Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1901-03-02

SSuAo cc1bc 70 MIN from such source.
He found himself unable TO formulate
reply. Miss Dean, now hot and
fiukhed. continued, a
You might at least treat the poor
child decently. She will never ret
well as long as she frets about YOU as
she is doing. She has hardly slept an
hour any night since your sad news
arrived. Don't you see she can't put
out the fres you kndled in her
hearth If you were happy she might
do 20, but seeing the man one loves
In constant misery is enough to kill
any organization as sensitive and del
icate az Blanche's. If she could only
see you once a day and feel that You
Look upon her as a friend she would
not suffer so, but you are always
away"
! Il thank you for-for speaking 40
plainly and showing me my duty"
stammered Goddard ST have been
very selfish"
He was about to make a reference
to the dread malady which was LAYING
siege to the life of his ward, but. re-
membering his promise to Jeanne net
10 speak of it, and fearing Miss Deans
adiscretion, he held his tongue on
that point.
Gould L see her now, do Won
think?" he added, contritely.
Yes; let me send her down to Won"
said Miss Dean, impulsively.
Il shall wait here" he said. And as
Miss Dean left the room he decided NO
niger to try to stem the tide which
ssmed bearing him. he knew Not
whittier. He walked the floor till
Blanche came. Her sweet young face
showed the ravages of tortured spirit.
but 1t now shens with light Of antici-
patton.
I did you want to see me, guardian 2"
A she spoke, she held out her hands.
de took them and stood for q moment
grsvely looking into her eyes.
You have been unhappy, Blanche 2"
he said.
"How could I be otherwise, and
ysu-" her voice failed her and she
coughed to disclaim that it was due
to rising emotion.
Il know 1 have not done my duty"
he said. "But I want to begin.
Blanche, would you like to have me
stay more at home than have since
aimee Jeanne went away"
~oh, wish you wouldi" she an
swered, quickly. "You can't imagine
how have worried. You know L could
not tell what might have happened
70 you"
Blanche" He felt something GRASP
his heart as he hesitated. It may have
been the hand of his conscience-the
revolving OF his better nature. Then
something like the worst form of his
recent despair seemed to settle on his
brain. he felt that he was cropping
towards the accomplishment of an nm
Pardonable deed.
Blanche, If / were TO ask you to be
my wife, would you consent-could
You, knowing how feel about the
the other?"
He felt her soft warm hands erssp
his tightly. For a moment abe stood
with eyes downcast, then she looked
up and said frankly:
If you wished 1t should be so glad,
for something tells me could then
help you, and to do that Is what am
certainly praying for"
Would you consent to an early mar
riage?"
IT should want to do a. you liked
about It."
Would you not care for what peo-
pie would say about our haste In such
. natter7"
ct should not care ut all" She wa.
breathing rapidly. "I should feel that
Twas acting right"
He hesitated n moment; then hs !
So:
viii you marry me tomorrow Rev. |
Mr.. Strothers lives about q mile from !!
here, along the river. Talley can first !
see him and make the arrangements.
WIZ you drive there In the morning
and become my wite?"
III 1t II your wish. yes"
He drew her head towards him and
fer moment 1t rested ON his shoulder.
Fer an instant . memory of his court
shiP Of her during her school DAYS
nashed into his mind and he expert
enced enc of the old thrills which had !
mace him feel SO much like boy again. I
Then he put her from him.
BE ready, then, by IL o'clock" he
raid II shall speak to Talley at !
ence." -rs
When she had left the room. a '
strange, glorious light in her young
face, he began again to walk the Aoor.
He was tingling Ia every vein. His
heart had begun to beat exeitedly. He
tried to think Of Jeanne. the awful
disease which was eating Blanche's |,
life away, but he could only feel the
pressure OF his wards hands, the !
warmth OF her breath on his face, the
depth Of her great, trustful eyes.
Great Godl what can this mean?''
he exclaimed.
he continued to walk back and forth
across the room for half an hour, then |
he stopped suddenly and rang.
James obeyed the summons.
Where is Mr.. Talley?" ne asked.
I'm the study, at work, sir" James
saluted in military fashion.
That is ALL" The. major went to
the study, where he found his private
secretary at work at a typewriter.
''Talley," he began, "you wanted to
see me Yesterday / believe 9o