Owingsville outlook. [volume] (Owingsville, Ky.) 1879-192?, 1898-06-16
CHAPTER XII

Mr.. Morley came down the path from
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 drawn eN-
preston came over il; he tottcred in
his walk, and seemed Ia keep upright
10y I'm effort of will
Child. why have Won 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 Ia Mr.. Con
way, Change Your habit if YOU wish.
do not think will lie able to ride with
You this morning"
''Oh. father, YOU are in" Florence
exclaimed, in deep concern. What is
it? 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 r,e
beautiful upturncd face with solicitouS
love shining upon it. and his face lost
some of lis haegarlncSs. lie smiled
and replied: Il am not i'll. Florence;
only a trifle worried. DO as | requested,
please"
In obedience she slowly withdrew,
sending back 10 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 | had caught of him on the
morning after my arrival showed me
a change And now that a closer in
spection was possible, the difference
between the MIR. Morley of a year ago
and the man now standing before me
was startlingly apparent. Ne certainly
/ looked like sick man.
you had better sit down, sir. ! said,
in commiscration for his weakness.
Mr.. Morley sank down upon a rustic
seat and ! remained standing before
him. awaiting his words with emotions
alternating between hope and fear.
II have lost somewhat of late
D
Then, suddenly fixing his eyes on my
face in a searching glance, he said:
MY daughter was weeping. What was
the reason? What did you say TO her
TO cause her tears?"
"It was her own tender heart that
caused her 10 weep" | replied. after a
pause, during which considered what
D \ Il -, i,
seem right 10 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 cause for
her tears. am deeply grateful for
her tender sympathy"
oh" The hard lines of his face
relaxed: he drew a long breath. she
thinks very highly of you, Conway"
"lour words give me the keenest
pleasure, Mr.. Morley, and offer me an
opportunity TO lay before you a sub
ject which may prove unpleasant" l
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? 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, | poured out my earnest
words.
"Mr. Morley. l want Florence to be
my wife. There is no use mincing mat
tiers; the simple fact is, / must have
her. She loves me. and my love for her
is part of life itself. Will you not give
your consent?"
To my disappointment he lodged the
I question altogether.
"Why are you here?' he asked.
"Here?"
Yes. Why did you come TO Nelson
,ille?"
ITO find res, and quiet and peace; TO
escape peoples cruel tongues" I ex-