Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-03-16


1.-THE match would please me we'll,
Abner, and, il mistake not, Fannie
could be won by him."
"Well, there is the dinner BELL" and
with two prospective weddings in his
family, the squire joined arms with
John Lloyd, and they proceeded to the
house.
At four o'clock Clarence and Fannie
accompanied Mr.. Lloyd to the landing,
and the Sunshine bore him back up the
river.
He waved them good-by from the
steamers deck, with his handkerchief,
and said:
II shall look for you and Clara when
Bruce comes up"
They took seats on the wharf, and
watched the little steamer 60 putting
up the river, until it disappeared from
view.
"Fannic." said Clarence suddenly,
show long have we been acquainted?"
"Why, all our lives; at least NIL of
mine. But what funny question, Clar-
ence."
"Is it so? Well, Fannie, there is some
thing I have been wanting to tell you
for a long time"
Clarence, do you see that bird?"
Eyes, see the bird. wish he could
whisper in your ear the words want to
say. Now don't run away. We arc
here alone for once, and I must tell
YOU"
Clarence, won't it keep till we get
home? See. it's getting dark"
mo, Fannie. it will keep no longer,
and besides feel drawer here alonewith
you. in the gathering darkness, than
should at home. Fannie, 1 have loved
you all my life, love you now, I will
love you always-Fannic, will you be
my wife?-there, thank the Lord you
know it now, if you never did before"
'Oh. Clarence. And did that take
bravery?",
"The bravery of a lion, Fannie. But
tell me, tell me truly, can you love me?"
"Not any more-at least think not
any more"
'Oh, Fanniel''
~ was about to say, Clarence, not any
more than do now"
And do you love me the least bit now,
Fannie2"
More than that, Clarence, more than
that. love you well enough to answer
-yes-1 will be your WIFE"
"Fannie!"
"Clarence!"
There were tears in Fannie's bright
eyes when Clarence gently took her
hands from before her face.
"Now one kiss, my little bride, to seal
the bargain"
"Cracky! what will pa say now?"
''I4et us hope, Fannie, that he will
not object"
"IIow can he, Clarence, when he
knows that we love each other?"
The two happy hearts went beating
more rapidly back to the manor house
where they found the family seated in
the parlor.
AS Clarence and Fannie entered the
door, with their happy faces flushed
and a something about their appear.
ance that spoke louder than words
as result of that trip to the landing
the squire arose to his feet.
What, my son? What now, Fannie
You look excited"
well, / guess l am" Sid Fannie
what do you think? am going to be
married"
What" exclaimed Clara, "when p
and she jumped from her chair.
II don't know; but some day. Amt
we, Clarence?"
BY this time Clara's arms were
around her, and Fannie's face was hid
| den on her shoulder.
We'll. what have you got to say, my
boy?" said the squire.
'I've said it, father, and Fannie did
not say no. lam as happy as alord."
"And we'll you should be. Come
Puss, and give your expectant father
| kiss"
All were embracing Fannie and con
graduating Clarence but Lathrop, who
had scowl on his features, but finally
he. too. came forward and said: II wish
you both joy"
Herbert had no opportunity to plead
his suit. as Clara OWNED something Of
his intentions, and gave him none.
The next evening the squire had his
horse and buggy brought to the door
and stated that he was going back three
or four miles, to where the men were
telling timber for the mills. "Come
Clara" he added, you shall go with
me-"
| Clarence and Fannie had gone horse
back riding, and Clara went with he1
father, leaving Herbert Lathrop behind
This act first opened his eyes to the
fact that perhaps after all there wa.
a doubt about his being able to wiz
Clara, or even obtain the consent of hel
father.
"Well, must have one of them," he
said. Clarence lost no time with Fan
ME, and the little mink said yes; while
to me she said no and laughed in my
face. One of the girls must surely b.
Mrs. Herbert Lathrop."
"Clara," said her father, when the,
were well on the road, "what think 70,
Of your brothers choice?"
IA perfect treasure, father. 1 know
they'll be happy"
Daughter, have you never though
of marriage?"
mo. father; why should L? I an
but eighteen-plenty of time-you ar,
not anxious to lose me, trust?"
"Far from it. Clara; but you have AZ
opportunity now to win a husband ant
wealth and station; in fact, he is al
ready won; you have but to accep
him. ! have received proposal TO
your hand"