The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1901-02-07

fashioned gilt frames, a casual observer
would have taken him for man OF the
world rather than q man whose life ex-
perienccs were bounded by the limits OF
a single county.
"First OF ail," said the colonel, as he
extended his hand, stifIly, ~ must con-
graduate you upon your escape from
that disagreeabic 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 ", 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.
II may rs we'll come directly to the
point, Mr.. Fanshaw," In a forced, tense
tone. ITO be frank, I And myself COM
pletely In your power. and, since II must
be so, IL is a comfort 20 be In the power
Of q fearless man. and one who would.
I am confident, despise to take unfair
advantage Of me-"
81 am sure do not understand" fal-
tered the visitor, In surprise.
The old man twisted himself round
in his chair; the lamplight brought his
| strong features out In minute lineality
against the wall behind him.
"You have me, Mr.. Fanshaw, as COM
pletely In your power rs II lay at your
feet and you held q saber against my
heart. My daughter has withheld moth
ing from me. BE her judgment good or
III, she loves you as she loves her life.
She believed you have been greatly
wronged-nlways misunderstood and
that has intensified her love. At first
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 I
should not have done had the woman
been as attractive personally rs my
daughter. I know you must care for
her. Fanshaw, and that Is why have
sent for you to unbosom myself"
The speakers words had been grow
ing more and more lndistinct, until
they finally died in the still room. Rom
aid knew that he was expected to reply,
but he could gather nothing BETTING
the moment from the mass Of thoughts
and emotions that seethed in his heart.
At this point n bar OF soft, ripping
notes came from the piano, and they
were caught up by sweet, well-traincd
voice singing happy song. The old
man held up his hand.
| "You see how she feels, Fnnshaw,"
he said, huskily; "since your arrest she
has looked more dead than alive. Twas
| seriously afraid she would not survive.
But you see how she Is now; l 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
II love like hers. You and must decide
on what to do--between u.s."
"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
rs he began to speak again he picked
the nap from the sleeve of his coat with
the mechanical action CT dying man.
| "Perhaps, Mr.. Fanshaw, II may be rs
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, ! am wrong
from mine, right I am coming TO the
point, and 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"
Hasbrooke paused, taking a full
breath. II was evident TO Ronald that
the climax was near, but he made no
comment. The room was very still; out
side OF II could be heard only Eveiyn's
sweet, ringing notes. A vague, unac-
countable despair had seized on the
young mans heart. lie knew not what
was coming, hut whatever Il was would
not be pleasant.
"You see. Fanshaw." the colonel
seemed to pull himself up 10 his task
with extra effort, III my daughter must
marry and bring children into the
world, I should naturally desire the al
Lance TO be with q man against whose
family there had never been charge of
--dishonesty!"
Ronald brcathcd hard. The last
word had fallen like q powerful
weight which crushed out the last bit
OF hope he had ever had OF fighting
the worlds difficulties.
~ think l understand, Col. Has.
br Sokc," he heard his words jarring
against the sweet floating sounds OF
Evelyn's voice, which was rising like
u 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.
mand & pedigree with my daughters
husband, for think there are good
people who have not kept up their
family records, but II knew--actual.
ly knew of dishonesty In q family.
that, sir, / should try TO save my child
from rs would from hereditary con.
sumption or insanity. had a dear
friend, Mr. Fanshaw, In Virginia, who
belonged TO one Of the best families
distantly related to the Carnleighs
He had beautiful daughter who fell
In love with q self.made man, whose
grandfather had been accused OF dis
honest dealings. My friend reluctant.
ly gave his consent, but the only Issue
Of that marriage. Mr.. Fanshsw, was
son who became an outlaw and broke
the hearts Of both his parents. Par
i dns. mn ale haaA sAasAaI <...A A.. L..