The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1903-11-13

uncle, that bis very ruggedness and
physical strength fascinated her. She
never before mad seen a man with so
fearless an eye, nor one absolutely I'M
conscious OF conventionalities. and she
adored his courage and strength. He
was in the very prime of his physical
manhood and seemed perfect god to
her To be sure he lacked the little
rehnements and graces Of men of her
uncle's type, but the very difference
| attracted her.
And Dustin fell equally in love with
the dainty little aristocrat, as perfect
as bit of Dresden china She was
| there but few months. but they were
sufficient for the development Of the
| romance. His love was declared and
accepted with the proviso that she
loved and reverenced her uncle above
every being, and would never marry
without his consent.
Dustin laughed at the proviso 81
will see the gentleman" said he, "and
l reckon it can be arranged"
You do not know him." replied the
| girl doubtfully. He is marble when
his mind is made up. But some day
will marry you anyway. sweetheart"
| A few weeks later Dustin was sent
east on business for his firm, and sent
word to the lady of his love that he
would call on her on a certain eve
ming. He received in reply pressing
! invitation to dinner and went.
The house and all the appurtenances
bore the rank of utmost responsibility
and wealth. During the dinner Fred
erick Van Slasson eyed the visitor
narrowly. but treated him with perfect
| courtesy. Van Slasson had heard
enough from his niece to suspect the
state of affairs. Her attitude toward
i the young man at dinner confirmed his
| suspicious. When it was over he in
vited Dustin to his library for cigar.
Mr.. Dustin" said Van Slasson, after
the cigars were lighted, 81 am the
guardian of my niece I love her as
much as though she were my own
/ daughter. l would guard her from
| harm and guide her in all matters
where her happiness is concerned. For
| this reason l assume the right to Ques-
| ton any person in whom she may be
interested however slightly. For this
| be friend of my niece 1 desire to
know who you are and what you are,
sir?"
| This in voice as cold as ice and
with a haughtiness bordering on in
science. Dustin recognized at once an
atmosphere of hostility. He threw
back his broad shoulders to their ut
most, threw one leg over the other
carelessly, and looked Van Slasson
squarely in the eye. Nor could the
sharp, imperious eyes of the latter de-
tect the slightest shrinking in the
steady glance he received.
"You are quite correct" replied
Dustin. 81 am very much interested in
your niece. 1 am her accepted lover,
and intend to marry her, with your
consent if you grant it-but marry her.
anyway. AS to your question, lam
man-an honest man. no better nor
worse than you. For more than 20
years have been able to take care of
myself wherever found myself with
out aid
Van Slasson turned pale at the tone
OF the other. He was not accustomed
to be TALKED to in this manner
MY niece, sir" he said. sis a de-
scendant of one of the oldest families
in America. May l not ask your ex-
traction?"
Nevertheless will marry her." re-
piled Dustin. coolly. "A match if you
please; thanks" Then, after deliber-
ately relighting his cigar, Eyes,
would marry her. even if she had in
her the blood of the foreign nobility.
She couldn't help it. you know. AS
for my people. l will not go into that
matter. l certainly have no reason to
lie ashamed of my blood. but it is
who propose to marry your niece, and
I propose to do it on my own merits
as man. I'll take her pedigree on
/ trust. She must take mine"
You are insslent. sir!" exclaimed
Van Slasson, white with rage. land I
suspect you are common adventurer
after Edith's property"
IF you were not in your own house
l would slap your face" replied Dus-
tin. perfectly cool. Your suspicious
are in perfect accord with your narrow
life and character. / assure you. sir.
if you would get out in the world and
be man for a few years even you
would not be capable of the thing you
suspect me Of"
Leave my house, shrieked Van
Slasson. purple Of face.
81 understand it is not yours, but
Edith's," replied Dustin. rising and
facing the other, perfectly self-pos-
sessed. But at that l will go if you
will come downstairs with me-
Going straight to Edith. Dustin took
her in his arms. before Van Slasson,
and said:
Edith, I have Quarreled with your
uncle. love you better than ever man
lnrod 1ronon do not cl- ro,, f,