Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-10-08

roundings and that am not like other
men in my tastes. No man appreciates
a home more than do
II did not mean to insinuate that,
doctor" Miss Stetson replied. 81 mere
ly said that 1 thought it SO strange
you should like to live in that old de-
serted, haunted mansion"
II do not like to live there. 1t was
not matter Of choice with me. l was
poor and had to in order to carry out
my experiments
But couldn't you find more congen-
ial quarters without going to any more
expense?"
"No-that is, none that would suit
my purpose"
There was short pause, then the
doctor continued:
But, Miss Belle, my time in the old
haunted mansion is short. I'm going
to leave 1t. My fortune has improved,
and shall seek better quarters"
Has your discovery proved success
full so that you can realize some money
on it?" she asked eagerly.
mo, not exactly that" he stam-
mered. But l have been fortunate
in another way. A distant relative
has died and left his money to me. 1t
Is not much, but enough to keep me
In comfort for the balance of my life.
1t will amount to about 100000"
Indeed! I'm so glad to hear it, doc
tor. Nobody will congratulate you more
heartily than l, for think you deserve
It."
ut is kind of you to say it," he said
slowly, "but there is one other thing
necessary to complete my happiness"
Another pause followed in which
could imagine their exchange of looks.
81 would not mention this, Miss
Belle. il did not have your own word
for 1t that you would never marry
Charles" the doctor began again in a
iabored voice. But when you told me
that you would not marry him I
thought that there was no longer any
reason why 1 should curb my own love
for you. Miss Belle, loved you before
that, and love you now. 1 am no
longer poor; I'm not rich, but I'll have
a competency enough for both of us. /
love you, and your love alone will make
me happy"
l trembled more than the doctor to
catch the reply.
please don't talk to me like that,
DOCTOR" she said in a voice that had a
piteous ring to it. at is impossible"
"Why impossible? Nothing is impos-
sible," he answered fiercely. give
learned to believe that anything can be
accomplished If we but will it. Why
can you not love me and marry me?"
"You do not understand, doctor.
Please do not mention it again. 1t is
very-hard for me to say this"
"But will you not give me your rea-
sons?" he continued passionately. you
will not marry Charles?"
mo, never"
faint of leprosy?"
mo; I would be afraid to. I would
forever think of it-dread it-believe
that it would show itself again in our
children"
"Then why cannot you love me-mar-
~ met"
There was slight rustic of her dress
as If she had risen to face him. Then
she replied slowly, but calmly:
Because, doctor, still love Charles.
I cannot marry him, but that does not
alter my love for him. still love him
and always shall love him. Is not
that an answer to your question?
Would you ask me to marry you when
you knew loved another MANI"
An almost inarticulate sound es-
capped his lips. He also rose from his
seat. heard him move toward the
portieres, and 1 withdrew rapidly to
the waiting room.
There was murmur of their voices
for few moments, and then the por-
there's parted and they entered the par
lor. 1 coughed purposely to attract
their attention. Miss Stetson moved
toward me, and arose to meet her.
II fear the maid did not send up my
name." said in reply to her inquiring
look. "She said you were engaged
and that could wait here"
Have you been waiting long?" she
asked.
No; only half minute" 1 replied
boldly.
"You have message from Mr.. God
dard for met"
Eyes, private one, but can wait"
The doctor walked out Of the parlor
and gave me close, scrutinizing
glance, but was absorbed in studying
the ceiling and did not meet his eyes.
He passed toward the front door and
bid his hostess good day. Then l
walked into the library to take his
place.