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


in his for a moment or so, then slow
ly withdrew it., and walked to the
window. He followed her hesitatingly
May | stay?" he asked
moi" she said not coldly, but
with terrible calmness. Il want t.
Think would rather"
81 understand; Of course you'd like
to be aone-after all this. I'll GO
and tell the squire" he said
smothering sigh Of dlsappoint
ment.
She turned on him quickly.
you will not tell him"
about our bargain? No, trust
me-" he said, with a sharp smile and
a CLEAN of cunning in his small eyes.
Goodbye, then-till-'
He waited for her to fix time, but
she merely murmured Goodbye, %
and with a wistful glance at her he
| left the room.
She stood looking out at the bright
| flowers, her face pale, and wearing
the rapt preoccupied expression it
had borne all through the interview.
Then, as she heard the door open,
she forced a smile to her lips. and
turned with her back to the window
to receive her father.
"Olivia!" he said, coming to her
quietly. Is this true?"
That | am engaged to Mr.. Brad
stone papa?" she said, with an I'M
natural cheerfuIness, quite true
Has he told your"
yes; the poor fellow is half,mad
with joy; | never saw him so-but
let me look at you"
And he took her in his arms and
looked at her searchingly.
She bore it for a moment or two.
then hid her face on his shoulder.
Are you pleased, papa?" she said
In a low voice
"Pieased?' he echoed, and there
was a strange ring in his grave voice,
a vague anxiety. Eyes, yes-that Is,
If you are pleased. 1t is for you TO
decide, my child. | have said all
along, | have told sim repeatedly, that
not by word or look would | seek to
influence you. If have, it has been
unconsciously,"'
NO. dear" she murmured. And
you have not 1t is Of my own free
willard you are pleased? Tell me-
papa"
She seemed to crave word of aD
prevail or satisfaction from him.
"Of course | am pleased" he said,
grayely. "BartIey-by the way, You
must not call him Mr.. Bradstone any
more-Bartley Is good fellow. /
have always said SO, and though you
might have done better, as the cant
of the world goes, he is wealthy
man, very wealthy man, | think,
ana that means so much now, Olivia.
And he stiled a sigh.
Eyes" she said, softly. 81 know
that, and Mr.. Brad-Bartley "-tho
name seemed to leave her lips awk-
wardIy-"is generous"
II think so, | think so, | have al |
ways said So" he assented, as If he
were eager to emphasize the good |
points of his future son-in-law Did |
he speak to you Of money!" he said,
after a moments pause.
yes" she replied. He told me
that | could have as much as | want |
ed, That was generous, papa?"
VERY. 1t bears out my estimate
of his character" he said, his brow
knitting itself "He-he told you
that?"
yes she said in low voice.
Heaven grant you have done wise.
ly!" he said. "Of one thing there
eau be no doubt; he loves you very
deeply Olivia"
Yes" she assentcd.
And your"
She kept the brave smile on her
face.
81 shall make him as good wife as
| can dear" she said. II think ne |
will be very happy"
He drew her to him and kissed her. |
1T Is of your happiness am think.
Ing he said in low, nervous voice |
but | think you have done right. |
Heaven send you every joy, my child. |
You have been, and will still be. all |
the world to me-all che world" He
broke off abruptly, as if unable to
continue and, gently releasing her, |
walked aside for moment. Then
he came back to her. you will live
at The Naples, Olivia? could not
lose you-l could not! There must |
be an understanding bargain"
A faint shudder ran through her at |
the sound of the hateful word.
There shall be bargain. dear"
she said, smiling, MIR. Brad-Bart. |
ley has just told me that we should |
live where | please, and the nearer | |
am to you-ah. if we could only live
here?"
why should you not?" he respond. |
ed eagerly; then he checked himself