Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1900-02-15

heard that the Squire had gone TO bed.
She was relieved to know that she
would have rcgained her romposure,
and would be able 10 meet him with a
smiling face.
Early the next morning she went to
the Squire lie was In his study, his
favortr room, with a cup of coffee be-
fore him. He looked up quickly as
she entered, and she read In his eyes
the anxiety, the hope, the fear that he
did not express in words. She went
and knelt down by his side.
i have come to decision, papa, ;"
she said Il thought | would ease your
mind by telling you at once. ! have
decided to marry Lord Bhysworth.'
The Squire pushed his coffee-cuD
aside looked Mt his daughter earnest
~, laid down his paper and sat for
some moments in silent delight.
Is It really true, Dolorcs?" he asked
at last
She put her arms round his neck
and drew the white head upon her
bosom.
Eyes, papa you shall live at White
elite until you die. Yon shall never
leave it to 10 amongst strangers and
YOU shall have all your comfort dear.
You will be rich again, and have
money to do with as you like You
win be very happy my dearest-hap-
pier. than you have ever been"
Something in her voice seemed to
disturb the Squire for he raised his
mead, and, in his turn, drew the beau
Uful face down to his. He looked at
it long and anXIously; even to his
dim eyes there was wonderful
gone; the light that shone there now
was Of heaven rather than OF earth;
It was the calm of content hardly ac-
CURED it was an expression quite
different from anything he had seen
ON his daughters face before.
Dolores" he cried in u sharp voice,
you are you happy"
quite happy" she answered.
There Is no one you care more for
than Lord Rhysworth, is there? Tell
! mo the truth, Dolores? | would not
let you sacrifice yourself for me; you
must not do that Is there any one
you like better? Il would rather be
dead my child, than that for my sake
you should marry n man whom you do
not love, and lose one whom you do
love"
He never forgot the strange smile
thnt nnf,l hpt rnpn nc Ehn la I'll
her hands upon his shoulders and
looked at him
you muy believe me dear, she
said. There Is no one who cares for
me, who should? | do not see many
people am too young To have
for me; believe me, papa, "
IT he had been more shrewd and
worldly. he must have noticed that,
although she repeated her statement
that no one cared for her, she never
once said that she cared for no one.
The Squire went on:
II was 4 coward yesterday, Dolores,
rho idea OF poverty frightened me, |
could have cricd like a child then: but,
NOW that | look at YOU Dolores, In the
light Of anoJ,er day, feel drawer and
stronger In the course uf nGtuW,.
cannot live many years What does ii
matter. II only You are happy, dear
There was faint CULVER On her lips,
and then she said
81 am quite happy, papa, In the
years to come, whom You think about
us, and about my marriage. always re-
member that | was quite happy, that
had no regrets, and that was most
grateful to the generous man who
rescued us
lie listened attentively,
"rhosc are pleasant words, Dolores;
lut they have not the right ring
You may believe me" she said
You must always remember that am
perfectly happy If YOU ever see
cloud on my fare, tell me about it;
It YOU find my spirits Gag then you
mpy believe that am not happy
Kiss me papa, and toll me YOU believe
n'e"
He Kissed the sweet face and laid his
hand carcssingly ON the golden head
II believe YOU, my darling, and am
quite happy too In the belief
rhen she arose from her knees and
busted herself in arranging his papers.
II will write to Lord Rhysworth to-
day, She said, and perhaps he will
como ever Papa grant mo this favor.
II he comes. SEQ him for me ut once
/ viii soc him tomorrow
i fhis the old Squire promised 10 do
Dear Lord Rhysworth" Dolores
wrote ~ have been thinking well
over the question you asked me, and
have come to a decision | thank Won
j FOR your generous offer and, IN &C
certinc II, assure you that ii shall b.
! the one cndeavor Of my life to make
4 YOU good and faithful wife
Il am, dear Lord Rhysworth, Yours
Very sincerely.
DOLORES Cliefden
II was not a very enthusiastic love
!! letter, hut honest and true
She meant Just what she wrote thaz
/ she would endeavpr ia be true and