The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1907-09-28
0Q9288SS
-N THE GIRL WITH 9-
W- A MILLION ~
BY d. G. Murray

The 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.
Il say" he exclaimed, stopping short
and turning to face the young American,
you're not looking very bright, just now.
Been ill.,"
been very well. Major Butler, wanted
to say word to you upon topic of great
moment to myself"
"les?" 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. II 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, II am delighted
to hear you say so, and 1 wish you luck"
Il 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. 1 thought you had something
of this kind on your mind when you
were here before. That is, l fancied you
might have. Will 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, if
anybody had known it, 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.
Il will speak for myself" said the
lover in an undertone, "if you will allow
me-"
"Of course" replied the major, 'of
course"
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 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 it, but
he insisted on retaining it, and she let it
rest.
II had no business in England" said
Maskelyne; ''but l was afraid to come
back"
'..Afraid?"
81 don't know how 1 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 it still. Miss Butler, love
you: and | am here to ask you if you
will be my wife"
Miss Butler bent her head and said
nothing but he was not to be beaten
now by anything short of sheer defeat.
Il never thought of marriage until l
saw you," he pursued; land if you say
no, I'll go away at once, and be no more
trouble to you. I'm a worthless good
for-nothing sort of a fellow, and I've
never done anything but loaf about and
spend other peoples earnings; but think
l should be better man if you took me
in hand. If l didn't believe so l should
be too much ashamed to dare to ask you.
Will you try me, Miss Butler? 1 should
have one merit. 1 don't believe anybody
was ever so dear to anybody else as you
are to me-
| Still Miss Butler bent her head and
| said nothing. He took her hand in both
his own.
angela" he said, do you send me
| away again? Am l to go back?"
NO." said Angela, in an almost inaudi-
BILE whisper.