The Havre herald., 1908-03-13

The major had not many people to talk
to at Houfoy, and the unrestricted use
Of his native language was like 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. Dy 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 ill7'
No" returned Maskelyne. Il have
been very we'll. Major Butler, I wanted
o say word to you upon q topic of great
moment to myself"
l-es?" 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. Il 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 | 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. thought you had something
Of this kind on your mind when you
were here before. That is, I fancied you
| 3,h+ - ha,.
self, or shall I?''
Before Maskclyne could reply Angela
herself appeared at the edge Of her favor
ite 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.
II will speak for myself" said the
lover in an undertone, "if you will allow
me- '9
"Of course replied the major ''oi
course ~
He began to beam with triumph and
complacency. Angela, blushing and pale
by turns. walked toward them at SO slow
pace that Maskelyne thought her reluc
tant She shook hands with enforced
smile. "..
"You have finished your business il
England?" she asked. 'Welcome to Hou
foy."
Look here, Maskelyne," said the ma
jor; you'll excuse me for just minute
I know" With that he turned tail anc
bolted triumphantly, and Maskelyne stood
holding the girls hand in his own. She
made little attempt to withdraw it, bu
he insisted ON retaining it, and she let i
rest. .--..-
II had no business in England" sait
Maskelyne; "but I was afraid to com.
back"
"Afraid?"
II don't know how I found the cour
age to come at ALL" he answered. "Bu
had to come.' Angela made another
little movement to withdraw her hand
but he held it still. Miss Butler, low,
you; and I am here to ask you if yo,
will be my wife,
Miss Butler bent her head and sait
nothing; but he was not to be beate1
now by anything short of sheer defeat.
II never thought of marriage until
saw you," he pursued; "and If you sa,
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 ",
never done anything but loaf about an,
spend other peoples earnings; but I thinl
I should be better man If you took M
In hand. If l didn't believe so / shoule
be too much ashamed to dare to ask you
VIII you try me, Miss Butler? I shoule
have one merit don't believe anybod,
was ever SO dear to anybody else as 70,
are to me-" &
Still Miss Butler bent her head AM
said nothing. He took her hand in botl
his own. --
"Angela," he said, do you send m
away again? Am l to go back?"
NO" said Angela, in an almost inaudi
BILE whisper.