Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-11-30

sooner realize her failings when
friends have left her and she stands
alone Then she will more likely
comprehend; she will array herself
against those qualities which have
been so manifest in her, and a change
will take place. Let the girl alone,
APP; you will never rue it."
But what if the others do not fol-
low what you ask me to do?" asked
Appleby. Il am certain there is one
person who will not. If | have no.
thing to do with her, he'll have all the
more chance of winning her. In the
end I'll lose her, anyway"
and are you so very anxious to get
herr"
Il love her. Is not that sufficient"
Hamilton moved to the window and
stood gazing into the ngnted thorough
fare below, his heart beating strangely
at what he had heard
I'm going now" said Appleby in a
low voice. Your words were not what
expected; but they were uttered by a
true friend in a way that cannot but
| admire. L du 81 dIelul W ypus
The next evening at the club the
two friends met again The interview
of the previous meeting was not men
| toned, nor was alluSion made in any
way to either Hortense Randall or APP
plebys rival. The latter was in close
proximity to Hamilton the greater part
of the evening After Appleby had
retreated, Hamilton was deftly drawn
aside
by jove," began Reginald Craven,
do you know, could hardly wait to
tell you. I'm in love. AS sure as
you're alive, it's got hold of me. Hor-
tense Randall's the girl. An admirable
creature, not so, Hamilton? her father
has all he wants, too. She's the only
child, you know, and by jove, she's a
great one. She says she likes Apple
by, he's so serious. She has never
told me why she likes me, but she
does just the same. She wouldn't
tolerate me if she didn't, would she,
Hamilton"
Well" began the latter in his
measured way. "Hortense Randall is
one of the best girls.
Bless your soul, l don't have faith
in any girls Take it altogether, it's an
age of degradation; don't you think
so?"
81 am not prepared to say" was
Hamilton's brief reply.
well. l think So continued Craven.
"Everything points that way. It's an
age in which hens crow, and they are
not particular as to how hard they
crow, or at what time"
Leave the girl alone"
1t was the second time Hamilton
had uttered the words, and they were
now uttered with more emphasis than
on the previous occasion.
mot for the world" declared Craven.
I'D be miserable without her. / bear
Appleby no ill-will, but I'm not going
to leave the field open to him alone.
Much Obliged" and with hasty strides
he stalked away.
The preparations for the wedding
were going on apace. Hortense Ran
dali in the midst of it all had her
hands full. Beside the work at home,
there were repeated trips to the MILL
ners the modiste's and the dry good
emporium. Mrs. Randall often gave
way, and resorted to tears. Many
times she declared she was glad Hor-
tense was the only child. She could
not positively go through another eX-
perence of this kind.
When the coming of the wedding ar
rived, in the midst of all that was
beautiful and costly Hortense Ran
dali was a picture as she stood before
the mirror for a final look. From the
top of her head. where nestled the
fragrant orange blossoms, to the feet,
daintily encased in daintiest slippers,
all seemed to be in shimmering haze.
AS she crossed the room on her way
downstairs she brushed against a cabi-
net, and a photograph together with a
piece of bric-a-brac fell at her feet.
What was it?' she asked of Anna,
the maid
only vase and IA picture" and
she held it up to Hortense.
He was so serious in everything he
did" she muttered to herself as she
left the room, and the bridal veil was
moistened with tear.
Two hours later Hortense and her
husband were seated in a car. A gay
chattering was going on in the car
ripples of laughter intermingling.
The air seems to be filled with hap
piness." said Hortense, cheerfully. ut
seems as ii the car were full Of brides.
Well old fellow, this is surprise
Where are you bound for? What have
you been doing with yourself lately"
When Hortense raised her eyes she
beheld stranger at her husbands
side. The good-natured face was
wreathed with smiles. and the hand hi
extended met that of Hortenses hus
band in hearty clasp
I've been getting married. Mr.. More
land, this is my wife,
Moreland's eyes met those of Hor
: tense for an instant and then in hi!
, pleasing way he said. accept my goot
, wishes. Mrs. Hamilton | congratulate