The Van Buren press., 1904-12-31
nar, in tha .hadows. listened and

apart in the shadows. listened and
watched Pail Lawton's strong face with
newly awakened interest and curiosity.
Heretofore she had bestowed but cas-
ual thought and glance upon MIN. Turn
ing suddenly, he caught her ABSORBED
and interested gaze, and burning blush
spread over her face at the knowledge
that she was detected in her close OBJ
servation and scrutiny OF him.
She rose abruptly and crossed the
room to the piano Some unaccount&ble
impulse moved her to sing softly an old
fashioned song that Phil had once men
toned as his fayorite. There was
momentary silence after the last note
had died away. Phil, too moved TO
continue prosaic talk on trusts. rose
quickly and announced his departure,
Something like pain IN the deep in
tensity of his earnest eyes rs he took
her hand and thanked her for the song
when bidding her goodnight, stirred
her young heart She looked up wist-
fully into his face, and then the some
thing she read therein brought the color
again in flashes to her face. Confused
and annoyed. she withdrew her hand
and abruptly said goodnight She lay
awake long that night, thinking more
serious thoughts than had ever before
troubled her happy, careless life.
After breakfast the next morning, she
followed her father to his study,
Papa she said gravely. I've been
thinking a great deal about-what you
-and-Phil Lawton said"
Her father ,eic down his piper quick
ly, and looked up with eager attention.
After all, you see, love no one else,
and | do like him-and may come to
care. And | know he cares-and-it
will make the parting easier for you"
Her father put his arm about her.
My dear little girl, the last consid-
Grafton does not enter into the matter,
but | know Phil will make you happy
and that you will never regret the step.
Let me send for him now"
For the general was a man of action,
and feared a change of mood in his
impulsive daughter
Eoise paled little, but she answered
brayely:
Very well, papa You tell him, will
you?"
Her father laughed indugently.
With pleasure"
An hour later, Eloise sat with palpi
tating heart in the library waiting for
Phil to come to her She did not look
up as he entered and she returned his
morning greeting,
"Eloise," he said his voice vibrating
with intensity, your father has told me.
| know that it is for his sake you accept
me, and, believe me, will not bore
you with protestations of affection |
will show you every care and devotion
outwardly, but you shall give me moth
ing until you come to care for me as |
hope you will"
She looked up then shyly and CRATE
fully, but quickly turned away again.
The next three days were full Of
preparation for the quiet little wedding,
and the generals departure. Eloise
spent every moment available with her
father Phil, when he came, treated
her VITA profound respect, but with
marked reserve, while her demeanor was
shy and, as he imagined, cold.
IT'S going to be long, weary wait I
before | can win her love, IL ever do,
he thought with a sigh, on his weddina
morn, but my love is strong enoug
to make me patient and persistent" N
They were to be married at 10 O'Clock
and take their departure at II, the gen.
eral leaving at noon. Like dream
Eloise passed through the events Of the
morning, murmurng the responses Of
her marriage ceremony without realiz-
ing their import She was still in
dream when they drove to the station
and she bade her father last good
bye, and he hurried from their car.
For the first time since her angage-
ment Elo!se looked squarely into the
strong, earnest face Of her husband.
Then she awoke. She looked out OF the
car window. Her father stood on the
platform of the station Almost before
Phil was aware Of her action, she had
rushed from the car and was at her
fathers side, her arms about him for
final embrace. When she hurried back
to Phil's side, the train had pulled out
Of the station
"Elolse, +" he asked entreatlngn, may
ask what you said to your father that
brought such an expression OF JOY to
his eyes?"
She did not answer at once, and he
turned to look at her Her eyes were
full OF a new light and they did not as
usual turn from him.
Il told him" she said softly, that
| loved you"
l.l.