The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-12-30

cred her spirits, and knowing that Der
rinpton would say nothing about the
card cheating o.. about the San Reno
matter, she was prepared to be as in-
solcnt as she dared. But she was quite
determined not to cross swords again
with the old man.
AS 1t was, she came sailing in with
the prettiest air in the world and held
out both hands. "AIy dear Lord Der
rington. how we'll you are lookingl
How Eere her astonished eyes fell
on George. you" said Mrs. Ward,
aghast "Mr. Brendon, and here."
Not Mr.. Brendon," said Darlington,
enjoying her confusion, "but my grand
son, George Vane"
Dorothy, who had remained below to
give some instructions to the footman.
entered the room just I'm time to hear
this announcement. She flew to her
lover. "My dearest George, l am glad,
glad, SO glad" and before them all she
kissed him. Mrs. Ward screamed:
Dorothy! What manners.
Very good manners" said Derring-
ton cooily, seeing that they are natu-
raj. Well. Mrs. Ward, George, my
grandson and heir" added the old man
with emphasis, has something to say
to YOU"
Really. l shall be most happy to
hear it,
George took his cue. 81 have to ask
you for The hand of your daughter
Dorothy" lie said.
Really" said Mrs. Ward again, 81
don't know. 1 fanced that Walter.
you see And she cast her eyes on
the neat little man.
,"Oh, 1 scratch" said Walter in his
elegant way There's no fighting
against George. He has all the luck"
You call him George"
"Why shouldn't L? He's my cousin,
the head of the house,
when / go to my long home" fin-
ished Derrington. "Well, Mrs. Ward,
do you consent to the match?'
do. mother" said Dorothy implor-
ingly.
knowing what Darlington knew and
now obstinate both lovers were, Mrs.
Ward did not see very well what else
she could do. After few sighs and
having squeezed few tears she cried
pressive Of deep emotion, Dorothy,
my dear child, do you love GeorgeT"
Yes" said Dorothy simply. "You
know love him."
George, do you love my child2"
81 do" replied George curtly.
ut Is hard" said Mrs Ward, with a
deep sigh, ''to see child leave it's
parent. But you love her, you have
won her." Here she rose and, raising
Dorothy from her knees, gave her to
George. "Take her, George, and with
her take mothers blessing"
The idea of Mrs. Wards blessing
was too much for Walter, and he went
of into q shrek OF laughter which
ended In his leaving the room. George
was quite unmoved. lie thanked Mrs.
Ward and kissed Dorothy. Then he
took her to distant seat near the
window, where they could talk sensi.
bly,. Lord bennington was left to con-
sole the afflicted mother. This he pro-
ceedcd to do Immediately.
'Egad, You did it WELL" he said.
looking ut the pretty woman. II don't
believe Miss Terry or Mrs. Siddons
could have done it better"
Mrs. Ward saw that it was useless
to hide the truth from this keen eyed
old man any longer. "Oh, don't be
nasty she said plaintively and rus
tied up to him. "Of course 1 wanted
Dorothy to marry Walter, but George
does just as WELL"
Well,' said Darlington, "you care
very little about Dorothy, and you
don't like George. When they are
married you must stop away as much
as Is consistent with your feelings"
"Ill do what like" said Mrs. Ward,
beginning to tap her foot.
mo; I don't think you will. You
threatened me in this ROOM"
Il was only playing game" pro-
tested Mrs. Ward.
"Well, can play a game also. Mrs.
Jersey has left behind her a confession
In which she details how you managed
to cheat your sister, Miss Bull. If you
don't leave that couple severely alone
1 shall show the confession to Doro-
thy"
II never did anything to my sister.
Mrs. Jersey tells lies"-
Darlington made a gesture of dis
gust. "There-there," he said, what is
the use Of talking further? Things are
settled. When Dorothy and George are
married I'll see what can do for you."
"Oh, thank you, dear Lord Derring-
ton," she said artlessly and pressing
his arm. 81 know you are the most
generous Of men. But I really can't
stop talking here all day" She rustled
over to Dorothy. "My darling, / must
go and do some shopping. No; you can
stay here. I will coll again In an
hour"
CHAPTER XIV,
0DT was tho naxt do1 +hot coo.o.S