The Lamar register., 1900-01-24

theie can ne no tnOusntl OF marriage
While am serving in the Union army.
1t would be expecting the impossible
from your father If were to ask his
consent before the war is over. But
| my fear was not vain that the effort
would be made to wrest you from me,
| that estrangement and distrust would
come between us while was absent.
You have doubted me, see, and it was
to destroy this doubt that / took the
dangerous ride here But you will
now believe in me and my love, my
Florence, as firmly as I trust you.
Will you not?''
The last words expressed the utmost
tenderness. He believed so implicitly
in the loyalty of his fiancee; and She
sudden fear awoke in her with the
memory of what had happened and
was yet to come. William must know
II, yet she could not force her lips to
utter the confession.
She was to be spared the necessity
While still struggling to find the words
with which TO begin her story, Edward
returned and paused on the threshold
in astonishment, as he saw the
stranger clasping the young girls hand
so famiiiariy in his own. At the first
glance the civilians dress and the dim
light deceived him; but as the young
officer, with a sudden movement,
turned toward him. Harrison started
back, exclaimingly furiously:
MIR. Roland-is it you?"
Certainly" replied the other, coidly,
with a gloomy glance at the man whom
he had long recognized as his foe. you
probably did not expect to find me
here?"
Edward had already regained his
self-control. He instantly perceived
what threatened him and the peril in
volved by his rivals unexpected ap-
pearance. A few hours later, the latter
would have had no power to cross his
path; but now he must face the danger,
and Harrison was aot the man to
shrink and give up the game as lost
mo. indeed" he said, answering the
last question, so far as l am aware,
the Union forces have not reached
Springfield
Yet l am here, as you see.''
"on hostile soil. And for what pur-
pose?"
do owe an account to you? You
seem to be usurping the place of the
master of the house, Mr.. Harrison. l
regret that l cannot acknowledge it;
for l, too, have a sons privilege here,
and viii speak only to the father of
my betrothed BRIDE
My uncle will hardly be disposed
to recognize your claim. At any rate.
fr+
him"
"will you prevent it," demanded
Roland. threateningly.
But Florence, who had anxiously
noticed the rising wrath OF the two
men. now interposed.
My father is i'll. William" she said
gently: has been very i'll for months.
During the last few weeks his disease
has assumed dangerous phase, and
yesterday the doctor prepared me for
the worst"
Her voice was choked with tears,
William listened in perplexity; what
ever wrath he had cherished against
his future father-in-law, this news
dfsarmed him.
II had no thought of this" he said,
deeply moved MY poor Il lOItuSS.
He put his arm around the weeping
girl But this movement, the quiet
confidence with which he asserted the
rights OF a betrothed lover, enraged
Harrison to the utmost; his hands
clenched as If he longed to tear the
couple apart, and his voice sounded
hoarse, almost stihed.
"You don't seem to be aware of
what has happened recently, Mr.. Ro-
land l am compelled to inform you
OF 1t; -"
Il know and suspect more than
might be agreeable to you" inter
| rupted the young officer, releasing
Florence and approaching him. Il
Just heard from Miss Harrison that
| not one of my letters has reached her
hands, though used every precaution.
Her father cannot have interfered,
since for months he has been on sick
bed; yet an intrigue has been carried
on which see with tolerable distinct
ness. Perhaps l shall apply to the
right person if I ask you for informa-
ton. You will, of course. deny"
who tells you so?' asked Edward,
coldly "The letters are in my
hands"
William started back. This cold
btaodo3 oclpovl al goapt ponp OF al v