Democratic messenger., 1904-04-16

IL all some idle word that had aroused
all her dormant Scns;iivcncss. and she
was writhing under II. She doubtless
imagined that people were saying that
that old maid. Marion Foster. was try
ing 10 catch Mr.. Mallory. and her man.
ner was her fierce. wordless refutation
of il. The lines of care were deepen
ing in her face day by day. and his
heart ached for her.
II want to speak To you. Miss Fos-
ter" he said in a determined way as
she WAS about 10 pass him in the hall
one day with her usual brief greeting.
Certainly she replied somewhat
uncomfortably. and they sat down in
the quiet drawing room together.
Something is bothering you" he be-
gan. fixing his glance scarchinsly upon
her. Come now. be frank If there is
any way In which can be of service
to You tell me-"
Its nothing" she protested hastily.
.'Or. at least. nothing much Then
with an attempt at lightness she add
ed. Women who have neither fathers
have 10 worry. You know"
Another sort of woman might have
added Husbands" but to Miss Foster,
whose consciousness upon the subjects
of love and matrimony was as shrink
Ing rs that of a young girl. such n re-
mark would have been impossible.
Even in that moment Mallory chuckled
IN hi,ns.f hax nI tN
take her In his arms and put himself
between her and the world forever.
Marry me-" he said softly. Give
me the right to take care of you. !
shall count 1t great happiness"
Her face went scarlet.
'Such subject seems scarcely the
proper one for jest" she retorted with
dignity IF you will excuse me. I
have duties to attend to- and she rose
to leave him.
"One moment"
His voice rang trihe sharp and
clear with command. The Mallory
who achieved what he wanted in life
feel this. and she sat down again as
Obediently as child. though he could
see that her hands were quivering
nervOusly.
You have misunderstood me-" he
said in n calm. decided voice which
somehow thrilled her with the certain
ty that he would bend her to his WILL
81 have no intention of indulging in
the sentimental talk OF man Of twen-
ty-five." he went on. taking one of her
slim hands In his and looking at her a
bit quiZzically. Love. of course. is a
matter of years. A man and woman of
fifty would only he ridiculous il they
essayed 10 speak that language"
But I'm only thirty nine" she ex-
claimed. surprised into protest
Mallory could have roared with laugh
ter at the innocent only" AS he had
supposed. then il was not that she real
ly thought herself outside the pale: 1t
was only as one ScnSitively afraid
that she ought 10 think so. He could
not entirely Danish the teasing smile
from his eyes. and she felt vaguely
that she had walked into the trap he
had set for her.
But of course its absurd for you to
and for me 10 listen she continued
couraseously. though Mallory noticed
that she no longer made as IL 10 leave
him.
My dear Miss Foster he said per-
suasively we won't talk of that
ha NJ lao, t.ar nf al I Shnnld
not be saying this TO you il had not
very deep regard for you. and you,
fancy. would not be listening"
There was II little incoherent muir
muir which he took for assent. Then
he continued with an anxious air.
But there is an ethical side 10 the
matter that persons of our age should
consider. You would be doing a beau
tiful act if you would take my children
and me in hand. and could make
things so much easier for you and
your mother
THAT will bring her" he exulted to
himself.
But thought your children were
grown
They're over twenty" he admitted
boldly. but that is the very age at
which young people most need the con-
trolling influence of home"
He could see that she was awaken
Ing. and he wisely refrained from fur
ther persuasion. murInurirg only, I'VE
need You. dear
On the steps OF her new home as the
carriage dashed up the drive she no.
ticed that Il small group awaited them.
A moment later she was clasped In a
bear hug by n bright faced girl who
said. My dear little new mother" SO
warmly that she loved her on the spot
as well as the manly youth who laugh
ingly took her next. pleading Me too"
And this is my husband. Ralph"
the girl explained as another young
man stepped forward. "And this, ia
net. Harry's wife"
Then nurse moved forward into
the circle. holding a bulky armful.
And this. mother" continued the
girl proudly, rs your little grand