The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-07-28

vi. M hilssn-~rIhIli ii'Nlliii't "
shall think have offended you--and I
would not do that for the whole world"
he added in low, earnest voice.
Ell She both disliked and dstrusted him
He had come quite recently to Bel
borough, and having rendered slight
service to her father when he had been
taken Ill during a drive, and had been
asked to Silverbeech, where he had
given It to be understood that he was
q wealthy American. He had since pes
tered Olive with attentions, which were
profoundly unwelcome, but had never
before taken such a liberty as this.
Il can give you no other answer, Mr..
Merridew," she said and rose.
In America. such offerings are quite
usual, Miss rarmenter." he persisted
rising also
I'VE are not in America. But in any
case I could not think Of it,
He laid the case down. Don't 60
please. and please listen to me a min
ute. Miss Parmenter-Olive-Iw wish to
have the right to give you such
things" he said. He spoke in a deep
vibrating tone, and fixed on her look
of intense feeling.
She paused and bit her lip and then
met his gaze frankly.
II won't affect to misunderstood you,
Mr.. Merridew, but
lie took her hand and interrupted
her, speaking passionately. II cannot
keep silent any longer. love you,
Olive. I want you for my wife. can
not live without YOU
Let me go at once. Mr. Merridew."
she cried quickly, trying to withdraw
her hand from his grasp.
Not until you have heard me-" he
answered doggedly. "You must see for
yourself how I love you. 1t is the one
passion of my life; the love Of man
| who has never before cared even to
look into a woman's eyes. Yu must be
my Wife"
will you release me, or must 1 cali
for help?'
For Gods sake!" he cried. He re-
leased her hand then, and the stren-
uous pressure of his fingers had left
its marks on her white flesh.
She drew away and stood moment
nursing the hand he had gripped SO
violently. II am sorry this has oc-
CURED, Mr.. Meridew; but YOU must
Although you have not been here long,
YOU must know that am about en-
gagged to Mr.. Fenwick /"
The heir to a peerage!" he exclaimed
with curl of the lip and shrug Of
anger.
The man love. Mr.. Merridew," an
swered Olive proudly. will YOU please
I spare me the pain of prolonglng this
scene?"
He is little more than boy. What
can he know Of love-" he burst out,
would lay down by life for you,
and. ! will not see you sacrificed. You
Ought to know that only your money
will induce his family to countenanca
such a marriage"
You forget yourself. I am going to
the house" said Olive CURLY, and turn
ed away.
But he seized her hand again and
spoke with mounting vehemence.
WHAT chance Of happiness will YOU
have with his family? You know how
marriage is regarded by such people.
1 Ills fancy will pass in a month; your
wealth will have redeemed their pawn
( ed estates, and then you will be a mere
thing of sufferance with them. It is
4 only your money they seek Ills mother,
! Lady Belborough, has said as much.
l You are buying a title, That's ALL"
Olives face was set and n flush az
81
! mean to force me to call the servants
I to protect me from your insults and
4 violence?" she asked.
Every word | say is true. Trample
I on my love If YOU will. but YOU shall
/ not be trtcked for want of word OF
| warning firm me. l am willing to meet
/ Lady Relborough and repeat to her
face what have Just said to you.''
For moment the two stood staring
I flHedly into each Others eyes, and
then her name was called, "Olive.
A Olive!"
y am here Jack, the rosery." she
ca!led IN answer Then to her COM
panion, You will have an opportunity
Z now, Here is Mr.. Fenwick himself
4 He frowned ane let her hand fall a
1 tall. upstandlng young fellow, with
\ fair, frank handsome features, came
1. hurrying UP. lie took Olives hand
with a bright smile, and gave her com
7 Panlon curt, unfriendly nod
4 thought you We're hiding from me
+ olive he said with a smile.
MI Merridew was OBTAINING ne
4 Jack, Now sir" she added, v-ith q
II note Of challenge In her voice
Mefr!dew had no lack of courage, and
LOOK UP the challenge instantly Il was
tslilng. MISS Parmehter Mr. Fenwick
maj heard your mother say in regard
70 her -that she was only To be tolcra /.
ted ms a possible Wife for You becua Sc
Of her fathers Millions
n JACK started as If ne had beer
atruels' rs this fellow trying TO par,
US, oliye?4 80
Merrldew answered for himself, q
asked Miss parmenter 10 honor me Vim
her hand and when she retlsed
lhoqGht she ought 10 know The trutf
about your mothers feelings in tht
, matter am willing to repea, ii If
LsaH Belhorough's presence if 70,
wisi,r
Lock here" began Jack ansrily
elehehing ms FISTS Then he checket
he said