Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1906-09-10
CHAPTER XIV.

with the shame winch only d pure
hearted girl whose love has been re-
pulsed can feel, she made her way
hOmewards.
1t was easy enough to carry her
head erect, and to assume proud and
naughty mien while she was within
Faradeane's sight; but as she neared
the Grange she felt herself dropping,
and she was quiveTing 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 pent-up feelings in secure
solitude, when a footman came up TO
her.
Mr.. BTadstone, MISS he said, hand
ing her a card on a salver. He is in
the drawing-room with Mr.. Vanley.''
Olivia hesitated, but only for mo-
ment; then, in a voice that sounded
strained and unnatural she said:
Very well, I will see him in min
ute or two"
Then she went upstairs to her room,
and flung herself on the bed, and for
a 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 so!
She rose after a few minutes and
bathed her face, then went slowly
downstairs.
The squire had left the room, and
BARLEY Bradstone was walking ira-
patiently to and fro over the thick
Persian carpet, and looking like a
man waiting for the verdict of court
trying him for a capital offense, and
as the door opened he turned with a
start that was very much like that of
a 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 a cleverly constructed
autOmatOn.
YES" he said, nervously, raising
his restless eyes to her beautiful face.
Eyes, II could not wait any longer.
IL was anxious and-and upset. Il
meant to give you more time, butt
haven't slept d wink since last night
Miss Vanley-Olivia-yo can't guess
how love you" and he moistened his
dry lips.
You love me?" said Olivia, as if to
herself.
Yes, he responded. rs there any
thing strange in that? Why shouldn't
l love you? AlI-all the men
know, all the men who know you, do,
and why shouldn't I? I'm not made
of wood or stone do love you!"
And you want me to be your wife?'
calmly, coldly, almost like a statue.
He WINGED at the matter-offact |
words.
"Of course. Yes, Miss Vanley-
Olivia"
1T is so strange" she murmured, |
again as if to herself.
Strange! how stranger" he
echoed, fidaeting with his handker-
chief
Strange that you should want me,
while Il
She stopped and eyed him with
look in her dreamy, tear-dimmed eyes, |
that ought to have stricken him to
stone.
"You-you mean that you don't 10
care for me? he said, eagerly. Miss
Vanley-Olivia-I don't ask you 10, |
don't expect it. Why should I? I |
know I'm not fit, that I'm not worthy, |
that there are many men better fitted
i mean-I don't want you-that is,
/ don't count on that. Not at present |
I'm content TO wait"
ITO wait until 1 care for your" she |
said in the tone of a person who is
making a bargain, a hard bargain.
That's it," he assented, with fever !
ish eagerness. I'm content if you'll
only promise TOTO try and think of |
me as your husband. I know you |
won't go from your word"
No, know that, know can trust |
you and that is the reason 1 am so
anxious to get you to say that you
will be my wife"
4 see" she said, her lovely eyes
looking beyond him into vacancy. |
You are easily satisfied, Mr.. Brad
stone"
Am y" he retorted, nervously. 81
don't think I am"
Yes" she said, dreamily, pushing
the hair from her forehead as if it |
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 l
am"
Il don't know any better or pref
tier he said. CURLY. There Is no
Oua in oil fba world fbo+ bovA avar