Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-10-27

then he crossed the room and held out
his hand.
Una rose, and without a word put
her hand in his, her eyes downcast, lest
the love which beamed in them should
escape against her will.
YES" said Jack, Il have had the
pleasure of meeting Miss Rolfe once or
twice lately
Then he turned away from her and
began talking TO Mrs. Davenant, as il
Una were not in the room.
1t was just what Una wanted. She
| felt that she could not speak, and for
the present 1t was happiness enough
to have him in the same room with her,
and to hear his voice.
And Mrs. Davenant, now that the
first shock was over, was glad enough
to sit down and listen to the frank,
musical voice-so unlike Stephens
measured, modulated tone.
Presently she said in a low, nerv-
Gus tone:
Jack, ! am so sorry"
Jack nodded, and his face dropped.
About the poor squire? Yes! Never
mind. 1t is all right. No! It's all
wrong for me, but all right for
Stephen"
But Stephen doesnt-doesn't want
it all" she murmured.
Jack looked another way; he had a
different opinion.
Never mind" he said, don't let us
worry about it-you and |. It's all
past and gone, and there's no help for
it."
But you have worried" she said,
you don't look so well as you did,
Jack. ! hope-I do hope" and her
voice faltered
Jacks face flushed for moment
You are going to scold me, as
usual lie said. well, go on, it will be
your last opportunity, ma am I've re-
formed"
There was something in his tone,
something so earnest and grave, that
she looked at him anxiously.
"Oh, Jack, | wish-I wish you would
b emore steady"
wait and see," he said, gravely,
and in low voice.
Mrs. Davenant wiped her eyes, and
dinner hour.
DO you want me to go?" said Jack in
his blunt way, and he took up his hat
and gloves.
Mrs. Davenant hesitated a moment.
You wouldn't stop to dinner, If
asked you" she said, with faint
smile.
TRY me-" said Jack yes, I'll stay.
Now don't look frightened and dis
appointed, or I'll 60"
Mrs. Davenant rose, with her rare
laugh.
Il must so and tell them" she said,
or you'd he starved" and she left the
room.
Jack went and stood beside the ST.
lent, motionless figure and looked down
at her with infinite yearning and in
finite sorrow, He had come resolved to
tell her the truth and to bid her to for
get him.
Una" he said, in low voice.
She raised her eyes, and in an in
slant his grand resolution, built up
.crumbled into dust With something
like a groan he was on his knee and
caught her to his breast.
For a moment she resigned herself
to the exquisite JOY of his embrace,
and with downcast eyes dropped be
meath his passionate kisses, then
with an effort she regained possession
of the soul which had slipped from her
into his, as 1t were and gently Olsen
gagged herself.
mo, no, you brighten me-" she MUIR
INJURED, as Jacks arm drew her toward
him again,
MY darling, There" and ne
kissed her hands. How can l do it?
1t is too much to ask of mortal man"
"Do what" she murmured.
Jacks face paled.
Nothing nothing" he said.
"And are you really going to stay"
she murmured her eyes beaming with
pleasure.
YES" he said, Il came on purpose
If she had not asked me meant to ask
her"
And you love her, don't you? Is
she not good-and isn't it cruel to de-
ceive her said Una, and she hung
her head.
shes the dearest old lady in the
world. said Jack, enthusiastically, who
would have loved a gorilla. much less
Mrs. Davenant, If 1t had been kind to
Una. why, she was a second mother
to me until Stephen grew up-and she
has been kind to you. | can see that
for myself. But you must tell me all
about it-all about everything to.
night. Think my darling! we shall be
together here all the evening, No
noisy crowd to prevent us tallling-no
interference shall want to know
every thing. Hush! here she comes,