Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1897-06-30
CHATTER III.-CoNr1NuEp.

He waved them good-by from the
steamers deck, with his handkerchief,
and said:
81 shall look for you and Clara when
Bruce comes up"
They took seats on the wharf, and
watched the little steamer go putting
up the river, until it disappeared from
view.
Fannie" said Clarence suddenly.
"how long have we been acquainted ?"
"Why, all our lives; at least all of
mine. But what funny question, Clar-
ence."
rs it so? Well, Fannie, there is some
thing I have been wanting to tell you
for long time"
Clarence, do you see that bird %
Yes, / see the bird. wish he could
whisper in your ear the words want 10
say. Now don't run away. We a..
here alone for once, and l must tell
you
Clarence, won't it keep till we get
home? See, it's getting dark"
NO, Fannie, it will keep no longer,
and besides I feel drawer here alone with
you, in the gathering darkness, than /
should at home. Fannie, have loved
you all my life, love you now, will
love you always-Fannie, 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 2"
Not any more-at least 1 think not
any more"
''Oh, Fannie!"
Il was about to say, Clarence, not any
more than do now
And do you love me the least bit now,
Fannie?"
more than that, Clarence, more than
that. love you we'll enough to answer
-yes-I 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 noyy?'
LET us hope, Fannie, that he will
not object
How 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 something about their appear
nnce that spoke louder than words,
rs result of that trip to the landing,
the squire arose to his feet.
What, my son? What now, Fannie =?
You look excited"
well, guess am" said Fannie.
What do you think? am going to be
married"
What" exclaimed Clara. when ?'
and she jumped from her CHAIR
Il 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.
''Well, what have you got to say, my
boy SalQ the So ulrc.
I've said it, father, and Fannie did
not say no. am as happy as lord"
And well you should be. Come,
Puss, and give your expectant father
a kiss"
All were embracing Fannie and con-
graduating Clarence but Lathrop, who
had scowl on his features, but finally
he too fnrxvor5 oyJ
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 90 with
me-"
Clarence and Fannie had gone horse
back riding, and Clara went with her
father, leaving Herbert Lathrop behind.
This act first opened his eyes TO the
fact that perhaps after all there was
doubt about his being able to win
Clara, or even obtain the consent of her
father.
We'll, 1 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 be
Mrs. Herbert Lathrop."
Clara" said her father, when they
were well on the road, what think you
of your brothers choice?"
they'll be happy"
Daughter, have you never thought
of marriage?"
mo, father; why should I? I an
but eighteen-plenty of time-you are
not anxious to lose me, Itrust?"
Far from it, Clara; but you have ar
opportunity now to win 4 husband ant
wealth and station; in fact, he is al
ready won: you have but to accept
him. 1 have received a proposal fol-
your hand"
"a husband don't want-wealth and
station we have; but who is it. pray
tLAt thinks my hand worth the hav
ing? Not Herbert Lathrop, hope; i
so neither hand nor heart have l fol-
him.
Not Lathrop, Clara. He. lis but 8
dependent on his uncle. The would-b,
bridegroom is the uncle himself-m,
friend, John Lloyd"
what! Father! What And yor
would have me wed John Lloyd, mar