Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1899-06-05
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
The secret of Sans unexpected ap-
pearance at Heath cottage soon leaked
out, and a spirit of utter incredulity
pervaded the family council hastily
convened to discuss the amazing intel
ligence.
That sister Mary-the born old maid,
as they had all along christened her
who had been girding at the opposite
sex with her tongue ever since she
could speak, should ever think Of TAX
ing a husband, or rather, that anyone
should be found bold enough to ask
her for a wife, seemed incredible.
"Sam must surely be mad" said
Rhoda. IF he speaks of marriage to
Poll she'll box his ears.
ooh, I don't know that" said Lottie,
looking like wisdom personifed poll
isn't the vixen she would have us be-
lieve her to be. Her standogishness is
all on the surface, my dear-mere pre-
tence. She can't throw dust in my
eyes,"
That's rank treason" said Rhoda,
laughing. II should like to hear you
tell her that, and see her face"
"Tll take very good care to tell her
nothing of the kind" said Lottie.
"But, mark my WORDS, she'll strike her
flag like the veriest coward, and we'll
have a brother-in-law in less than six
months
LAS the prophetic mantle seems to
have fallen upon you, you might tell us
if Sam or Mr. Henderson is to be the
happy man."
Sam, of course said Lottie. eff
you were not a little goose you might
see that she adores him."
Rhoda laughed at the idea of Poll
adoring anything in masculine garb.
Meantime Sam was making his way
towards the Castle hill, revolving Lot
ties ominous words in his mind, and
oppressed with vague fear that Mary
was lost to him forever.
From the hill lovely views Of the
Clyde and it's extensive basin are to
be had, but Sam had no eye for them.
He was in a fever of unrest, and his
only wish was to see Mary, and put
an end to his suspense.
It very soon became evident that she
was not on the hill, and he turned his
steps in the direction of the Cloch
lighthouse.
When within about half a mile OF
it he suddenly found himself face to
face with Mary, who was accompanied
by a young man he had never seen in
his life before.
Mary looked little troubled and
embarrassed, and Sam stood looking al
her in silence, uncertain, bewildered,
unnerved.
Mary was the first to recover her
SELL
"How do you do, Mr.. Forbes? I'm
very glad to see you," she said, col
oring family, and holding out her hand
to him frankly. "Allow me to intro
duce you to Mr.. Henderson"
Sam glared fiercely at the young
man, muttered some inarticdlate greet
ing, and turned his atteE.fon to Mary
Mary had made sinte she came to Dun
DON, was a tail square-shouldered
deep-chested young man of six or sew
en-and- twenty, but so symmetrical and
light in his movements that his size
scarcely struck one at first. His fea-
lures were rather comely, the brow
full, the eyes wide apart and deep
seated. the mouth and chin lacking in
firmness, and the whole lighted up by
an eye of great beauty. 1t was a face
more indicative of weakness than oil
power, but one such as many women
fall instantly in love with. In other
words, he was essentially a woman's
man.
The trio walked on together towards
Dunoon, Mr. Henderson, who haC
promised to dine at Heath cottage, an(
was desperately in love with Mary
feeling aggrieved at Sans intrusion
and Sam in turn regarding him as The
third wheel of the cart.
Il called at Heath cottage, and ha(
a chat with your father said Sam sig
nificantly. "Lottie told me you hat
gone for a walk, and that I should b
likely to meet you if came in this di
rection."
Mary flushed guiltily. Had Lotto
told him that she left the house d
learning of his arrival, she wondered
A general feeling Of uneasines