Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-01-15
CHAPTER II.

wonder, his face full Of pain, surprise,
and pleasure, all striving for mastery;
the young girl by his side, whose fault
less face had grown perfectly colorless,
whose hands chung more closely to her
fathers neck; and the eager. noble
looking man.
Twice the Squire had essayed to
speak, but each time his voice had died
away; the only sound that had come
from his lips had been the whispered
name of ''Dolores!" Twice he had
looked up with an eager, excited ges-
ture, as though he would fain inter
rupt, but the fire and passion in the
other face had stricken him dumb.
Lord Rhysworth bent over him.
''You must not think" he said, that
take an unfair advantage. l speak
abruptly now; but the object of my
visit has been the dream of my life. [
was thirty years OF age before | looked
with admiring eyes at any woman's
face, and then I saw Dolores. She was
only child, but, oh, how I loved her,
and now l have loved her ever since.
She was only child; but | vowed
then, that when she grew into woman
hood, she and no other should be my
wife. I have watched her from year
to year, and have loved her with a
deeper and deeper love as time went
on. Dolores" he cried, turning sud-
denly to the beautiful, wondering girl,
''have you never guessed how much
loved you?"
NO." she answered, family.
Il wonder at that, for girls are quick
enough in such matters. There have
been times when have gone away half
mad from you, and have left you be-
cause l could no longer control my
love. Dolores, have you never fancied
it?"
81 have never even thought of it, y
she answered.
My beautiful love, you are fresh and
fair as the morning, your eyes beam
with the clear light of youth and limo
cence, your lips have the bright smile
of happy girlhood! 1t was hardly like
ly that you would think of it. Still
have loved you so! I am not young,
Dolores; but many man of half my
years has a heart twice as old. My
eyes have sought no face save yours,
my heart no love but yours-you have
filled my life [ have wanted to tell
you this for months past, but I have
lacked courage. 1t is your fathers
trouble that forces it from me now. [
come of a race that knows no fear; but
I tremble for the word which has to
fall from your lips, and which will
mean either life or death for mel"
Once more he paused unable to
speak. The Squire looked upon the
beautiful, co1orless face.
what do you say, Dolores?" he
asked.
ct do not know what to say, papa; I
am bewildered," she answered.
ri have been too abrupt" cried
Lord Rhysworth. Dolores, I wish I
could pray to you; my prayers should
be so eloquent that you could never re-
fuse them I will make you so happy,
and will live only for you. No younger
man could give you the love, the care,
I shall lavish on you. Dolores you will
be truly happy with me, 7 am sure, if
you will but risk the trial"
"You are very good" she answered.
But he saw that her lips were pale,
and that the words came with diff
Guilty.
ct meant to be kind he said, regret
fully; "but I fear have been cruel.
have been too abrupt. Dolores, you
must think the matter over I will
take no answer yet-neither Yes nor
No. Think over it. Squire, will you
do the same? And then, after few
days, you will write to me, Dolores. I
do not wish to press nay suit unduly,
my dear; but always remember that
your words will bring me either life or
DEATH"
"Whatever happens, Lord Rhys-
worth" observer the Squire, 'FI shall
never forget your goodness to me-"
'Never forget my love for your
daughter" was the reply. 'FTTse your
influence for me, Squire and you shall
be the happiest man in the world. Do
lores, if your heart says one word in
my favor, listen to it. I must go now;
and when you have an answer for me
perhaps you will write?'
Eyes" she returned, family, ''I will. -
He took her white, cold hands in
lis, raised them to his lips md
kissed them with passionate tender
ness. Then he whispered a few words
to the Squire and retired
Father and daughter sat for some
few minutes after his departure as
though they were turned to stone
Then, drawing her to him gently, the
old man said:
What do you think of his lord
ships proposal. Dolores? Is it a favor
from Heaven"
II cannot tell" she whispered.
To be Continued
The special session Of the Michigan
legislature adjourned without passing