Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-12-26
CHAPTER L

valentine she had Just received from
the only being in the world. besides her
parents and her brother Frank, that she
really loved. The card was pretty enough
Just spray Of spring flowers and two
hands clasped, and underneath was writ
ten, in a bold, manly hand. From yours
sincerely, Jack Faulkner"
Rose read the words over and over
again, as if that would solve the prob
lem of her lovers strange conduct, for
she had seen him few days before, and
although she was not actually engaged
to him, they had been sweethearts frem
childhood, and Jack had told her during
his last interview TO look for a letter
from him on St. Valentines morning,
which was finally to decide their future
life. And Rose felt instinctively that the
time had come when fun and tCrmenting
should be set aside land they would be all
in all to each other.
She never doubted for a second what
Jack would say to her, and with ex
pectanr heart she had waited for that
letter.
In fancy she had read his often repeat
ed words, will you be my wife said
as only Jack Faulkener could say them.
In fancy she had pictured his hand
some face illumined with happiness when
she acknowledged that she loved him,
in spite of all the years of teasing ana
pretending she did not do so.
Those jokes must be over now Rose had
told herself while she dressed, that st.
Valentines morning, as Jack had said
the last time he saw her that he could
not bear the uncertainty any longer, and
that real life must begin for them both.
As Rose opened her expected missiye
she felt glad that it should be so, glad
that she should have the love of so good
and true a man; but as she looked at
the coldly-worded greeting, all the JOY
seemed to die out of her life, all the
color from her face.
From yours sincerely, Jack Faulke-
ner!' What could he mean?
Was this what he meant By beginning
life in earnest? If SO. why--oh, why
had he been so affectionate to her at
their last interview Could his motive
be 10 punish her for her apparent indif-
ference to him for so long2 Or had he
never really loved her. and this was his
way of telling her that all signs of af-
lection must be over between them!
Perhaps Jack loved Dora Smith. All!
the problem was solvedl--at least, so
Rose Darnel told herself. and hard ex
preston settled upon her face as she
remembered how Dora had always
sought his company, and had seemed so
pleased with every little attention she
received from him.
Jack had always told her that Miss
Smith was too talkative a girl to suit
him, and Rose, in her simplicity, had be-
lieved what he had said.
But II she COuiO nave Ftdu letieT
which Dora at that minute was reading,
with triumphant look upon her face,
her faith in her lover would have been
over forever
Castle Towers. February I3.-My Own
Darling; May you have a very happy Val
entine's day. ! want You TO promise me
that before another spring comes. you viii
be my wife. l love YOU, dear, with all my
heart and If you will give yourself to me,
/ will do my best to make your life bright
one. But j must ask for a decided answer
today.
enclose small golden heart II you
will accept me as your husband, let me see
you wearing 1t at the ball this evening
II do not shall know that you do not
love me, and thus save myself the humilia-
tion Of refusal. With love, l remain,
your devoted old JACK.
80 you do love me, Jack!' Dora
said, within herself "Of course ! will
accept you, my dear boy, not because
care particularly for you, but | should
like ..p to be the mistress Of Castle Towers"
Papa, she exclaimed, as the door
opened, and fat little man entered the
room. Congratulate me! am the fu-
ture Mrs. Faulkener."
Not while pretty Rose Darnell lives"
replied Mr.. Smith. with knowing rod
of his head. Jack Faulkener loves her
with all his heart"
Don't talk nonsense" answered Dora
impatiently. 81 have just received an
offer OF marriage from him. Ii you don't
believe me, read this" and handing the
letter to her father, she half pushed him
into an easy chair, that he could digest
the contents with greater comfort.
my starsw calculated the old man.
This is a bit Of luck! Dora, my lear, /
do congratulate you. 1t seems almost
too good to be true! Are you sure it was
addressed to you? The postman didn't
leave it at the wrong house. did her
mo, he did not" replied the girl, with
an indignant look. Am | so very plain
that you can imagine that no one would
wish to marry me?'
'No, no. my dear! No doubt, when
you are Mrs. Faulkener, people-some
now l come to think of it, Ton Adams
said the other day you were wonderfully
like me! Poor Toni / expect he won't
like the engagement, for think he real
~ does care for you"
Eyes. papa; but you must give him a
quiet hint to keep out Of the way. 1t
would never do TO spoil my prospects by
having him constantly with me-
oh, that's it, is it. my dear? Well,
well, ! hope you are not throwing away
the substance for the shadow. Jack is
undoubtedly the best match, but I'm
bothered if | can think what be asked
you for, and that's fact! But as he has
written his proposal. there can be no
mistake, and shall be proud to see you
mistress Of Castle Towers"
Il must say, papa, that you are Tar
from complimentary. You viii tell me
next it is my money he wants. although
his parents are said to be the richest peo-
pie in the county,
No, 1t can't be that. Dora, and l
won't spoil your pleasure. | am a dis
agreeable old fellow, / know, and you'll
he precious glad to have house of your
own. Now. l shall 60 up and see Jack
for you. and tell him it's all right"
Kindly do not interfere. papa" re-
torted Dora unpleasantly. Jacks wish
was that if 1 accepted him l was to
wear his present at the ball tonight.
That will be answer enough
CHAPTER IL
The Faulkeners had lived at Castle
Towers for centuries and Castle Towers
was without doubt the most beautiful
residence in the county.
Mr.. and Mrs Faulkener were charming