Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-03-19

young mans heart. He knew not what |
was coming, but whatever 1t was would |
not be pleasant.
"You see, Fanshaw," the colonel
seemed to pull himself up TO HIS task
with extra effort, "it my daughter must
marry and bring children into the
world, I should naturally desire the nj
lance to be with a man against whose
family there had never been charge OF
dishonesty"
Ronald brcathed hard. Tho last
word had fallen like a powerful
weight which crushed out the last bit
Of hope he had ever had OF fighting
the worlds difficulties.
"I think / understand, Col. Has
brooke" he heard his words Earring
against the sweet floating sounds Of
Evclyn's voice. which was rising like
happy prayer to heaven.
The colonel leaned forward almost
n an attitude of pity.
Don't understand me to say, Mr..
Fanshaw," he said, that l should, de-
mand y pedigree with my daughters
husband, for / think there are good
people who have not kept up their
family records, but if l knew-actual-
ly knew of dishonesty in family.
that, sir, l should try to save my child
from as ! would from hereditary con-
sumption or insanity. I had dear
friend, Mr.. Fanshaw, in Virginia, who
belonged to one of the best families
distantly related to the Carnleighs.
He had a beautiful daughter who fell
in love with self-made man, whose
grandfather had been accused of dis
honest dealings. My friend reluctant
ly gave his consent, but the only issue
Of that marriage, Mr.. Fanshaw was
son who became an outlaw and broke
the hearts of both his parents. Par
don ne, sir, but ] started out to be
plain, and remember, we are consult
ing about the welfare of one we both
love- Mr.. Fanshaw, my fathers
brother, who lived in East Tennessee,
was the judge who sentenced your
grandfather, Abraham Fanshaw. TO
prison for 20 years for theft. ! know
nothing of your fathers life in Ten
ncssec. but it pains me to say that
] detected him five years ago loading
IL wagon WITH NUtdt IIOfu ODc VI NY
barns. He confessed his guilt and
threw himself on my mercy, and did
not thinking of his family and his old
age, prosecute him"
Hasbrooke paused; he was not look
ing AT Ronald, who had covered his
face with both his hands and sat as
, still as statue.
God forgive me If have given You
needless pain" said the colonel. 81
would not have spoken If I could have
seen airy other way of making my
awful fears clear to you. Fanshaw, If
these things were not true OF your
people. and you had not dollar to
your name. I should. seeing how my
daughter loves you, turn over TO you
: and her all the property which is to
go to her at my death. As God is my
Judge, wish could end it all by Civ
ing her to YOU, but I cannot. ! sim
ply cannot
!, Ronald rose to his feet; he reelcd a
little as he reached for his hat, which
lay OH the desk.
. 81 have really never hoped TO win
her" he said, unsteadily. You are
right. It ought never to be. Children
of mine shall never live to curse the
world. 7 see my duty to her-to you.
May God have mercy on mel"
The music had ceased: there was a
light step outside and Evelyn suddenly
opened the door, pausing on the
threshold with an exclamation of sur
prise.
'.T Iid l.pn,v--t ho oIo
off ms her eyes fell to studying her
lovers agonized face. Papa" she
= asked, coming forward and standing
between the two men, what does this
- mean?"
The old man collected his senses
slowly.
Daughter" he said. after an awk-
! ward pause, 81 have sent for Mr.. Fan
:. shaw to consult with him in regard to
:. the welfare of you both, and together
after talking it all ovcr-we have
come TO a mutual agreement that the
idea Of marriage between you-ever,
=. at any time-woud be unwise-is not
10 be thought of"
Evelyn fastened a questioning half
:, distrustful gaze on her lover.
:. "Do you think il would be better for
:, you to give me up" were her words
y each delivered after n little incred-
ulous halt. you see, Ronald, have
. never known whether I could be a
- help to you. II you should want me
Y I would be ready to stand by you
. through trouble. adversity-every.
- thing that might come; hut you are
, the man; you know best, and if" Cher
y. eyes went darting from one rigid face
to the other) eff" she made an
other beginning but broke down and
:, put her handkerchief to her eyes
- Her breast hcaved high.
Hasbrooke nodded despairingly to
- Ronald and the latter took the hint.
. circumstances beyond our control
=. make it advisable that we should sep
y" arate," he said, automatically.
., She uncovered her face, disclosing
:, no trace of tears. Am | to be told
y, about the--the circumstances?
- "They concern only myself" an
>, swered Ronald, with another glance at
her father. ~ would rather not speak
&c of them"
- every well. then" she drew herself
9. up erect. II may as well say good