The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1898-08-12
CHAPTER XII.


the house. At first he did not see us,
and Florence called, which caused him
to turn and approach. AS he drew near
his glance rested on me. Then he
scanned his daughters face anxiously.
His face grew white, and a drawn ex-
preston came over it; he tottered in
his walk, and seemed to keep upright
by an effort of will.
"Child, why have you tears in your
eyes?' he asked, in low, husky tones.
Then, without pausing for answer, he
went on: Retire into the house,
daughter. 1 wish to speak to Mr.. Con-
way. Change your habit if you wish.
I do not think will be able to ride with
you this morning."
ooh, father, you are ILL" Florence
exclaimed, in deep concern. "What is
it? Do come with me into the house
and let me do something for you" In
a loving way which was all her own
she drew his arm through hers.
The parent glanced down at the
beautiful upturned face with solicitous
love shining upon it, and his face lost
some of it's haggardness. He smiled
and replied: 81 am not ill, Florence;
only trifle worried. Do as requested,
please"
In obedience she slowly withdrew,
sending back to me an appealing
glance.
When she had gone turned my gaze
upon the father. There was no wonder
that Florence had expressed concern
for her parent. Even the momentary
glimpse L had caught of him on the
morning after my arrival showed me
change. And now that a closer in
spection was possible, the difference
between the Mr.. Morley of year ago
and the man now standing before me
was startlingly apparent. He certainly
looked like sick man.
"You had better sit down, sir" said,
in commiseration for his weakness.
Mr.. Morley sank down upon rustic
seat and remained standing before
him, awaiting his words with emotions
alternating between hope and fear
IL have lost somewhat of late
business reverses," he murmured.
Then, suddenly fixing his eyes on my
face in searching glance, he said:
my daughter was weeping. What was
the reason? What did you say to her
to cause her tears?''
1T was her own tender heart that
caused her to weep" 1 replied, after
pause, during which considered what
answer l should make. For it did not
seem right to add any fresh trouble to
the already overburdened man.
He regarded me with questioning
look, and I added: '.She was sorry. sir.
that my innocence has not been estab-
lished. This was partly the cause for
her tears. I am deeply grateful for
her tender sympathy"
"Oh!" The hard lines of his face
relaxed; he drew long breath. "she
thinks very highly of you, Conway"
Your words give me the keenest
pleasure, Mr.. Morley, and offer me an
opportunity to lay before you sub
Ject which may prove unpleasant" I
said, eagerly.
Mr.. Morley started; then a tremor
ran over him. What was the matter
with the man that he seemed to take
alarm, first at my presence and now at
my words? If he was so bound up in
his daughter that he was fearful of
having her leave him, even to marry the
man she loved, there seemed small hope
| OF obtaining his consent.
In the fear that I should lose nv love,
after all, I poured out my earnest
| words.
Mr.. Morley. I, want Florence to be
my wife There is no use mincing mat
| ters;. the simple fact is, I must have