Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-09-26

no verbal preparation. lie wanted to
tell her he loved her and to ask her to
be his wife in simple and earnest
way, as became his whole nature, and
| then to listen to her answer and abide
by 1t.
"Florence, dear GIRL" he began and
| then stopped.
what is it?" she inquired. He had
taken her hand, and as her uplifted
| eyes met his she must have read his
secret with woman's intuition, for a
rosy flush swept from throat to fore
| head and then as quickly faded. But
she could not help him-not yet. He
dropped her hand and took a few hasty
steps across the car and back again,
then, drawing up his chair beside hers,
| he took her unresisting hand again.
"NIy dear child" he said. I'VE have
known each other good many years
so many that l sometimes fear you
only regard me as grim and gray old
fellow, with no part nor purpose in
\ your young life but that of mere
business relation
"Say, rather, the best and kindest
and truest friend have ever known"
she replied, lifting her eyes to his. I'm
| less he was mistaken the true loyelight
was dawning there.
II would not for the world disturb
that feeling unless i could put some
thing better in It's place." he went on.
| L. IL,
not MS daughter. but us man loves
| the woman he would make his wife.
| VIII you marry me, FlorenceY
| Her glossy head bent low, but her
unresisting hand nestled In his not IN
| willingly. Bending nearer, he waited
for her answer. Slowly and shyly size
| raised her eyes to his and bravely an-
| swcred:
Yes, dear, will.''
In the Pullman another wooing was
in progress. Chester Ives had likewise
determined to put his fate to the test
that very morning and went at the
matter With his usual dash and deci-
sion. For few minutes he and Madgc
stood watching the flying prospect
from the vestibuled door. Then his
arm stole round her waist, and, putting
his lips close to her ear SO as to con-
| Qrer the din of the train, he said:
"Madge, can't go on like this any
longer. Do you know why asked
you to come'out here?"
1.-The prisoner is not bound to answer
any discriminating questions" she re-
torted, as saucy as ever.
"Well, I'll tell you, though I believe
you've known it for ever SO long.
Madge, dear, one little word from you
will make me the happiest or the most
miserable fellow in the world. love
you, Madge, and want you for my
wife. Is it to be happiness or misery,
suspense, dear"
A moment she hesitated ALL her
benhomie and piQuant insoucience
were gone, and she was Just simple
daughter of Eve. Again he urged her.
(Which is 1t to be, Madge?"
Then she shyly turned her face to his
and murmured:
1.-THE word is Yes!"
There is little more to add to this ro-
nance Of the rail. Mrs. Hurst remain
ed in seclusion for sufficiently decent
space of time. and when she emerged
she found her brother and Florence sit
ting side by side in calm contentment,
and by the quick, happy glance which
flashed from her brothers. eyes she
knew that his wooing had sped favor
ably.
In few moments Chester and
Madge appeared, both trying to up
pear unconcerned, Miss Madge sue
ceeding much the better of the two.
Mrs. Hurst read the situation ut a
glance, and John Draper, his wits
sharpened by his own recent success
full campaign, was equally prompt at
guessing at their secret
"Come here, you children" he cried
rising at the moment and drawing
Flerence's arm within his. "Come
here and make your peace with OF;
chaperon."
"Mrs. Bradley Hurst" he began witt
mock severity, 81 beg to inform vol