Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-08-28


had presided with charming dignity
and grace over the social functions for
which DR.. Murdock's house now be-
came famous. Up to the time of his
daughters advent the chemists rela-
tons with the world had been chiefly
through the clubs and scientific bodies
to which he belonged. He was well re-
ceived in the homes of the members of
New York society; but in the absence
of q woman to do the honors of his own
home he was unable to return the hos
pitality which he enjoyed. Now, how
ever, everything was changed. Agnes
was glad to find an outlet for her en-
ergies in the task of receiving her IA
theirs guests, and, being girl Of re-
markable intelligence and tact, shesuc-
ceedd in creating salon, in the best
sense of the word. Many of the shin
ing lights of the world Of art, litera-
ture, science and fashion were among
the regular devotees at the shrine Of
this superb young goddess.
Among the younger men more than
one gay moth, dazzled by the light OF
the girls beautiful eyes, had been
tempted to hover near the flame, only
to scorch his wings. Miss Murdoch
had already refused several of the
"best matches" of the city during her
two seasons, much to the relief of
those young men who had not yet sum-
moned up courage enough to try their
fate, and much to the disgust of few
amiable young women and several de-
signing mammas. The latter could not
help but deprecate the wicked selfish
ness of a young girl who hypothecated
and thus rendered temporarily UNI
available much potential matrimonial
stock, which, in the nature of things,
would ultimately be thrown back on
the market upon the selection by the
fair one Of that single bond to whose
exclusive possession she was limited
by the laws Of church and state.
The fact of the matter was, that
Agnes Murdock's ideal of life was high.
She was determined, If she ever en-
barked upon matrimonial venture,
to do SO only with reasonably good
prospect of finding in the welded state
satisfactory outlet for the depths of
affection which had remained so long
unapplied in her tender maiden heart.
No one among the young men who
had sought her hand had seemed
worthy Of the great love she was ready
to bestow. She was, therefore, still
awaiting her fate.
"You wished to see me, sir?" the
young girl gently insinuated.
"Yes," said Murdoch, with great de-
liberation; 81 wished to speak to you
about"
he watched her face intently, as if to
read the effect which his words would
produce. The light in his eyes was
almost tender; but Agnes was not
skilled in reading their scarcely per-
ceptible shades of expression. She
looked up inquiringly, noting only the
slight hesitation in her fathers speech.
about young man. continued
Murdoch, with quizzical smile.
A flush mounted to the girls cheeks,
and she fixed her eyes upon space.
"a young man who admires you
greatly, and who"
HAS he asked you to tell me this?"
inquired Agnes, somewhat impatiently.
"Oh! dear no" laughed the chemist;
'he is only too anxious to do SO him
SELF He is most impetuous fellow.
But thought it best to prepare you"
"Afay I ask the name of your pro-
tege?" Interrupted the young girl.
did I say he was my protege?"
asked Murdoch, gently. II certainly
had no intention of conveying any
such impression. His name is Chat
ham-Thomas Chatham"
y look, half of amusement, half of
veXation, came into the girls eyes. 1t
did not escape Murdock's close
scrutiny.
II judge from your reception of the
gentleman's name, that his suit is not
likely to meet with much favor in your
eyes"
II am not aware that I have ever
given Mr.. Chatham any reason to be-
lieve that 1t would" answered Agnes,
stifly.
"And yet you must have understood
the drift of his attentions during the
last few months, since"
Since it has been perfectly clear to
every one else, you mean?
"And yet the young girl continued,
refectively, II do not see how, with
out downright rudeness, could have
done more than l have to show him
that his attentions have been distaste-
full to me-"
"Then I may infer" said Murdoch,
smiling, that you would not break
your heart if"
He seemed to hesitate in the choice
of his words.
IF he should conclude to go abroad
on long journey without subjecting
you to his impending proposal"
ION the contrary, father" admitted
Agnes, II should be everlastingly
grateful to you if such consumma-
ton could be brought about without
unnecessary rudeness or cruelty to-
wards Mr.. Chatham"
VERY well, Agnes, that is all 1 want
ed to see you about"
Agnes looked curiously at her father,
as If to read the purpose hidden in the
depths of his inscrutable eyes. She
saw nothing but polite dismissal in
his calm face; and the interview be-
tween father and daughter ended, as it
had begun, with formal courtesy on
both sides.
no be continued
9r~ereY ocAsASIN