Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-28
uncse's type. but the very difference


 attracted her.
 And Dustin tell equally in love with the dainty little aristocrat, as perfect as a bit of Dresden china She was there but few months, but they were sufficient for the development of tho 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. "r will sec the gentleman said he, land reckon 1t can be arranged"
 You do not know him. replied the girl doubtfully. tsHe 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 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 ertck 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 the young man at dinner confirmed his suspicious. When it was over he in- vited Dustin to his library for a cigar.
 MT. Dustin" said Van Slasson, after the cigars were lighted, "I am the guardian of my niece. love her as much as though she were my own daughter would { guard her from harm and guide her in all matters where her happiness Is concerned For this reason I assume the right to ques- tion any person in whom she may be interested however slightly. For this reason question you. If you desire to be a friend of my niece desire to know who you are and what you are, sirsn
 This in voice as cold as ice and with haughtiness bordering on in- science. Dustin recognized at once an back his broad shoulders to their ut most. threw one leg over the other careiessly, 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 arc quite correct replied Dustin. "T am very much interested in your niece. am her accepted lover, and intend to marry her, with your consent if you grant it-but marry her, anyway. As to your question, am man-an honest man, no better nor worse than you For more than 20 years I have been able to take care of myself wherever found myself with out aid.''s
 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, ssis a de- scendant of one of the oldest families in America. May not ask your ex- traction?''
 Nevertheless I will marry her, re- piled Dustin coolly. "A match if you please; thanks" Then, after deliber- ately relighting his cigar, "Yes, 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, I will not go into that matter. certainly have no reason to be ashamed of my blood, but 1t is who propose to marry your niece, and propose to do it on my own merits as man. I'll take her pedigree on trust She must take mine
 You are insolent, sir!' exclaimed Van Slasson. white with rage. land I suspect you are common adventurer after Edith's property. '
 eff you were not in your own house would slap your face," replied Dus- tin. perfectly cool tYour 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 fpr few years even you would not be capable of the thing you suspect me of. z
 Leave my house. shrieked Van Slasson. purple of face.
 T understand it is not yours, but Edith's," !" replied Dustin, rising and facing the other, perfectly seIf-pos- sessed But at that I 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, have quarreled with your uncle. love you better than ever man loved woman. do not ask you to marry me now in the face of your un- cae's refusal. but to wait for me. It is possible for even selfish old bigot to change his mind sometimes. Will you wait?''
 With her arms about his neck, Edith replied: T will wait forever, dearest"
 It required the aid of doctor before Van Slasson recovered any sort of semblance of calmness, and many weeks passed before he stopped going Dustin.