Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-06-20

| with time much Of It's strangensss, and
ultimately crystallized under the po.
Il tent force of habit, so that it was nc
cepted by the two as the natural out
come of their relationship.
II In the first pang of her bereavement
and disappointment Agnes had turned
for consolation to her books; and, be-
ing left free to dispose of her life us
she saw fit, she had planned i. course
of study, which had in due time re-
ceived it's conservation at one of the
leading colleges for women.
Upon her return from college she
had, as far as she was permitted, taken
charge of her fathers household, and
had presided with charming dignity
and grace over the social functions for
which DIR. 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 a 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, she sue
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 a few
amiable young women and several de-
signing mammas. The latter could not
help but deprecate the wicked selfish
ness of young girl who hypothecuted
and thus rendered temporarily I'M
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-
parked upon n 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 hey hand had seemed
worthy of the great love she was ready
to bestow. She was, therefore, still
awaiting her fate.
"Iou wished to see me, sir?" the
young girl gently insinuated.
Yes" said Murdoch, with great de-
liberation; II 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 a quizzical smile.
A flush mounted to the girls checks,
and she fixed herieyes upon space.
IA young man who admires you
greatly, and who"
'Has he asked you to tell me this?"
inquired Agnes, somewhat impatieatly.
"Oh! dear no" laughed the chemist;
che is only too anxious to do 10 him
self. He is most impetuous fellow.
But I thought it best to prepare you-"
MAY 1 ask the name of your pro-
tege?' interrupted the young girl.
did say he was my protege?"
asked Murdoch, gently. 81 certainly
had no intention of conveying any
such impression. His name is Chat
ham-Thomas Chatham"
A 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 / have ever
given Mr.. Chatham any reason to be-
Heve that it would" answered Agnes,
stiffly.
"And yet you must have understood
the drift of his attentions during the
last few months, since"
"Sinee 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 have to show him
that his attentions have been distaste-
full to me.'
"Then may infer" said Murdoch,
SAAAaSb ohoo Jou WouA0 AOG pledA
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, ST should be everlastingly
grateful to you if such a oonsumma-
ton could be brought about without
unnecessary rudeness or cruelty to-
wards Mr.. Chatham"
very well, Agnes, that is all want
I'd to soc 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 a polite dismissal in
! his calm face; and the interview be-
i tween father and daughter ended, as it
Il