The Western news., 1904-04-13


it all-some idle word that had aroused
all her dormant sensitiveness. and she
was writhing under it. She doubtless
imagined that people were saying that
that old maid, Marion Foster, was try
ing to catch Mr.. Mallory. and her man
ner was her fierce, wordless refutation
of it. 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 determined way as
she was about to 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 botherng YOU" he be-
gan. fixing his glance searchingly upon
her. Come now be frank If there is
any way in which l can be of service
to so. tell me-"
Its nothing" she protested hastily,
'or, at least nothing much" Then
with an attempt ut lightness she add
ed, women who have neither fathers
nor brothers to look out for them often
have to 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 as that Of young girl, such re-
\ mark would have been impossible.
Even in that moment Mallory chuckled
to himself, yet would have liked to
1 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. l
shall count it great happiness"
Her face went scarlet.
"Such a subject seems scarcely the
proper one for jest" she retorted with
dignity. IF you will excuse me, l
have duties to attend to-" and she rose
! to leave him.
| "One moment"
| His voice rang a trife sharp and
| clear with command. The Mallory
who achieved what he wanted in life
was speaking. Miss Foster seemed to
| 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 q calm, decided voice which
somehow thrilled her with the certain
ty that he would bend her to his will.
II 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 be ridiculous if they
essayed to 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 it was not that she real
| ly thought herself outside the pale it
was only as one sensitively afraid
that she ought to 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 it's absurd for you to
say such things to a woman of my age
| and for me to listen," she continued
courageously, though Mallory noticed
that she no longer made as if to leave
him.
"My dear Miss Foster" he said per-
suasiyely, I'VE won't talk OF that
phase of the matter at all. l should
not be saying this to you if l had not
very deep regard for you, and you,
fancy, would not be listening
There was Il little incoherent muir
muir which he took for assent Then
he continued with an anxious air.
but there is an ethical side to 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 l could make
things so much easier for you and
your mother"
''That will bring her." he exulted to
| himself.
"But l 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, murmuring only, I'VE
need you, dear
On the steps Of her new home as the
carriage dashed up the drive she no.
ticed that small group awaited them.
A moment later she was clasped in a
bear hug by a 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
Mgly 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 mOthar cnx,t;p,,,l ~.