The Sauk Centre herald., 1903-10-22
LADYLOVE
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MARTHA M'CVLLOCH.WILLIAMS
Copyright, 1903, by 7. c. Mcclure
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| AS JACK fdnSIOu Steppeu tuTOuSu
khe French window into the library at
Eresswell he made half a motion to
turn back. Ladylove was crying hard,
her head buried in her folded arms on
the big library table. Aunt Nan sat
little way off, frowning. yet beamtng
over a letter. She it was who caught
sight of Jack and called to him with lit
tile excited breaks between her words:
Don't go away, Mr.. Nanston. Yoa
must help me make this headstrong
child listen to reason"
eff she's badly in need of discipline
suppose you let me take her for walk
this morning?" Jack said. pulling a
rebellious curl that strayed down over
II;adylove's neck "She told me yes
terday she hated me-"
Miss Nancy shook her head. II can
not permit the walk-now." She> put
such emphasis on the last word Jack
could not choose but ask, why"
"Oh, Ja-ckv Ladylove walled. sitting
up, but keeping her face hidden. Its
because she wants me to marry that
fat pig eyed Sandy Corlew. He-he
has written to her-proposing-fancy
proposing that way
II at least appreciate dear Sandy's
fine Difference to your natural guasd-
han." Miss Nancy said. sitting
thought straighter and caressing the
letter with two fingers. Then, in an
swer 10 the question of Jacks eyes, she
went on: "Of course Ladylove will ac-
cept. She came here to establish her
self
81 didn't. 1t was just because l
thought you were lonely and wanted
me-and there were so many Of us at
home one could we'll be spared" Lady
love broke in. land I had rather go
back to daddy and the pigs and the
chickens and the children and have
only calico frocks than marry this
this Oaf.''
She was standing at the last word.
one little foot stamping hard as she
spoke Jack dared not look straight at
her-if he did he knew he should catch
her in his arms and comfort her. That
would ruin everything. 1t was clearly
a case for diplomacy. He said sooth-
ingly to Ladylove. Hush. naughty
girlv' Then to Aunt Nancy: 81 agree
with you, Miss Cresswell. Sandy Cor
lew is fine. solid fellow. who may al
ways be depended on to do the right
thing. But please let me see his letter
I'm not asking out Of impertinent Gu
riosity.' as he saw denial in her facs.
"Do believe that! IL have an idea
that-that you may not have under
stood quite what he meant
Jacks breath came fast a. he said
it. He was by turns hot and cold. But
desperate cases require desperate au-
ldacities. He bent toward Miss Nancy
and half forcibly took the letter. read
lit through twice, folded it, read it
again, then stood with it in his hand.
the model Of one impelled to speak. yet
iloath to obey the impulse. Miss Nancy,
watching him as a bird watches
snake, at last snapped out: well,
what's the matter? Do you find any
thing strange or startling in the. fact
that a gentleman has the courage and
Idecency to say outright he wants to
marry my niece?"
81 do not" Jack said; then in con-
strained voice: "But-forgive me, Miss
lNancy-has he said so? l think not"
"Why, bless and save us! Are you
crazy?" Miss Cresswell demanded.
"Not bit of it," Jack retorted stout
ly. Only that you have misunder-
stood Here is all the first page about
how he has admired you all his life
and now that he has reached mans
estate hopes for a closer alliance
And then with q manly courage most
admirable he sums UP. My heart 10
set on marrying the one woman in
the world for me-Miss Nancy Walton
ICresswell' Ladylove is Nancy Walton
Cresswell on the family register. but
whoever heard her called so anywhere
|elsew
"Oh. you can't mean that! 1t would
lbe too ridiculous" Miss Cresswell said,
but as she said it she turned away
lher head to hide the blush that spread
even to her round white chin. Lady
love sprang at her like mad thing
crying out: It's truth, Auntie Nan! 1t
must be true. Sandy means you; no.
body else. And you'll take him. and
I'll adore my Uncle Sandy. He's only
nicely fat after all. and I'm sure
pigs eyes can be kind and funny
''Ladylove. you forget yourself"
Jack said. his voice heavy with re-
proof Then to Miss Cresswell: Hon.
iestly l cannot doubt that Sandy meant
you. That was why l insisted upon
seeing the letter. I had heard him say
things which made me sure you mis-
understood, and l did not want you tc
make a grave mistake"
"Why. the boy is ten years younger
than / am Miss Cresswell said weak
Ily, stealing a glance at herself in the
mantel'glass.
"And looks five years older at the
very least" Jack said. "That is one
advantage Of being so-ahem-well. so
finely built. At least think it over.
Tell him you'll take week to consid-
er his proposal ...,
"You don't think l could be so in
delicate as to accept-I mean to say
either yes or no-under fortnight"
Miss Cresswell said. "I'n write to
Sandy that must consult my brother
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