The Iola register., 1901-11-15

you have done? Can young man
with your position and prospects af-
rd-to-to-marry hired girl"
Oh. if you had not compelled me to say
Yes so soon! | might have saved
you from making the mistake of your
life"
Barbara" he answered, with sud
den sternness that was assumed,
without answering her question, "if
you ever call me MIR. Morton again,
| shall" he left his threat unfinished;
but he had possession of her hand as
he spoke, and Barbara looked up at
him and said softly: "What shall
call you?'
Say"
"Yes. What?" Barbara asked inno-
Gently, as he paused.
"Well, then" he went on, ioyously,
"ssy: Ralph, ! love you more than
anyone else in the world, And | will
walk with you through life because |
love you-because we love each 9th
err"
you haze taken advantage of mel"
she exclaimed, brightly, and then,
she repeated the words, whispering
them. And, when she had finished,
they were both reverently silent.
while her eyes were wet with tears
of solemn joy. They did not either of
them realize all they had pledged to
each other; but the God-given, hui
man-divine spell of love was upon
them, and the blessedness of it swal-
lowed up all fears of the future. Once
Barbara had given herself to him, it
meant an end of DOUBT or fear. She
might discuss with him the probable
results to his social or professional
standing, but she would never torture
his mind or distress her own by vain
regrets or foolish antcipations. The
great truth of their love for each other
filled them both.
They were so absorbed in their talk
that they did not hear Mrs. Clark
when She came into the room. Then
Mr.. Morton was suddenly aware of her
presence. and he instantly rose and
went over to her.
Mrs. Clark" he said, 81 took ad-
vantage of your absence to take your
daughter from you. But l will try to
make up for it in part by giving you
loving and dutiful son, if you will
accept me as such"
Without waiting for her reply,
which he easily read in her smiling
face, he turned to Barbara, who had
come to his side.
what did you say, Barbara" Mrs.
Clark asked as she faced them both,
seen so much real joy in two faces
anywhere in the world.
"Oh, mother!" Barbara cried, az
have given him my answer" She laid
her head on her mothers breast as
she used to do when she was a little
girl, and Mrs. Clark felt with the pain
full JOY of a good mothers heart that
the worlds old story had come into
her daughters life, and that hence
forth this man had become to Bar
bara all in all without displacing the
mother from her rightful share of af-
fection.
They had many things to say now,
and neither Barbara nor Mrs. Clark
offered serious objections to the earn
est request of the young man that the
period of engagement might be a brief
one.
1--WE know our minds quite well, l
am sure he said, while Barbara,
blushing, nodded yes. at will be best
in every way for rs to begin our home
very soon. Barbara, you will have TO
give Mrs. Ward notice that you must
leave. Poor Mrs. Ward She is the
only person am sorry for right now!"
They were all silent for moment,
Then Mr. Morton said; THE servants
training-school will have to be part
of the social settlement now. You've
lost your independence"
I've gained something better" said
Barbara, gently. Her love knew no re-
strictions, now that it was returned,
and her heart leaped up to his in all his
ambitions for helping to make better
world.
When he rose to go, Barbara went
to the door with him. He had opened
1t and was about 10 step out when he
turned and said, with laugh: "Ihave
forgotten my hat"
The missing hat was not found at
once, and Mrs. Clark unblushingly
said: Perhaps it is in the sitting
room" and walked deliberately out
there.
The hat WAS lying ona chair behind
the table. The minister took il UP and
walked to the door again. Then he
turned and said, while Barbara looked
up At him; ~ forgot something else"
Then he stopped and kissed her, and
went out into the night, and il was
like the glory of HsaVrS's brightness
all about him, while Barbara turned
and again met her mother with an EN-
brace where both mingled their tears
ever the divine romance Of this earth
ly life. GOd bless the repetition Of the
purs love chapter in human hearts.
When II is deeply Christisn, as in the
ease Of Barbara and Ralph, it is ap-
proved Of Christ and has the sanction
Of all Heaven.