Amador ledger., 1907-12-27
IOriginal.l

wanted. She wants me, and l don't
doubt that you will not refuse her. 1
have the honor to ask that you will
give me to her."
Mr.. Atkinson when the young man
began laid down his paper, took his
cigar from between his lips and sat
with it between his first and second
fingers. There was no readable express
sion on his face. Indeed, 1t was sd
penetrable. 1t was some time after
the request had been made before he
moved; then he resumed his cigar,
gave few deliberate puffs and, again
lowering it, said:
you are quite right in assuming
that my daughter has always been
given what she has desired. No other
course has been possible. From her
earliest childhood she has dominated
every one of her family by an iron will
which would get anything she wished
out Of brazen image. 1t doesn't mat
ter that you can't afford to give her
luxuries. She will have them so long
as you have a cent left. Then after
she has exhausted your resources she
will doubtless come back upon me.
Her marriage with you, however, will
enable me to make an escape. The
day that you are married propose to
take her mother abroad, and we shall
fix our residence in some corner of the
globe where your wife will not be able
to find US. This is the happiest day /
have known since the little curmud-
geon was born. How soon can you ar
range to be married."
AS Mr.. Atkinson proceeded with his
catalogue Of terrors young Mason look
ed for some indication that he was
speaking in jest. But there was not
the slightest evidence of anything of
the kind-no twinkle in the eye, no
curve of the lips. And when he had
finished he breathed a sigh, as If hav-
ing shifted great burden.
do you really mean that Louise
Isl
II am not so dishonorable as to per-
init young man just starting in life
to put his neck in yoke without in
forming him Of the facts. Louise is
capable, attractive, and there is moth
ing mean about her. But you must be
prepared when you marry her to give
up the last vestige of independence.
She will rule you as she has ruled me
with rod Of IRON
"She has never shown
mo, she has not shown her defect to
you. As you say, she wants you. She
will h0x -
to give you a foretaste Of what is to
come. But should one of her cyclones
get the better of her discretion that
would make no difference in the end.
She has set her heart on having you,
and nothing can save you from her."
Really" twitching nervously, 'this
Is astonishing"
"Let me know" added the prospec-
tive father-in-law, taking up his paper,
cat what date the wedding Is to take
place. Ny daughter will desire to
make splendid affair of it, and by
way Of preparation must get in some
loans I have out"
Having thus put an end to the inter-
view, Mr.. Atkinson began to scan the
ACWo du0 4NdSOn WlUuuIcW. LOUISE
was waiting for him in another room,
but he skunk out of the front door and
vanished down the street. Louise, sur
prised. went to the library.
Hasn't Roland been here, papaY'
she asked.
ayes"
"And you have refused? Have you
sent him awayT
mot at ALL He chose an original
way Of making his request, and chose
IN original way Of granting it.''
"What did you tell him?"
'That you would rule him with a rod
Of iron"
why, papar'
"An women rule, whether by rod
Of iron or Of flowers. Never mind, lit
tie girl. II he's not fool he will come
back"
He never came back, and Louise
soon became satisfied to have him re-
main away. She married far better
man. LOUISE G. FARRELL