Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-07-12

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deane this morning"
Olivia bent over the heap of dusty
books, and after moments silence
said:
Yes, papa; ! am glad Of that"
Are you? Why? Well, there's moi
much to be glad of, for he was not al
home"
He was out riding, perhaps" she
said, with the faintest tinge of disap
pointment in her voice.
NO he was in" said the squire
dryly. "He was in the house, for
saw him at the window as | went up
the path"
Olivia looked round thoughtfully.
You saw him"
"At the window Yes; and he told
his servant 10 say that he was not at
home. must say was rather an
noyed. | am not used to rebuffs of
that kind, especially from strangers.
| was very much annoyed, and In
clined to tell the man that had seen
his master but | thought better of It,
and left card. think this young
fellow Is acting in a very extraordn-
airy fashion"
Olivia seemed to ponder for a mo
ment. why, dear?" she asked in
low voice.
"Why?" repeated the squire, with
the nearest approach to impatience he
ever permitted himself towards his
darling. We'll, first by buying The
Dell in the strange way he did, and
then stunning all intercourse with
his neighbors in the mysterious fash
ion he adopts. | hate mysteries
In M, opinion there Is always some.
thing shady and shameful at the
bottom Of them"
"Mr. Faradeane does not look as if
he had anything TO be ashamed Of
she said in the same low thoughtful
voice.
NO" assented the squire, i'm
patiently; that is what puzzles me.
never saw more gentleman-like
man, or one with a more proposes
ing face. But his manners and con
duct" He pulled up. However, +"
he continued, III he prefers to live a
secluded and isolated life, why that IS
his business, not mine. ! shall not
call again, Of course"
NO" said Olivia; yet BERTHE likes
him"
Likes him? How do you know
that? Oh, because he spoke up for
him yesterday. | don't know why
you should say that he likes him"
Il watched Bertie's face" said
Olivia, quietly.
The squire knitted his brows.
1T was very unfortunate his turn
ing up as he did yesterday. And those
gipsies, too. 1t was very annoying
for Mr., Bradstone. Did you enjoy
the picnic, Olivia?"
Yes" she replied, indifferently,
and turned to the books again.
1T was an admirable luncheon" he
said, watching her, with the deep lines
craving themselves in his forehead;
admirable. Mr.. Bradstone must have
spared no expense or trouble. He
did his very best to make it a sue
| cess"
Oh, yes" she assented, colby; 81
think 1t was success. Annie and
Mary enjoyed themselves"
Yes" he said, leaning his head on
| his hand, and watching her with The
same troubled anxious, wistful gaze.
Yes. Was he very attentive to
them? | didn't notice. 1t would be
very good match for one of them
He is a very rich man, olivia"
is hep" she said, with supreme
indifference. Il think this will do
for Bessie; ! remember reading it,
It. is full of incident, and yet the
characters talk naturally"
BARLEY Bradstone is very rich, -
said the squire, ignoring her criticism
Of The novel, "He would be a good
match for most girls. If he We're in
London he would be snapped up at
once"
81 daresay," said Olivia, turning the
leaves of the book carelessly.
Yes" said the squire, thoughtful
| ly, money is everything nowadays.
1t is all that anyone thinks of, and
BARLEY Bradstone has it in abund-
ance."
rs It all anyone thinks OFF, said
Olivia. 1--WE don't think of 1t much,
dear; but | suppose that's because we
have enough of It," and she smiled
with blissful serenity.
The squire shifted in his seat and
smiled, but, oh, how uneasily!
Yes, yes, daresay," he said, and
Bradstone Is a good fellow in spite of
his money"
"Yes?" said olivia 81 think ! will
so now, papa; Bessie will be waiting
for me-" and with a nod and loving
smile she left the room.
The squire looked after her with
the same troubled, wistful gaze, then
with deep sigh returned to The
l