The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1902-12-04
hastily, caressing Imp, who was grow.

hastily, caresslng Imp, who was grow
ing restless--tthere comes mother"
The dreaded crisis could not long be
warded off. a handsome box of
flowers came memoriallY during the
day and then q note-"May l have the
pleasure % etc., which tho queen
mother brought up with her own
hands and stood to see answered.
The message sent through Bluctte
had been, "Will you stand by me in
whatever l do regardless of consc-
quences 2" What was he going to
do? And when? Would it be too
late?
The parlors had received an oxtra
touch from the queen-mother. The
tcte-a-tete chair was in tho most IN.
viting position and lights turned down
to the lovers gauge. The folding
doors were closed to the slcndorest
thread. Within the back parlor sat
the father with his paper and the
mother with her fancywork. Mrs.
Duvall having taken precious care to
unfold upon the bed Lettice's most be,
coming dress and ribbons.
The bell rings. I.ettice listens
reath)ossly at the head of the STAIR
way.
"Mr. Duvall, ploaso," says clear,
manly voice.
He is ushcrcd into the room where
the old people sit.
With stiff, repollant astonishment
Mr.. Duvall looks at the intruder, and
rccognizin" him, the evident proviso
does not drop out Of tho cool greeting.
SO much the less when Lettice glides
in and stands IN the shadow behind
the unwelcome visitor. But James
Mcdowell Reid is booted and spurred
for bold adventure and is nothing
, (daunted by his reception. lie holds
, out his hand, which courtesy compcls
his host TO accept, and says, audaciOus,
ly:
81 fear it will surprise you to know
my GRAND. l have come to ask the
, hand of your daughter in marriage"
Imp rubs himself cncouragingly
, against his trousers.
| GA modest request, truly" cXclaims
Mr.. Duvall, with cutting sarcasm II
his tone and looking thunder and blue
lightning. But the old gcntlcman's
= prejudice is melting under Il roslstlcss
heat Of admiration, though he add:
haughtily: "And on what ground
= may | ask, do you rest your assurancc?'
l "On your justice, and on our mutua
love-" replies the young man conf
: IDENTIFY. And turning toward Lcttic,
: drew her to his side.
. The father had no need to ask he
confirmation Of this statement.
= look at the girls bcaming countenanc,
: showed her lover was not counting
without his host. The last vcstige o
c disapproval fled, abashcd. Extending
his hand with cordiality now, Mr.. Du
5 vail SAID Il admire your pluck
. young man If YOU have not money
a you have something better. | rejoic,
that my daughter has been able to SC
G cure man Of pluck. Take her will
t my blessing, and take care of her, as
: believe you will"
81 don't intend 10 wait for tn
winds 10 CHANGE whispered the suc
! ccssful knight. as he and Le,tic,
= driftcd happily into the parlor. 81 an
going for preacher and finish up thi:
little business at once. vii. return il
a few minutes"
Never had Miss Duvall met he
other lover so gracious!y. His e!ation
however. was brief.
81 am so glad you happened in.
size said. "Wili be delighted 10 hav;
YOU present at my marrlage-Oh, no
don't leave! 1t will take place 10 liilt
while and the dress suit is entirely lm
material, as there are no iuvit. (
guests
The Queen-mothcr had retired K
her room with a severe headache.
"And, just TO think. Impudence
has done it ALL" murmured the man
their hands touching and retouchina
over the cats jetty fur.