Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1908-02-21

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. BY that
time it began to strike him that Maske-
lyne's manner was unusually subdued and
serious.
81 say" he exclaimed, stopping short
and turning to face the young American,
you're not looking very bright, just now.
Been iIl?"
NO" returned Maskelyne, II have
been very we'll. Major Butler, wanted
to say a word to you upon topic Of great
moment to myself"
"Ies?" 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
rage"
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 l 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, 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
tie pine wood--at the identical spot, If
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, "oi
course"
He began to beam with triumph and
cemplacency. 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
England2" she asked. "Welcome to Hou
foy."
Look here, Maskelyne," said the ma
jor; you'll excuse me for just minute
l know" With that he turned tail ant
bolted triumphantly, and Maskelyne stoot
holding the girls hand in his own. Sh
made little attempt to withdraw 1t, blu
he insisted on retaining it, and she let
rest.
at had no business in England" sal
Maskelyne; 'but / was afraid to com
back"
"AfraidP'
II don't know how l found the coul
age to come at ALL" he answered. N"Bu
had to come" Angela made anothe
little movement to withdraw her hant
but he held 1t still. Miss Butler, Low
you: and l am here to ask you if 20
will be my wife,"
Miss Butler bent her head and sal
nothing; but he was not to be beate
now by anything short of sheer defeat
''Y never thought Of marriage until
saw you" he pursued; "and IL you sa
no, I'll go away at once, and be no MOI
.. trouble to you. I'm a worthless gooC
for-nothing sort of a fellow, and "
never done anything but loaf about an
spend other peoples earnings; but thin
should be a better man If you took n
!. In hand. If didn't believe so l shoul
: be too much ashamed to dare to ask 20,
viii you try me. Miss Batler? l shoul
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 ar
said nothing. He took her hand in bot
his own.
Angela" he said. do you send n
away again? Am to go back?"
mo-" said Angela, in an almost maud
= BILE whisper.