Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1901-02-08

After breakfast, as they all stood in
the dining-room, the carriage drove up
to the door: followed by a wagon to
move the luggage. Then Mrs. Goddard
shook hands with Blanche and wiped
her eyes on her handkerchief.
"Good-by," she said; do kiss me
again.
Blanche complied; her own ewes were
dry and full of sweet, childlike wonder.
The almost sleepless night she had
passed had only deepened the mystery
which, in her eyes, enveloped the wife
of her guardian. Mrs. Goddard moved
gracefully out into the hall, still wip-
ing her eyes. Talley followed, his man
ner solicitous and regretful. Goddard
left the two together while he went out
to give an order to the coachman.
''While I am away, Mr.. Tallev." said
Mrs. Goddard, coldly. II hope YOU will
clip the wings of your foolish aspira-
tions.''
why, don't understand you, Mrs.
Goddard" he cried, in abject astonish-
ment. He stood as if stunned by a
blow.
''You think you will win Blanche and
get her money" she replied, with
guarded rancor, ''but you might as we'll
renounce your intentions; she'll never
look in your direction. She can see
what has Influenced YOU"
my God! Mrs. Goddard" exclaimed
the young man, with a look of deep
pain, don't misjudge me. If have
dared to feel the most intense admira-
tion for her, have not entertained even
the slightest hope of ever gaining her
favor. No man could live near her, and
see her constant misery and witness
her beautiful character and nature and
keep from admiring her, but as to dar-
ing to-"
But the major was coming, and Civ
ing Talley her hand Mrs Goddard said
lightly:
'Good-by, Mr.. Talley; don't forget
what 7 have said"
He stood like stone and watched
the carriage drive away. Mrs. God
dard was waving her handkerchief,
but he seemed too deeply stunned to re-
spond. When the carriage had disap-
peared down the road he turned and
saw Blanche standing by his side. In
stead of watching the departing We
hicle she was regarding him with a
fixed, inquiring gaze.
"What is the matter with you?" she
questioned, considerably.
"Nothing-only-" he stammered.
"I-I-she-"
wonders will never cease" said
Blanche. ''Are you, too, in love with
her? I never dreamt of that; why
"Oh, no, not that, I assure you" he
declared, recovering little of his
color and animation. ION the con-
trary, T. Oh, Miss Briscoe, please do
not think that of MEL
She looked into his face thoughtful
ly for several minutes, then she SAID:
"You certainly had the queerest
look on your face I ever saw on it.
She must-did she say anything that
hurt your feelings?'
"She intimated that I was showing
myself capable of very presumptious
Intentions" he answered, desperately.
''She is SO strange" sighed our her
oine, 80 very, very strange!"
A carriage was entering one of the
gates at the foot of the sinuous drive.
ut is Lottie Dean," said Blanche.
II am glad she is prompt. She is 60
ing to pay me long visit. 1 hope you
will be nice to her, Mr.. Talley. She
likes you."
II shall be pleased to do all in my
power to help you entertain her." re-
turned the young man, and they
crossed the venanda together, and
stood on the steps waiting for the ad-
vent of the carriage.