Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-11-22
CHAPTER vIu.-(continued)

Look here, Mollie, will you-wont
you! love you awfully. / have just
run over on the chance Of seeing you.
because l could not stay away any
longer. And / hate to think Of you
here with these people. Won't you
look at me? Dol"
A most persuasive voice was Reg
sie's; but Mollie's eyes were fixed on
the point Of her shoe. and she put her
hands behind her when he attempted
to take them.
Give me lime to think" she whis-
pered In a 81 bdued tone. Il can hardly
believe that you are here. How did
you find me?"
Saw the Dubois In town, but they
did not see me. Rode straight on and
met the little kiddie. who brought me
here. Told her that wanted to speak
to you very particularly alone; and she
new on and promised to keep watch
Tor the return of the enemy" said Reg
gle briefly.
Dear little Kittie!"
Won't you say. Dear Reggie too,
6AoatASs nc ou66CotCu, CyClu6 WlSl-
fully. Il have come all the way from
Ireland to ask you" Then, as she
flashed quick, half-smiling glance at
him, he added. "'She who hesitates is
LOST Silence gives consent How
usefully these ancient copybook say
Ing come in in ones old age, don't
they"
They certainly seem to-" allowed
Aollie hesitatingly.
And as there seemed no opposition
offered to the arm Reggie had stolen
round her. 1t stayed there, while, two
not being able to sit with any comfort
In an American cane chair, they re-
paired to the rustic seat. and were as
happy and forgetful of the world as
mortal lovers could be for the next half
hour, as they sat in the sunshine, in
the springtime Of youth, hope, and
love.
oh. Reggie-Madam Dubois!" ex-
claimed the girl at length. "She will
never. never consent; she means me
to marry Henri"
Then we will pay Henri's country
the compliment Of taking French leave,
my dear child" he returned gaily.
But she shook her head.
Il shall be of age in IS months" she
said shyly.
Eighteen centuries! Why, / hate
TO leave you here now!"
! And could not leave my poor lit
tie Kittie." she exclaimed, raising her
eyes to his deprecatingly. by then I
hope she will be better, stronger. Oh.
Reggie. couldn't you bargain with them
to give me Kittie? 1t would be SO
cruel to leave her; you cannot think
how loving. how true to me the little
pet Isl" And she poured into his ear
all that she had overheard that hot
evening at the window.
Reggie's face grew very pale as he
listened. and he gave a low whistle of
dismay; but whatever he thought he
was too wise to make his sweetheart
more uncomfortable than she already
was. But she had to promise that on
no account would she even listen to
Henri. against whom Reggie's senti-
ments were far from peaceful. and
that IL matters became worse she
would take refuge at the White house.
whittier his mother returned in a
weeks time. And then Kate came run
ming back to announce her aunt's re.
turn.
oh. Reggie!" calculated Mollie, ris-
ing. and turning very pink.
sit down. child" he said calmly.
dragging her back to his side, and TAX
ing Kate on his knee. LET them
come"
Kate pushed back her curls and re-
garded him with frown. She was
very fond of Reggie, but He under
stood the look. read the dawning jeal-
ousy Of any one coming between Mollie
and herself, in those sharp hazel eyes,
which had already discovered the
truth; and as this tall, merry young
omcer's heart was as tender as a girls
towards those he cared for he fastened
TO dissipate 1t.
you are going to be my sister, kid
ling" he said gently.
Il know" she answered, with tremb-
ling lips. "You will take her away"
But she tells me she cannot be
happy without you, so we snail have
to manage for you to come, too" he
continued. Now IL you think that
will be jolly, and we shall be the best
brother and sister going, never jeal-
Gus Of each other. signify the same
In the usual manner by kiss" And
he was more touched than he liked to
show when the little girl threw her
arms round his neck In a transport of
relief. happily unconscious of the OBJ
stacles that might come in their way.
1t was this group that madame, fol-
lowed by her son, came In sight OF,
and great was her wrath. Nor was 1t
In any way Modified when Mr.. An
struther advanced politely, and, after
the usual greetings. informed her that
Miss L'Estrange had promised to be
his wife. and he trusted that he should
have her consent; he was sure OF that
Of the trustees, who were old friends
bf his fathers. Madame was very
buave at first. though Mollie knew the
pffort 1t must have cost her. She I'M
ferstood the firmly-shut mouth. the
half-opened eyes; but, suave or not,
she managed to convey plainly her de-
cision. She not only could not sane
ton the engagement. but Miss
L'Estrange must be considered quite
free.
Il don't wish to be free" said Mollie
bodily. over his shoulder. II have given
Mr.. Anstruther my word, and will not
break It."
MY sweet child, you are young. you
DO not know your own mind. Mr.. An