolly, without displaying any offense.
ITO put 1t plainly, in spite of your
Liking for me. you thought mo n snob,'
This time the old man laughed
heartily and unforcedly.
Dear, doar!" he exclaimed. you
Gro what Is termed In your own land,
n peppcry customer! Never mind
we a. Why, my lad, the men OF
'"', 1t fair sport to triilo with
a pretty woman now and then
""ardon!" interrupted Philip curtly,
II muo' defend my scV. We may oc-
cnsionulv tritlc with those women
who show us that they wish to be
trifcd Without never with those who,
Ike your daughter, win every mans
respect and reverence"
Guldmar rose and grnspod his hand
ftlvently
by NIL tho gods, believe you are
n true gentleman!" he said. 81 ask
your pardon If | have offended You
Ivy sc much M thought, But now"
and his face grew very serious
"wo must talk this matter over
will not speak Of the suddcnness OF
loul love for my child. because |
know, from my tswn past experience.
that love Is Il rapid impulse-a flame
lkritrd in n moment. Yes, know
= that well!' He paused, and his voice
.rr'l oA a little but he soon steadied
~ IA Went m think. however, my
lad, that you have been little hasty
for instance, have you thought what
Your English friends and relatives will
sa, to your marrying farmers
d""ehjnr who though she has the
lood Of kings IN her veins never
thelcss, Ms this present world would
Judge, beneath you In soctAl standing?
| say, have YOU thought OF this?"
Philip smiled proudly. Certainly,
sir, ! have not thought OF any such
triile as the opinion of socioty--if
that Ia whit You mean. | have no
relatives to please or displcase--no
friends In tho truest sense of the
w''a except '.lrimer. | have n long
list Of acQualntances undoubtodly~-in-
tolerable hores most OF them, and
whether they approve or disapprove Of
my actions Is to me a matter of pro-
found Indifference"
See you!" said the bonde firmly
and earnestly at would be an Ill
lay for me II gave my little one
to u husband who might-mind! |
only say might In the course OF years,
regret having married her"
Regret" cried Philip eXcitedly,
than quieting down, he said gently.
MY good friend. do not think YOU
understand me. You talk rs if Thelma
we're beneath mo. Good God! 1t Is
who an infinitely beneath her. am
utterly unworthy of her In every way,
assure you--and | tell you so frank
ly. ! have led useless life. and u
more or less selfish one have prin-
cipally sought to amuse and interest
myself all through It. I've had my
vices too, and have them So. Re-
side Thelmas innocent white soul
mine looks villainous, But can hon
e7tly say I never knew what love was
TIL | saw her-and now-well, I
would gladly give my life away to
y a,