Rocky Ford enterprise., 1901-07-05

thought him of what all this might
portend: she thought of nothing-ne-
membered nothins-beyoud the fact
that, for her. iife's sweetness. liberty
and tender sympathy were not.
At length. rousins herself with an
effort. she went up to Leydon and
placed her hand on his. Her heart
was beating wildly. her face was ash
en-
DO you remember question you
asked me about two weeks ago." she
said. DO you stiii care TO remember
IL! because. II SO. have different
answer to make you now"
Two weeks ago ! asked you to
marry me-" he replied. In forced. IN
natural manner.
And then I said No." she mur-
INJURED family: ''now-now-i would
say Yes" She covered her face with
her hands: a thick. dry. fearless sob
escaped her.
But ! have not asked you 70 say
IT," observed his iordship. eoidly. still
keeping down with frm hand the ris-
Ing hope that was consuming him.
What. Mildred. do you imagine that.
because I have been able to help you
In this little matter. have claim on
you! You ar. doing both yourself and
me a great injustice"
"You are too good for me-" said
Miss Trevanion: and yet know you
love me. IL you still care to marry
me. l will gladly be your wife"
Mildred. Mildred. what are you
saying" he cried. all the Icy hTase TO.
serve breaking down In an instant.
Think what your thouIhtless words
mus; mean to me-life. hope. happi-
ness greater than have ever dared
TO dream of-and beware lest take
advantage OF them. II you arc say
In. all thIs-as ! feel you arc-from n
mistaken sense OF gratitude or pity.
! implorc you to desist and leave mo
ax was before"
Listen to me-" cntrcated Mildred.
determined honestly to advocate her
own doom. and holding out TO him
her hands. which he gently took and
held. III l tell you that do no, love
you with that passionate love with
which some women love the men they
marry. but that | respect you above
all livin. men. will II content YOU
will you take me as I nm!''
'if I were quite sure you would DO
happy" he began. reluctantly.
II am quite sure should be happy"
she intcrposcd. and burst into bitter
tears as she spoke.
After n little she recovered herself.
Il feel nervous" she declared. try
Ing bravciy to appear her usual self.
and smiling n wan. faint smile. though
heavy drops were on her lashcs: 'you
should have come to my rescue-it Is
no, every day the proposal is made by
the woman"
My darling" he said. tendcriy ca
rcssinE the small hands. Of which he
had again possessed himself. Il hope
Il think-you will never regret IL.
Mildred. II I were quite certain tina;
this was for your good. and that you
WIEN tue WOIuh
you have uttered. believe I might
feel satisfied"
BE satisfied. them she returned.
but there was n terrible. dull aching
pain at her heart. Us she gave the
expected assurance.
When he was gone she went upstairs
again to the room where she had left
her father and mother. and fouDi
them still there-Sir George standing
at the window gazing out upon the
snow-covered ground. Lady Caroline
before the flre. as though In the act
OF warming herself. The traces of
tears were still upon her mothers
cheeks. and even as Mildred gazed n
heavy drop fell upon her lap.
Mamma, be comforted." cried Mil
dred, coming suddenly forward from
where she had been standing unno-
ticed. in the shadow Of the door: ~
have done what you wished me to do
i have got the money for you"
Lady Caroline started and turned to-
ward her: SO did Sir George.
ITO no continual 4