Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-09-13
HER
FATHERS
WA y 3,
ALLAN p.
Copyright, i9o., bB AMES
T. a. lfc(7lrr
Copyright, i3o., bB
z. c. Mcclure

| \ . D
A young man was IN love with South
ley's daughter Lois. The fact Is note
worthy only because this particular
young man happened to be the first
whose ambitions had received serious
attention. Like wise parent, South
ley made no overt attempt to influence
her decision. Nevertheless his mind
was hard at work. because among all
the youngsters who aspired to be his
son-in-law Robert Lorland was his
choice. Had Lois shared his opinion
there would have been no occasion
for the discussion now progressing in
cool corner of the veranda.
But. father" she was objecting. "his
chin is so square and firm and his
mouth so hard. His face is almost re-
pellent at times"
"His features are rugged" said
Southley, but see gentleness in them
as well as strength. Roberts worth a
dozen of those round checked, chinless
boys that have been hanging around
here this summer"
"But. dear daddy. how can love a
man I'm afraid Of? Why. if he ever
commanded me to marry him I'd just
have to. Oh, don't know what do
think. Sometimes
"Then he hasn't asked you yet:"
said her father.
"Yes: he asked. though he looked az
if he preferred to pick me up and run
off without word. How l ever de-
MED him l don't know, but l begged
him to wait, and he's coming at this
afternoon for his final answer
Southley laid aside his cigar and
turned to regard the perpleXed face
more intently. Daughter" he said.
"you don't know men like your old
daddy. Those blue eyes of yours have
much to learn. Take good, long look
before you send away fellow like
Robert Lorland."
Really, | wish l could see him as
you do; but I'm afraid can't. have
the feeling that if he were ever
crossed he'd be positively brutal"
You never knew him to do .
harsh or unkind thing. did you?'
NO; nor anything markedly kind or
gentle. either"
well, it's hard luck" he sighed.
"Superfcially, his looks are against
him."
For long while after Lois had left
him to make those changes in her ap-
pearance which she thought were es-
sential for the coming ordeal he re-
| mained thoughtfully smoking. with his
eyes fixed upon the long white stretch
Of road down which young Lorland
would shortly come marching to his
fate Notified shadows of the shelter
| Ing vine crept across the veranda floor
until they reached the spot the old
| cat had chosen for her family's after
noon siesta. Apparently considering
| shade unhealthful, she opened her eyes.
| stretched and yawned, shook her clus-
tering offspring from their snug COM
| fort and sauntered toward the master
| of the house. Arriving by his chair,
| she gazed a moment into his preoccu-
pied face, then sprang upon his knee
and rubbed her ears against his waist
| coat.
why, Poosie," said the old gentle
| man. rousing from his reverie, de
serted the nursery? For lady of so
many family cares your familiarity Is
shocking. There. You see? That's
| generally what comes of It."
One of the kittens had started to
roll down the front steps. Southley
sprang to the rescue in time to pre-
vent completion of the descent.
Poosie watched him with approval. but
In the end wished she had attend
ed to the matter herself; for. after
standing Il moment with her venture
some child held thoughtfully before
him, the man suddenly tucked 1t un-
der his arm and started off around the
house.
Edward" he shouted to the gar
dener. Edward, want to borrow
your high rubber boots. And see II
| you can find me a small wooden box.
| A few minutes before Lois re-
turned to the veranda, vision In
white. but with her white face clouded
with indecision. Il almost wish l
hadn't told you, father" said she. BE
fore that | had my mind made up to
send him away. Now l don't know
what shall do. And he's so master
full that if l show the slightest hesi-
tation he's sure to make me do as ne
wants. Won't you stay and help mef'
Her father did not answer. He was
standing at the end Of the porch watch
ing some one down the road. Lois went
to his side and with a hand on his
shoulder followed his gaze.
"Wonder what that chaps up to-? he
remarked.
Hes too far away to make out who
be is" she replied indifferently.
The unknown had halted and taken
stand beside the road with his back
toward them. Something in the feld
had attracted his attention.
Lets see what he is looking at
said Southley. as he handed Lois pair
of field glasses and took another pair
for himself.
Without stopping to wonder now
they happened to be so ready at hand,
the girl received the binoculars and
leve!ed them toward the figure on the
road. Judging from his dress the man
was young and prosperous, for his
white fannels were of jaunty cut, and
, gay ribbon encircled his stiff straw
hat. Subsequent developments made
the resplendent freshness Of his cos
tune all the more noticeable.
On the other side Of the ditch bound
ing the highway was muddy little
pond. in the center Of which they now
remarked a box floating a small
frightened kitten. The little thing
/, fioundered Mt the edge of its frail sup
port as though debating whether to re-
main and starve % trust itself to the
dark water. Lois even fancied she
could hear its appealing cries, and with
nm exclamation of pity she made to
ward the steps.
wait" said her father, putting out
l detaining hand. Hes going to looi
. after 1t. Besides, it can't fall off. 1t'
tied"
Il A., -. o.oo ,,o,,, x,o,, oop foil ~ sail