Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-03-14
do I know the lady, John ?"

y W
if her heart be free"
Her heart is free, John, free as the
cir of heaven-and as for my approval,
who would l as soon see welded to my
daughter as the friend of my youth,
sterling John Lloyd?
II wish you we'll, John, on my soul I
do, but sound her not yet. When you re-
turn tonight leave the young folks here
for day or two. I'll send them up by
Angus Bruce on Wednesday or Thurs
day-meanwhile I'll sound the girl, and
send her back with Fannie, then you
can ascertain her mind"
"That's we'll, but fear that Herbert
is the one that seeks her."
"Then give yourself no uneasiness,
for l assure you that under no condi-
tions would Clara ever wed him. she
dislikes him much"
II am not sorry, Abner, for, though
he is my nephew, he is not one to wi nj
| would see your daughter welded
is extremely selfish, and every way un-
worthy of her, and even can she not we'd
me that marriage would not be desir-
able. Lathrop sought the hand of
Fannie, but l told him that could never
be, and, had 1 not, Fannie shares in
Clara's dislike for him.
His father was Spectator who,
when my sister Agnes was but child,
persuaded her to elope with him, for
which my father disinherited her;
Lathrop led Agnes wretched life, and
though my sister and father were recon-
ciled before my fathers death, he never
would allow her husband beneath his
roof. He was u trickster, gamester
and dishonest, and sometimes fear the
boy will travel in his path. But on her
death-bed 1 promised my sister to look
after him, and I have tried to do so, nor
as yet have I found him dishonest or
regretted it. But somehow there is q
constant fear that yet villa fear
that I cannot explain. His father was
killed on river steamer over gam of
ards"
II think, John, that Clarence is in
love with Fannie. What would you say
to him as a son-in-law?"
"The match would please me well,
Abner, and, if l mistake not, Fannie
could be won by him."
We'll. there is the dinner BELL" and
with two prospective weddings in his
family, the squire joined arms with
John Lloyd, and they proceeded to the
house.
AT four o'clock Clarence and Fannie
accompanied Mr.. Lloyd to the landing,
and the Sunshine bore him back up the
river.
He waved them good-by from the
steamers deck, with his handkerchief,
and said:
III shall look for you and Clara when
Bruce comes up"
They took seats on the wharf, and
watched the little steamer go putting
up the river, until it disappeared from
view.
Fannie" said Clarence suddenly,
show long have we been acquainted?"
why, all our lives; at least all of
mine. But what a funny question, Clar-
ence."
us it SO? Well Fannie, there is some
thing l have been wanting to tell you
for long time"
Clarence, do you see that bird?"
Eyes. see the bird. wish he could
whisper in your ear the words want to
say. Now don't run away. We are
here alone for once, and I must tell
you" e---
Clarence, won't IT keep Till we get
homer See, it's getting dark"
mo, Fannie, it will keep no longer,
and besides feel drawer here alone with
you, in the gathering darkness. than |
should at home. Fannie, 1 have loved
you all my life, love you now. 1 will
love you always-Fannie, will you be
my xife?-there, thank the Lord you
know it now, if you never did before"
"Oh, Clarence. And did that take
bravery?"
1.-THE bravery of q lion, Fannie. But
tell me, tell me truly, can you love me?'
mot any more-at least think not
any more"
ooh, Fannie!"
81 was about to say, Clarence, notary
more than do now"
"And do you love me the least bit now,
Fannie?"
More than that, Clarence, more than
that. love you well enough to answer
-yes-I will be your wife,"
"Fanniel"
| "Clarencel"
There were tears in Fannie's bright
eyes when Clarence gently took hel
hands from before her face.
Nov one kiss. my little bride. to sea-
4 the bargain"
"Cracky! what will pa say now?"
LET us hope, Fannie, that he vii
not object"
"How can he, Clarence, when h.
knows that we love each other?"
The two happy hearts went beating
more rapidly back to the manor house
where they found the family seated IL
the parlor.
AS Clarence and Fannie entered thu
door. with their happy faces flushed
and something about their appear
ance that spoke louder than words
as result of that trip to the landing
the squire arose to his feet.
what, my son? What now, Fannie
You look excited"
well, guess am" said Fannie
"What do you think? lam going to b.
married"
what" exclaimed Clara, when p
and she jumped from her chair.
II don't know; but some day. Ain
we, Clarence?"
By this time Clara's arms wer
around her, and Fannie's face was hid
den on her shoulder.
We'll, what have you got to say, m
boy?" said the squire.
1--WE said it. father, and Fannie di
not say no. am as happy as lord"
And well you should be. Coms
Puss. and give your expectant fathe
kiss"
All were embracing Fannie and cor
graduating Clarence but Lathrop. VIII
had scowl on his features, but fnall
he. too. came forward and said: "Iwis
!, you both joy"
Herbert had no opportunity to plea
his suit, as Clara OWNED something {
his Intentions and gave him none