Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-03-21
CHAPTER v.

CHAPTER v.
"TRULY, MY UNCLE. THERE ARE TWO WHO
STAND UPON NINE"
Clara Hill had been Fannie's guest
for a week, when one evening Herbert
had been out, and 1t was fully ten
o'clock when he came In.
He SOFTLY opened the door and noticed
from the parlor door being ajar that 1t
was still lighted. He heard his uncle's
voice, and something In the tone caused
him to halt as he was about to enter the
parlor. The words he heard were:
"My dear Clara, the reason detain
you tonight is to tell you that you art
very dear to me. There has always been
a warm friendship existing between
your fathers family and mine; have
asked your fathers permission to ad-
dress you; he may have told you OF the
result-Clara. | am no longer young
man, have daughter almost Of you
age, but | will love you, Clara, and
guard you tenderly while live. Clara,
can you be my wife?"
Herbert Lathrop stood with white
lace and clenched hands at the threshold.
listening to his uncle's declaration. and
breathlessly he awaited Clara answer.
"Mr. Lloyd, need not feign surprise,
for my father told me of the honor you
had conferred on both him and me, by
seeking my hand-indeed, he is very
anxious that change my name to Clara
Lloyd, but do not love you, Mr.. Lloyd,
as wife should love her husband"
Herbert Lathrop almost smiled here.
"But honor and respect you." con-
tinued Clara, land If, knowing how
feel, you desire to make me your wife,
this hand is yours"
Mr.. Lloyd took Clara's hand in his.
II love you, Clara, dearly enough to
take this little hand Cd any terms, and
l know you are marrying me for neither
wealth or station, US you have both"
"Of that, Mr.. Lloyd, you may feel
quite sure; as to wealth, I cannot say
that it ever had great attractions for
me, though my father Is reputed among
the wealthiest planters Of the state,
and you must know that, in accordance
with family customs. his oldest son will
inherit nearly his entire fortune; In
making me your wife you cannot hope
to aggrandize your wealth, and as for
station know of none higher than
that OF being the daughter Of Abne1
Hill"
swell spoken, Clara; nor Is there
And as for wealth. why, let him keep ii
all, and even then. so have you, have
the greater part Of 1t, and you in time
will be the wealthiest widow In the Caro-.
linas."
"Pray do not speak Of that, Mr.. Lloyd;
remember life is uncertain, and but for
Angus Bruce I would not be here to-
night"
"Truel Truel Capt. Bruce shall be
rewarded ON his return"
ANGUS Bruce, Mr.. Lloyd, would nc.
cept of no reward, at least none that
you could give him."
"Well, Clara, dear, as you will be the
old mans darling, and not the young
mans slave when shall we wed9"
LET it be, Mr.. lloyd, when Clarence
and Fannie are united"
"Why, that is the first Of June"
Eyes, and at Orion; let our marriage
take place at the same time"
| "It shall. dear; God grant you may be
happy-for myself fear not DO you
know, Clara, l at one time thought that
perhaps you would be won by my
nephew?"
mo, Mr.. Lloyd, there was never dan
ger of that. I detest, and almost feal
Him."
"In that event, before our marriage,
will have him located elsewhere: il
would be but torture to have one around
toward whom you feel like that. Butt
little wonder at it. l sometimes feel III
though was standing on mine, whel
1 think of his fathers record, and were
he not my nephew. would not Tolerate
hlm-eventually shall endeavor to es
tablish him in business elsewhere.
"Why, he even hnd the impudence tt
ask my daughters hand in marriage.
"Well, good night. dear one, and hap
py Dreams" and Mr.. Lloyd stopped
slightly and kissed the white brow o.
the girl, who to please her father, ant
build up an impossible barrier betwee1
hs9sslt and the man abe loved but NIGH
- nersh IA nsunllst y SsAsalA ~