The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1902-10-07

wenv there during the crisis. He had
no vote, anyway, as two weeks in
the territory would not give him the
right of franchise. Besides, had he
not, in a quiet way, gained a strateg-
ic advantage which would keep the
county seat at Concord?
Every well, Miss Vlandingham,' he
said. ut is kind of you to come for
me. and if you really care for my
company at Willowview I shall be
most happy to return with YOU"
Only the pen of poet could fit
tingly describe that wondrous ride.
A sentimental journey it was, every
step of the way from Whittaker's to
the squire's; a delicious faring across
the sunny plain, through a drowsy
odor of wild flowers and under such
skies as smile over the Fortunate
Isles. Touched by the spell, neither
of the two young people wasted
much time in conversation, and the
long lapses of silence into which
they fell were rhythmic intervals
wherein their hearts echoed back the
melody of song as old as the days
of man. Arrived at their destina-
ton Guy heaved a sigh of regret.
The calends of his love had lifted
white stone to mark passing
hour, and he was more securely a
captive if that could be.
Guys sojourn at Willowview was
very brief. Both Miss Hetty and her
father eNerted themselves to the ut
most to make his stay enjoyable, but
he was ill at ease. His negotiations
with Mr.. Landy had certainly won
the county seat for Concord, and it
seemed to him as though he were
acting a double part. When the re-
turns came in, and when the genial
squire and the adorable Miss Betty
discovered how willy and tactful he
had been. he feared that there would
be an upheaval and that they would
deny him their hospitality, and send
him forth in scorn.
1t was all very we'll for Miss Betty
to talk of "the rigor of the game .
The prime incentive in every game
is success, and when the ballots were
counted and it was found that Am
ityville had cast a deciding vote for
Concord, he would see then whether
Miss Betty would take defeat as
"gloriously" as she would have taken
a better fortune. 1t would be bit
ter triumph for him if it cost him
her favor. Yet if she had not spoken
those words in spirit of raillery-
in short, if she really meant them
how incompatible she would be-
come in his eyes! AS Pettibone had
said, he could go to her and offer
her a 'dower" interest in his town.
And then, if she would accept! His
heart leaped at the thought and his
mind winged sllyward in sweeping
dreams.
That night they were in the coy
parlor just as they had been exact
ly two weeks before. Miss Betty
was at the piano and Guy stood be-
side her turning her music. The
squire was engaged with his paper.
Since the young man had come to
the house that second time the coun-
ty seat question had not once been
mentioned. AS during his first visit,
father and daughter were making it
plain that while he was their guest
there was to be no discordant note
to jar their friendship. Guy was de-
lighted at this, for there was a
charm in observing Miss Betty as
the light and center of her fathers
home. If her shrewdness and cour-
age had pleased him in the political
field how much more was he attract
ed by her domestic accomplishments.
Guy was watching Miss Betty's
white fingers fit over the keys, and
now and then exchanging a soft
word in which his passion throbbed
dangerously near the surface, when
there came sudden interruption.
A lusty voice outside gave an alarm
Of "Fire! fre!" and the squire
leaped from his chair as his daugh-
ter and Guy hastily left the piano.
Can it be this house, father?" in.
quired Miss Betty, nervously.
mo, it's in town." replied the
squire, who had drawn back the cur.
tain for quick look at the surround
ings. 81 can't just make out what
building it is, but it's near the
square, that's evident
He ran to the hall, secured his hat
and opened the door. A mellow glare
was cast over the scene without, and
a man was discovered Fastening along
the road.
"Hello!" cried Mr.. Vlandingham
whats burning?"
"The courthouse!" was the start
ling answer flung back by the mar
as he sped on.
"Oh, dear!" cried Miss Betty, with
a sharp note of regret. 81 hat
planned to do something in the morn
ing, before the polls open-somethine
which would have knit Concord anG
Harmony in closer bonds and have
insured a peaceable election, but now
1t is impossible"
"The best laid plans of mice ant
maids gang aft agley, you remem
ber," observed Guy. "For my part
I hope that Inflated courthouse will
| he l,llrna6 IN tho l,ct cticl, r. ha,