Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1909-02-03

KIND OIL ecnarlty. Work IN amusing me-
said l had taken fancy to her
and it's true. Robert. 2
"Eh!"
"Yet, Robert l can't quite say that
am ready to take her as daughter
in-law. Think of the talk it would
1nakel"
The man laughed.
II see you haven't quite surrendered.
my dear. And what's the girls manner"
"Elinor Viets."
THAT'S not bad. OF course, you
didn't exchange cards?"
81 thought of inventing name, but
couldn't bring myself to do that I
suppose she thinks I'm forgetful old
creature who doesn't remember even
the common usages of polite society"
The man leaned back in the deep
chair and interlocked his fingers.
WELL" lie said, things are not
nearly as bad as they might be. Up to
the present moment l must frankly
admit that the girl seems too good for
the boy
"Robert!"
"It's the unpleasant truth. OF course,
he's improving, but don't let your
mother heart cherish any belief that
thisI fine young girl take her at your
Down valuation-isn't much better than
this hayward boy Of ours. But there,
we'll postpone any further discussion
until after the coming ride"
So 1t was Wednesday evening when
they took up the subject again. The
man was waiting in the library for the
woman to come home.
He looked up as she came through
the doorway. Then he quickly arose
and went to her, and took her cloak
and led her to chair.
"Why, Emily" he said. What's
happened?"
For a moment she could not find her
voice.
.srhey nre to be married Tuesday
evening" she sobbed.
The man whistled.
''The boy seems to be developing en-,
ergy along with his other awakened
qualities. There, there, calm yourself
and tell me about it,
The woman waited moment.
/ II drew her out" she began, "and
soon found that she wanted to talk to
a woman-it seems she has no intimate
girl friends and she told me just
/ what wanted to know, and yet dread
ed to hear. She is very fond Of Ed
gar and she has the fullest confidence
in him. He told her about his wild
days and how he quarreled with his
father and mother. She doesn't know
/ who his parents are-Edgar doesn't
want to talk about the past-but she
feels convinced they are wrong in their
treatment Of Edgar, She is sure they
didn't understand him, that his mother
was indulgent and his father unwise.
Edgar needed an object In life, he
needed to be thrown on his own re-
sources. Now he had her. She
paused and drew quick breath.
Think of mother listening to, all
this!"
1T is a rather novel situation" said
| the man.
"Why, l can't even give her we'd
ding present" she sobbed.
"You might send 1t anonymously"
he suggested. but people who give
wedding presents never do that. Tues
day evening, Ell? Did sou find out
the name Of the clergyman?
yes. 1t was the Fey, T,ank Darn
ley.' s
Frank Darnley? Oh, yes, he Is on
the Samaritan board. met him at
the annual meeting the other day. He
wanted to interest me In some special
mission work he has undertaken" He
Hooked around suddenly. would you
like to go to this wedding?"
Eyes. Robert"
II might buy off the girl"
1 The woman shook her head.
you haven't money enough to do
that. Robert"
Fine. Then the wedding goes on.
And tomorrow will send for the Rev.
Frank Darnley. He will be glad to
come. believe have little gift for
his mission project. When he comes
1 will make the necessary arrange
ments." He went over and gently
smootlled the woman's hair. II think
this is going to turn out ell right" he
said.
1t was Tuesday evening and the
Rev. Frank Darnley sat in his little
parlor and waited for the girl and the
man who had asked his professional
services. 1t was neat little parlor,
nicely furnished, with folding doors
that connected it with the sitting room
beyond. These doors were closed and
the Rev. Frank Darnley inspected
them carefully before he answered the
bell.
When he returned from the front
door he brought with him the girl and
the hayward son. He greeted them
i cordially and babe them be seated
1--WE are in something Of a hurry"
said the young man. Eve have a
brief little trip in view, and time ia.
bles make no provision for delayed
happy pairs.
He laughed and the young pastor
laughed with him.
The girl -unfastened her travelling
cloak.
would 1t be possible" she said,
"for you to have a woman present DUR
ing the ceremony? have fancy
that I would like it better"
The young pastor frightened.
4. why, yes" he answered. II have
two visitors at the present moment, a
very worthy couple. will ask them
to be witnesses in accordance with
the state law"
And he slipped from the room. He
was back presently.
"They will be glad to aid U.s." he
said little hurriedly. '1rhey will
stand in the doorway here while the
ceremony proceeds. If you are quite