The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1907-10-12
: BY ID. G. Murray
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Phe major had not many people to talk
to at Houfoy, and the unrestricted use
of his native language was like a treat
to him. He did not notice Maskelyne's
silence until he had exhausted his own
budget of news and had made his final
reflection upon it's contents. By that
time it began to strike him that Maske-
lyne's manner was unusually subdued and
serious.
II say" he exclaimed, stopping short
and turning to face the young American,
you're not looking very bright, just now.
Been ill?"
mo" returned Maskelyne, 1T have
been very we'll. Major Butler, l wanted
to say word to you upon a topic of great
moment to myself"
yes" said the major, facing him, and
| transferring his gun from one arm to the
other.
you are Miss Buffers guardian" said
| Maskelyne; and this time the majors
heart bumped for he saw what was COM
ing. "I have to ask your permission to
approach your niece with an offer Of mar
riage."
my dear Maskelyne," said Butler, al
most as hurriedly as If he had feared the
offer might be retracted, 81 am delighted
to hear you say SO, and wish you luck
| II am right in assuming that Miss But
Ter is free" asked Maskelyne.
Certainly" said Butler, certainly.
She's only child Never had proposal
in her life. thought you had something
Of this kind on your mind when you
were here before. That is, fancied you
might have. VIII you speak to her your
SELF or shall II"
Before Maskelyne could reply Angela
herself appeared at the edge of her favor
lite pine wood-at the identical spot, II
anybody had known 1t, at which O'Rourke
had been detected by Dobroski in the act
of embracing the pretty widow. Maske-
lyme raised his hat and Angela came for
ward to meet them.
81 will speak for myself" said the
lover in an undertone, IF you will allow
me-"
"Of course" replied the major, "of
coarse"
He began to beam with triumph and
complacency. Angela, blushing and pale
by turns, walked toward them at so slow
a pace that Maskelyne thought her reluc-
tant. She shook hands with enforced
smile.
"You have finished your business In
England?" she asked. welcome to Hou-
foy."
Look here, Maskelyne," said the ma
jor; you'll excuse me for just q minute,
know" With that he turned tail and
bolted triumphantly, and Maskelyne stood
holding the girls hand in his own. She
made little attempt to withdraw 1t, bu!
he insisted on retaining it, and she let II
rest.
81 had no business In England" said
Maskelyne; but l was afraid to come
back"
"AfraidT'
"I don't know how I found the cour.
age to come at ALL" he answered. "But
had to come" Angela made another
little movement to withdraw her hand
but he held 1t still. Miss Butler, love
you; and l am here to ask you IL yor
will be my wife"
Miss Butler bent her head and sale
nothing; but he was not to be heater
now by anything short of sheer defeat.
at never thought Of marriage until
, saw you," he pursued; "and II you ga!
. no, I'll 60 away at once, and be no NOR,
| IrOuDl6 10 you. II Worthless SOOu
for-nothing sort Of fellow, and Nv,
never done anything but loaf about ant
spend other peoples earnings; but thinl
l should be a better man IL you took m
:. In hand. II didn't believe 30 I shout,
: be too much ashamed to dare to ask you
VIII you try me, Miss Butlerf shout,
have one merit. don't believe anybod
!. was ever so dear to anybody else as yo'
= are to me"
Il Still Miss Butler bent her head an
said nothing. He took her hand In bot
: his own.
= angela" he said, do you send m
u away again1 Am to 60 backT
mo" said Angela, In an almost maud
: Bile whisper.