Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-01-03

MS ward. ana LED her back TO the fire,
"She married me. She must have been
influenced to become my wife by the
fortune she knew possessed. She be-
trays that in a good many ways. She
was ambitious; but persons born with
| craving desires are not to blame for
having them, and SO try to overlook
this fault in her. Being poor milliner,
who came in contact with the rich lust
far enough to want to have means, it
must have been temptation to her to
marry man with money. I don't say
that she does not love me, for really
think she does. | should be very mis-
cradle if she did not"
MY poor guardian" said Blanche,
| tenderly. you deserve. so much You
ought to have all things tharbelong to
good men. / have been very unhappy
ever since you told me of your financial
loss. You said, think, that my money
was safe?"
Perfectly. saw to that. Iremem-
bered your fathers last words of con-
( ffdence in me and l never have taken
the slightest risk with Your interests.
Your fortune is as secure as if it were
in the Bank of England, and the en-
tire amount is earning good rate of
interest"
"But L have no use for so much
money said the girl, almost pleading
ly, 'and / would be so glad if you would
take what you need of it,"
The major flushed. ut would be a
cowardly thing to do, and it would call
forth much criticism; no, your money
is yours; your father saw that I was
sufficiently repaid for my services, be-
sides, nothing less than your entire
fortune would give Jeanne all she
Graves. She did not sleep wink last
night. heard her walking constantly
from the moment she retired till dawn.
went to her door twice and raped,
but she would not admit me. Some
times | am afraid" and the major
touched his broad forehead signifi-
cantly.
poor guardian!" There was a sug-
|. gestion of tears in Blanche's eyes and
her voice quivered. '.If you won't let
me help you with my useless money
what can do? Do you fancy this
this trouble has not made me unhappy,
too? Your face is my barometer. When
it indicates that your spirits are de-
pressed my sky becomes, clouded, and
then l don't care for anything else. 1t
used to be so while I was al school.
Your visit on Friday was the sole event
of the week, and studied hard accord
ing to my promise, that might be
worthy of it. / was SO proud of you.
The girls used to watch for you to drive
up and they actually raved over you.
They all though& you were SO hand
some"
But Maj. Goddard was not following
her with attention. ss.s
.'I have been wanting all this week to
put candid question to you, Blanche y
he remarked, irrelevantly. 81 am lit
tie afraid you will not fully under
stand my motive, but do want your
opinion-a woman can judge another
woman's heart better than man, can,
even if he is her husband. want to
know, Blanche. if you think Jeanne
cares for me little bit?"
The girl could not command her sud-
denly reused emotions; she started
and her long lashes fell before his
eager, almost breathless stare. 1t was
as if the question had been shot
which reached the very citadel of her
most sacred convictions.
Guardian, you must not-you ought
not" she seemed unable to proceed.
II know / ought to be ashamed of
myself for admitting that have
doubts, but since my loss and her
strange reception of the news can't
help feeling as ! do. Oh! Blanche, do
you think she only married me for the
fortune I had?"
81 did not know her them" said
Blanche, evasiyely, her face pale and
rigid. 81 am too young to read the
the motives of women older than am.
1 only X ow, if-if--''
IF what, Blanche?"
''If had been your wife should have
loved you more in misfortune than
ever. Oh, am SO sorry. forsyou! 1t
is breaking my heart She raised her
handkerchief to her eyes and began to
cry softly.
Goddard pushed her head back
gently till she was forced to look int %
his eyes.
Don't do that. little girl" he said,
tenderly, sit breaks me all to pieces to
see woman's tears. / wish the old
days could somehow come back; those
days when dreamed of young trust
ing wife who would love me for myself
and draw me away from evil indina-
TONS You never guessed it, little girl,
but" he seemed to realize that he was
going too far, for he broke off short
and after moments pause he began
again: Never was man greater
slave to woman's whims than am to
hers. Asmuch as love honesty, honor,
truth and upright living, am afraid
that woman could make me renounce it
all if she wished. To me she is as pow
erful as opium to It's most abject slave.
must do something, Blanche; these
thoughts are maddening."
He touched the bell. ''Get out my
horse he said to the servant. 81 shall
take ride"