Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-09-06
CHAPTER XIV.

homewards.
1t was easy enough to carry her
head erect, and TO assume proud and
naughty mien while she was within
Faradeanes sight; but as she neared
the Grange she felt herself dropping
and she was quiyerng and trembling
In every limb as she entered the hall
She was ascending the great stair
case on her way to her room, to give
vent to her pentup feelings in secure
solitude, when footman came up 70
her.
Mr. Bradstone, miss" he said, hand
Ing her card on salver Gle is In
the drawingroom with Mr.. Vanley'
Olivia hesitated, but only for a mo-
ment; then, in a voice that sounded
strained and unnatural, she said:
Very well, ! will see him in min
ute or two"
Then she went upstairs to her room,
and flung herself on the bed, and for
q few minutes lay motionless, strug.
Cling for calm and self-possession
She had passed the Rubicon; she
had declared herself engaged to marry
BARLEY BradstOne, and she would
carry out her resolution; but how
gladly would she have died rather than
go down and tell him sol
She rose after few minutes and
bathed her face, then went slowly
downstairs
Tho squire had left the room. and
BARLEY Badstone was walking In
patiently 10 and fro over the thick
Persian carpet, and looking like a
man waiting for The verdict of n court
trying him for capital offense, and
MS tho door opened he turned with "A
start that was worry much like that Of
n culprit.
olivia did not offer him her hand,
but stood before him with pale face
and downcast eyes
You wished to see me-" she said,
and the words sounded like those
spoken by u cleyerly constructed
automaton
yes he said. neryously. raising
his restless eyes to her beautiful face.
Yes. ID could not wait any longer.
Il was anxious and-and upset.
meant to give you more time, but
haven't slept a wink since last night.
Miss Nanloy-Oliyia--you can't guess
how | love YOU" and he molstened his
dry lips.
you love me?" said olivia, as If to
herself.
Yes" he responded as there any.
thing strange In that? Why shouldn't
l love you? All--all the men |
Know, all the men who know you do.
and why shouldn't /? I'm not made
OF wood or stone | do love youl"
And you want me To be your wffo?,
calmly eoldly, almost like n statue.
lie WINGED at the matteroffact
words.
"of course. Yes, Miss Vanley-
Olivia"
ut Is so strange" she murmured, |
again as If to herself.
Strange! how stranger" ne
echoed, ldgetIng with his handker
chief.
Strange that you should want me.
while L"
She stopped and eyed him with
look In her dreamy, tear-dimmed eyes.
that ought to have stricken hin to
stone.
"fou-you mean that You don't 10
care for me? he said, eagerly. Miss
Nan!ey-Oliyia--l don't ask Won IN.
don't expect It, Why should |? ii
know I'm not At, that I'm not worthy.
that there are many men better fitted
i mean don't want you-that IL,
l don't count on that, Not at present.
I'm content to wait"
ITO wait until care for your" she
said In the tone of person who IS
making bargain, hard bargain.
That's it, he assented with fever.
ish eagorness I'm content IL youn
only promise TOTO try and think of
me as your husband. know you
won't so from your word"
mo. know that know | can trust
you and that is the reason | am so
anxious to get YOU to say that you
will be my wife"
Il see she said, her lovely eyes
looking beyond him into vacancy.
You are easily satisfied. Mr.. Brad.
stone"
Am II" he retorted. neryously. 81
don't think am"
Yes she said, dreamily, pushing
the hair from her forehead as IL n
were a heavy burden; there are so
many girls who would be glad TO hear
what--what YOU have said to me; SO
many! Better, prettier girls than |
am"
Il don't know any better or pref.
tier" he said, curtlv. There is no
one In all the world that have ever
thought of speaking to"
You are very rich she said, break
Iii