The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1904-08-25
II E z
IA THEIRS
w ~ - By
ALLAN P.
Copyright, l2a@' bB AMES
7. {. Mcclure

A young man was in love with South
ley's daughter Lois. The fact is note
worthy only becau~4 this particular
young man happened to be the first
whose ambitions had received serious
attention. Like a wise parent, South
ley made no overt attempt to influence
her decision. Nevertheless his mind
was hard at work, because among al
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 IL
a cool corner of the veranda
But, father she was objecting, "his
chin is SO square and firm and bis
mouth so hard. His face is almost re
pellent at times"
His features are rugged" said
Southley, but l see gentleness in then
as well as strength. Roberts worth d
dozen of those round checked, chinless
here this summer"
But, dear daddy, how can | love 8
man I'm afraid of? Why, If he evel
commanded me to marry him I'd JUS
have to. Oh, don't know what dc
think. Sometimes''-
Then he hasn't asked you YETI
said her father.
Yes; he asked, though he looked as
II he preferred to pick me up and rur
off without a word. How | ever de
MED him | don't know, but l begged
him to walt, and he's coming at this
afternoon for his final answer"
SOuthley laid aside his cigar and
turned to regard the perplexed face
more lntently Daughter" he said
you don't know men like your old
daddy. Those blue eyes of yours have
much to learn. Take a good, long look
before you send away a 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 q
harsh or unkind thing, did your
mo; 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 APP
pearance which she thought were es-
sential for the coming ordeal be re-
manned thoughtfully smoking, with his
eyes fixed upon the long white stretch
of road down which young Lorand
would shortly come marching to his
fate. Notified shadows of the shelter
Ing vine crept across the yeranda 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 n moment into his preOccu-
pied face then sprang upon his knee
coat
"Why, Poosle," said the old gentle
man, rousing from his reyerie 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 a 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 moment with her venture
some child held thoughtfully before
him, the man suddenly tucked 1t I'M
der his arm and started off around the
house.
Edward" he shouted to the gar
dener, Edward, l 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, a 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 l had my mind made up to
send him away. Now | don't know
what l shall do. And he's 80 master
full that II | show the slightest hest
tation he's sure to make me do as he
wants. Won't you stay and help me7"
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 tor he
remarked.
Hes too far away to make out who
he is" she replied indifferently.
The unknown had halted and taken a
stand beside the road with his back
toward them. Something In the field
had attracted his attention.
Let's see what he Is looking at"
said Southley, as be handed Lois pair