The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-03-26

deep blue eye that was Fixed so earnestly
upon him, and in the calm, earnest fea-
lures that met his gaze, that moved MN
more than he had counted upon. But then
he was not the man to break down now.
He was not the man to give up the frul-
ton of hope that he had cherished with
his very life for years. He was playing
for q golden stake Of immense value, ana
now that he held the leading hand, be
meant to use it promptly, and without
compromise Of any kind.
Louise st. Julien" he at length re-
piled, x mean just what have said.
You go not from this house until you are
my wife! From this purpose | win not
swerve."
A quick flush passed over the girls
face, and her lip quiyered. A moment
the thought of spurning the wretch was
present with her, but the thought, most
probably, of her defenseless position kept
her tongue under guard.
Simon she murmured, after while
of silence. you will not be so cruel?
And is it cruel to want beautiful
girl, whom one loves, for a wifeY
But what can you want with wife
who can never love you in returnY
"I'll teach you to love me-"
"As well might you teach me to love
the great crocodile | saw the soldiers
playing with in the street this morning.
Then I'll teach you to fear mel"
you've done that already, monsieur"
$50 much the better then; you'll mind
me the quicker"
''But why-why should you do this
thingT'
"Ill tell you," spoke Simon, turning
with sudden emphasis upon the girl.
''Thefe is no need that should pretend
to deceive you, nor could |, probably, if
| tried. For many years | have had
the charge of your fathers books AMI
business. You know he is wealthy--more
wealthy than any other ten men in the
colony. When he came here into this joy
forsaken wilderness, | came with him tc
help him. The thought came to me, as
beheld your mind expanding under my
care, that at some future day | might
possess your heart and hand, and thus
the half Of your fathers fortune would
be mine. SO | stroye to make you all
could, and the property | multiplied as
fast as possible. The wealth has grown
in bulk under my care, and now am moi
ready to give all up. am not willing tC
see the hopes Of lifetime blasted just
from the mere whim of caprieious girl.
"But do you think my father will allow
his property to fall into your hands wher
he knows that | married you from abso
lutte comDulsion?" asked the fair girl
earnestly.
HE cannot well help it. He canno'
cut me off without cutting you off, too
"But he will demand a dissolution o.
the union between u.s."
"Ha! he cannot gain it If he does.
am prepared there. and know tht
ground on which stand. The king ha
empowered the company to frame domes
tic regulations to meet the wants of tn,
| colony, and they have already passed I
resolution that every sane, sound girl, o
seventeen years or upwards, shall marry
if proposal is made from respectable
source"
"Ay--but the payment of a hundre'
-liyres can remove the obligation"
$50 it can. But no power can annu
the marriage tie"
"Then mark me, Simon Lobois! | will
bid my father that he let me live in pen
ury and want, for, as your wife, my sor
row will have reached its climax so yol
shan not thus gain the gold you covet.
"And mark me. Louise st. Julien
While your father withholds the half o
his fortune from you, will reduce yo,
to such suffering as shall force me to bin
you to prevent you from taking your owl
life to end your tortures!
A few moments of silence ensued, an
then Simon said. in a softer tone:
'But let us drop this proftless talk
You will consider of this. and know yol
will calmly settle down into a state 0
reasonable acquiescence. Now give IN
direct answer. Will you become M
wife without any further act of compul
sion?"
II should Judge you had heard enoug
to know my mind"
"But | would know II | must compe
you. Mind, now! My resolution is fixed
have counted the cost, and am resolve
upon the throw. When we return, yO
may tell your father, If you please, tha
| compelled you to become my wife, bu
| shall not care. He cannot take 20
from me after the church has bound yo
to me, and If he seeks otherwise to harr
me, he will only heap suffering upon tn
head of his own child. Your father CAV
me permission to seek your hand"
Il do not believe it, Simon"
II care not for your belief. That h
told me so is true, and now have sough
you. VIII you be my wifeP
"Neverp
1--WE shall see"
And with this, the wretch strobe froI
the apartment.