Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-03-18

ESz1N matronS of the
gIN1SN southern suburbs
IAH& had rallied at her
LTX& summons, there was
y an influential plat
form with DR.. Balthazar Walker in the
chair, and Admiral Hay Denver among
his more prominent supporters. One
henighted male had come in from the
outside darkness and had jeered from
the further end of the hall, but he had
been called to order by the chair, petri-
fled by indignant glances from the UNI
enfranchised around him, and finally
escorted to the door by Charles West
m2cott. Fiery resolutions were passed,
to be forwarded to a large number of
leading statesmen, and the meeting
broke up with the conviction that a
shrewd blow had been struck for the
cause of woman.
But there was one woman at least to
whom the meeting and all that was con-
nected with it had brought anything but
pleasure. Clara Walker watched with
heavy heart the friendship and close
intimacy which had sprung up between
her father and the widow. From week
to week it had increased until no day
ever passed without their being to-
sether. The coming meeting had been
the excuse for these continual inter-
views. but now the meeting was over.
and still the Doctor would refer every
point which rose to the judgment of his
neighbor. He would talk. too, to his two
daughters of her strength Of character,
her decisive mind, and of the necessity
of their cultivating her acquaintance
and following her example, until at last
it had become his most common topic
of conversation.
All this might have passed as merely
the natural pleasure which an elderly
man might take in the society of an
intelligent and handsome woman, but
there were other points which seemed
to Clara to give it a deeper meaning
She could not forget that when Charles
Westmacott had spoken to her one
night he had alluded to the possibility
of his aunt marrying again. He must
have known or noticed something be-
fore he could speak upon such sub
ject. And then again Mrs westmacott
had herself said that she hoped to
change her style of living shortly and
take over completely new duties. What
could that mean except that she expect
ed to marry? And whom? She seemed
to see few friends outside their own lit
tie circle. She must have alluded to her
father. It was hateful thought, and
set it must be faced.
One evening the Doctor had been
rather late at his neighbours. He used
to go into the Admiral's after dinner,
but now he turned more frequently in
the other direction. When he returned
Clara was sitting alone in the drawing
room reading a magazine. She sprang
up as he entered, pushed forward his
chair, and ran to fetch his slippers.
You are looking little pale, DEAR"
he remarked.
..Oh, no, papa, am very WE'LL
'All well with Harold?"
Yes. His partner, Mr.. Peahson, is
still away. and he is doing all the work.
well done. He is sure to succeed.
Where is Ida?"
In her room, think"
She was with Charles Westmacott
on the lawn not very long ago. He
seems very fond of her. He is not very
bright, but I think he will make her a
good husband"
Il am sure of it, papa. He is very
manly and reliable"
Yes, should think that he is not the
sort of man who goes wrong. There is
nothing hidden about him. AS to his
brightness, it really does not matter,
for his aunt. Mrs. Westmacott, is very
rich, much richer than you would think
from her style of living, and she has
made him handsome provision"
II am glad of that"
1T is between ourselves. I am her
trustee, and SO know something of her
arrangements. And when are you going
TO marry. Clara?"
"Oh. papa. not for some time yet. We
have not thought of a date"
"Well, really, don't know that there
is any reason for delay. He has a COM
pctanca and it increases yearly. AS long
as you are quite certain that your mind
is made up
ooh, papa!"
well. then. really do not know why
there should be any delay. And Ida,
too, must be married within the next
few months. Now, what want to know
is what am to do when my two little
companions run away from me-" He
spoke lightly, but his eyes were grave
as he looked questioningly at his daugh-
ter.
Dear papa. you shall not be alone.
1t will be years before Harold and
think of marrying, and when we do
you must come and live with U.S."
mo, no. dear. know that you mean
what you say. but I have seen some
thing Of the world. and l know that
such arrangements never answer. There
cannot be two masters in house, and
yet at my age freedom is very neces-
sary to me-"
But you would be completely free"
mo. dear. you cannot be that IL you
are guest in another mans house.
Can you suggest no other alternative?"
That we remain with you.''
No. no. That Is out Of the question.