Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-02-18

manhood and seemed perfect god to
her To be sure he lacked the little
rehnements and graces of men of her
uncle's type, but the very difference
attracted her.
And Dustin fell equally in love with
the dainty little aristocrat, as perfect
as bit Of Dresden china She was
there but few months. but they we're
sufficient for the development Of the
romance. His love was declared and
accepted with the proviso that she
loved and revereneed her uncle above
every being, and would never marry
without his consent
Dustin laughed at the proviso. Il
will see the gentleman" said he, land
! reckon IL can be arranged"
you do not know him." replied the
girl doubtfully. "He is marble when
his mind is made up. But some day
will marry you anyway. sweetheart"
A few weeks later Dustin was sent
east on business for his firm. and sent
word TO the lady of his love that he
would call on her on a certain eve
ming. He received in reply a pressing
invitation to dinner, and went
The house and all the appurtenances
bore the rank of utmost respectability
and wealth. During the dinner Fred
erick Van Slasson eyed the visitor
narrowly, but treated him with perfect
courtesy. Van Slasson had heard
enough from his niece TO suspect the
state of affairs Her attitude toward
the young man at dinner confirmed his
suspicious When 1t was over he in
vited Dustin TO his library for a cigar.
"Mr. Dustin, said Van Slasson. after
the cigars we're lighted, Il am the
guardian Of my niece. | love her as
much as though she were my own
daughter. | would guard her from
harm and guide her in all matters
where her happiness is concerned. For
this reason I assume the right 10 ques-
ton any person IN whom she may be
interested however slightly For this
reason ! question you. II you desire to
be a friend Of my niece I desire to
know who you are and what you are.
sir2"
This in 4 voice as cold as ice and
with a haughtiness bordering on in
science. Dustin recognized at once an
atmosphere OF hostility He threw
back his broad shoulders to their ut
most. threw one leg over the other
.oarelessly, and looked Van slasson
squarely in the eye. Nor could the
sharp, imperious eyes Of the latter de-
tect the slightest shrinking in the
steady glance he received.
you arc quite correct" replied
Dustin. Il am very much Interested in
your niece am her accepted lover.
and intend to marry her. with your
consent If you grant it-but marry her,
anyway. AS TO your question. | am a
man-an honest man, no better nor
worse than you. For more than 20
years have been able to take care OF
myself wherever found myself with
out aid
Van Slasson turned pale at the tone
OF the other He was not accustomed
TO be talked to in this manner
my niece, sir" be said. lis a de-
scendant OF one of the Oldest families
in America May not ask your ex-
traction?"
Nevertheless will marry her" re-
piled Dustin, coolly. "A match il you
please: thanks" Then. after deliber-
ately relighting his cigar, Eyes.
would marry her, even If she had in
her the blood of the foreign nobility.
She couldn't help it. you know. As
for my people. will not go into that
matter I certainly have no reason TO
be ashamed Of my blood, but 1t is I
who propose to marry your niece. and
I propose TO do II on my own merits
as a man. I'll take her pedigree on
trust. She must take mine"
"You are insolent, sirl" exclaimed |
Van Slasson. white with rage. land |
suspect you are common adventurer |
after Edith's property"
III you were not in your own house
would slap your face" replied Dus-
tin. perfectly cool Your suspicious
are in perfect accord with your narrow 1
life and character. assure you. sir. /
II you would get out in the world and
be a man for few years even you
would not be capable of the thing you
suspect me Of
Leave my house." shrieked Van
Slssson. purple Of face.
81 understand Il is not yours. but
Edith's," replied Dustin. rising and
facing the other, perfectly self-pos-
sessed. But at that I will go II you
will come downstairs with me"
Going straight to Edith. Dustin took
her in his arms, before Van Slasson,
and said:
Edith. I have quarreled with your
uncle. / love you better than ever man
loved woman I do not ask you to
marry me now in the face of your un-
cle's refusal. but TO wait for me- It is
possible for even a selfish old bigot
to change his mind sometimes. VIII
you waltz"
With her arms about his neck, Edith
replied: Il will wait forever. dearest"
It required the aid Of doctor before
van classon recovered any sort of