The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1900-07-14

from the walls of which family por-
traits leaned downward in deep, old
fashioned gilt frames, casual observer
would have taken him for man of the
world rather than man whose life eN-
periences were bounded by the limits Of
a single county.
"First of ALL" said the colonel, as he
extended his hand, stiffly, IT must con-
graduate you upon your escape from
that disagreeab,e affair. was rejoiced
at the outcome"
Ronald thanked him, surprised at his
own calmness; the warm memory of
Evelyn's face, as he had just seen it, in
spired him with strange, unexpected
confidence in himself. The chair he had
been given was quite near Hasbrooke's,
and as the colonel continued to speak
he leaned his head on his hand, his ell
bow resting on his desk. This posture
threw his face somewhat into the
shadow.
81 may as we'll come directly to the
point, Mr.. Fanshaw," in a forced, tense
tone. "To be frank, I find myself COM
plctely in your power, and, since it must
be so, it is comfort to be in the power
OF fearless man, and one who would,
l am confident, despise to take unfair
advantage of me-"
81 am sure do not understand" fall
tered the visitor, in surprise.
The old man twisted himself round
in his chair; the lamplight brought his
strong features out in minute lincality
against the wall behind him.
You have me, Mr.. Fanshaw, as COM
pletely in your power as if lay at your
feet and you held a saber against my
heart. My daughter has withheld moth
ing from me. lie her judgment good or
i'll, she loves you as she loves her life.
She believed you have been greatly
wroEgcd-always MISUNDERSTANDING
that has intensified her love. At first I
was inclined to blame you for taking
unfair advantage of her experience in
worldly matters, but am now forced to
admit that you have done nothing 1
been as attractive personally as my
daughter. I know you must care for
her, Fanshaw, and that is why 1 have
sent for you to unbosom myself"
The speakers words had been grow
ing more and more indistinct, until
they finally died in the still room. Rom
aid knew that he was expected to reply.
hut he could gather nothing BETTING
the moment from the mass of thoughts
and emotions that seethed in his heart.
at this point a bar of soft, ripping
notes came from the piano, and they
were caught up by sweet, well-trained
voice singing Il happy song. The old
man held up his hand.
You see how she feels, Fanshaw,"
he said, husllily; 'since your arrest she
has looked more dead than alive. Twas
seriously afraid she would not survive.
But you see how she is now; 1 told her
the news just before supper, and she al
most tainted with joy. That is why I
sent for you; am unable alone TO fight
love like hers. You and must decide
on what to do-between us!''
"Between u.s." repeated Ronald, still
in the dark as to what was expected Of
him.
Hasbrooke's face under the ordeal be-
fore him took on the color of ashes, and
as he began to speak again he picked
the nap from the sleeve of his coat with
the mechanical action of a dying man.
Perhaps, Mr.. Fanshaw, it may be as
we'll to begin by our admitting that my
social training has been different from
yours. In my cradle imbibed certain
conventional ideas of the duty of man
of my name to his stock. From your
standpoint, doubtless, l am wrong
from mine, right. l am coming to the
point, and l trust you will pardon me
for being painfully plain. Fanshaw, as
far back as my family records run-and
we have volumes of them, sir--we have
never found the line tainted with dis
honor"
IIasbroolie paused, taking a full
breath. 1t was evident TO Ronald that
the climax was near, but he made no
comment. The room was very still; out
side OF it could be heard only Eve.yn's
sweet, ringing notes. \ vague, unac-
countablc despair had seized on the
young mans heart. lie knew not what
was coming, but whatever it was would
not be pleasant.
"You see, Fanshaw," the colonel
seemed to pull himself up to his task
with extra effort, ''if my daughter must
marry and bring children into the
: world, should naturally desire the al
lance to be With man against whose
family here had never been IL charge OF
}, dishonesty"
Ronald brcathcd hard The last
word had fallen like powerful
: weight which crushed out the last bit
Of hope lie had ever had of fighting
the worlds difficulties.
| II think I understand, Col. Has.
brooke" he heard lis words Earring
against the sweet floating sounds OF
Evelyn's voice. which was rising like
d happy prayer to heaven.
: The colonel leaned forward almost
) in an attitude of pity.
Don't understand me to say. Mr.
Fanshaw,' he said, that ! should de.
nand {. pedigree with my daughters
: husband, for | think there are good
! people who have not kept up their
family records, but if knew-actual.
: ly knew of dishonesty in family
I that, sir, / should try to save my child
from as would from hereditary con
sumption or insanity. l had dea,
\ friend, Mr.. Tanshaw. in Virginia, who
I, belonged to one Of the best families