The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-09-09
|HER
IA THEIRS
B WA y By
ALLAN p.
Goppsght, iso@' by AMES
Copyright, 1905, by
T. O.. Mcclure

young man happened to be the frs
whose ambitions had recyfyed serious
attention. Like q wise parent, South
ley made no overt attempt to influence
her decision. Nevertheless his mind
was hard at work. because among ali
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 obiecting, "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 l see gentleness in them
ms 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 n
man I'm afraid of? Why. if he ever
commanded me To marry him I'll Just
have to. Oh. don't know what do
think. Sometimes
said her father.
Yes; he asked. though he looked rs
II be preferred TO pick me up and run
off without n word How | ever de-
MED him l don't know, but l begged
him to wait, and he's coming at 5 this
afternoon for his final answer"
Southlcy laid aside his cigar and
turned to regard the pcrplexed 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 a good. long look
before you send away fellow; like
Robert Lorland"
Really, l wish l could see him as
you do; but I'm afraid can't. 1 have
the feeling that if he were ever
crossed he'd be positively brutal"
You never knew him TO do n
harsh or unknd thing. did you?"
"No; nor anything markedly kind or
gentle. either"
We'll. 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-
sentlal for the coming ordeal he re-
maincd thoughtfnlly smoking, with his
eyes fixed upon the long white stretch
OF road down which young Lorland
would shortly come marching to his
rate. Mottled shadows Of the shelter
Ing vine crcpt across the veranda floor
until they reached the spot the old
cat had chosen for her family's after
noon siesta. Apparently considering
shade unhcalthful she opened her eyes,
stretched and yawned. shook her clus-
tering offspring from their snug com
Tort and sauntcred toward the master
or the house. Arriving by his chair,
she gazed n 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 Il 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. SouthlCv
sprang to the rescue In time to pro-
vent completion of the descent.
Poosie watched him with approval. but
In the end wished she had attend
cd to the matter herself; for, after
standing moment with her venture
some child held thoughtfully before
him fha
der his arm and started Off around the
house
Edward" lie shouted to the gar
dener Edward | want to borrow
your high rubber boots And see if
you can find me Il small wooden box"
a few minutes before Lois re-
turned to the vcranda, vision in
white, but with her white face clouded
with indecision. 81 almost wish I
hadn't told you. father" said she. BE
fore that l had my mind made I'D to
send him away. Now I don't know
what 1 shall do. And he's so master
full that If / show the slightest hesi,.
tation he's sure to make me do as he
wants. Won't you stay and help meT,
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 hand on HIS
shoulder followed his gaze.
Wonder what that chaps up tor he
remarked.
"He's'too far away to make out who
he is," she replied indfferently.
The unknown had halted and taken a
stand beside the road with his back
toward them. Something in the feh
had attracted his attention.
Lets see what he is looking at"
said Southley, as he handed Lois q pair
OF field glasses and took another pair
for himself.
Without stopping to wonder how
they happened to be so ready at hand,
the girl received the binoculars and
leveled them toword tho f1ouraao, tbo