The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-02-26
CHAPTER XII

| the mousse. At urbt ne ala 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 drawn ex-
preston came over IL; 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. / wish to speak to Mr.. Con-
way. Change your habit il you wish.
do not think will be able TO ride with
you this morning"
"0h, father. you are i'll" Florence
exclaimed. in deep concern. What is
IL? Do come with me into the house
and let me do something for you" In
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 its haggardness. He smiled
and replied: II am not i'll, 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 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 commiseratlon for his weakness.
Mr.. Morley sank down upon a rustic
seat and j remained standing before
him, awaiting his words with emotions
alternating between hope and fear.
II have lost somewhat of late
business reverses," he murmured.
Then, suddenly fixing bis eyes on my
face in searching glance, he said:
MY daughter was weeping. What was
the reasonp What did you say to her
TO cause her tears?"
1T was her own tender heart that
caused her TO weep" replied, after
pause, during which / considered what
answer | should make. For ii did not
seem right to add any fresh trouble to
the already overburdened man.
He regarded me with a questioning
look, and added: "She was sorry. sir.
that my innocence has not been estab-
lished. This was partly the cnuse for
her tears. / am deeply grateful for
her tender sympathy"
"0hl" 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
to lay before you sub
ject which may prove unpleasant"
said, eagerly.
Mr.. Morley started; then 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? IL 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 should lose my love,
after all. l poured out my earnest |
words.
"Mr. Morley. / want Florence 10 be |
my wife. There is no use mincing mat
ters; tho simple fact is, / must have |
her. She loves me. and my love for her |
Ia part of life itself. VIII you not give
your consent?"
To my disappointment he lodged the
question altogether.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
''Here?"
"Yes. Why did you come to Nelson
yille?"
ITO find rest and quiet and peace; TO
escape peoples cruel tongues" / ex-
claimed impatiently. II give you my
word of honor, sir" went on, think
ng / OWNED what his thought was, 81
knew nothing Of your living in Nelson
vile. No idea was farther from my
mind than that | should meet Florence
here. But / cannot help telling you
now my meeting her has lightened the
burden OF the past year, how her love
makes my life appear bright before
ne, and shine even through the cloud
which still rests upon my honor. You,
u course. can withhold your consent,
but, ! tell you openly, shall in that
ease do my utmost TO persuade her 10
marry me against your wish"
! was startled by my boldness in
,pcaking as | did, but the words were
,ut, and | would not have recalled them
Z ] could.
FLORENCE would not marry without
ny consent" Mr.. Morley remarked,
With the trace OF a smile.
"Ah, sir. know that wen. We can
wait until my innocence is proved. But
{ would be most cruel TO us both should
gou withhold your consent"
"You are still sanguine, then, of