Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1909-01-01

LOVE WINS
OUT.
f -
BY J. NORMAN.
- a.

High up on the Saiter' she sat,
throned on a granite boulder, with
the Golden Red flaming all around
her and upon her fair young head.
And Eric Leifson, the bold, tall youth,
who had dared to risk his every hope
Of happiness in a stumbling declara-
tion OF devotion, stared up at her In
joyful amazement.
"You love me-" he cried, you love
me, q poor struggling Norwegian
farmer, and you the daughter of
millionaire and the most beautiful
girl in the world?" YES" she an
swered in her deep, sweet voice, II
love YOU" and smiling little at his
lover-like praise, she added whimsi-
cally. Wont you believe me, Eric?"
He sprang to his feet and took her
boldly In his arms.
"Oh, Marjorie, it seems too good to
be true" he whispered. 81 could not
help speaking, but l never dared even
in my widest dreams to hope for
this"
Gently releasing herself she looked
at her watch.
Come, 1t is time for me to return"
she said. Father is always angry II
keep him waiting for his breakfast"
"oh, am afraid / he'd forgotten
your father" he said, blankly.
There was very little doubt as to
what Mariorie's father-who knew
nOthinU of fhoea narI., ,,aotf,.. -.
the "Salter" while he was asleep in
bed-wonld say when Eric formally
requested permission to marry his
only child. 1t came home suddenly
in the young man how preposterous
such proposal would seem to the
father of his love His beautiful Mar
jorie, heiress to thousands of acres
of rich California pasture and over a
million sheep, married to an insig-
nificant Norwegian farmer, who had
all his work cut out to make both
ends meet. Why, of course, the
American would promptly kick him
out.
"Good-by," said Eric, disconsolate-
ly, as they came near the little inu
which had the honor OF sheltering
Marjorie and her wealthy father.
TN come and see your father direct
ly after breakfast"
"Good-by,' she answered. 'I1l do
all can to win him over first. And
I'll make the coffee myself. SO that il
shall be just as he likes it, and see
that the eggs are not boiled as hard
as they were yesterday. When dad
is in good humor. there is always
hope"
The scene was certainly not an in
spring one, the lover thought, as he
stood upon the threshold of the little
inn. The prevailing note was a mel
ancholy grey. grey sky, grey granite
and grey hills tinged with steamy
mist and the famous Grey Wethers"
of Siddal Fjord-a group of bouiders
which, seen from a distance, bear
marvellous resemblance to a flock OF
grazing sheep-looked more aston
ishingly like real grey wethers than
ever.
However, he pulled himself to-
gether and boldly asked to see Mr..
Edward Petersen.
The millionaire was awaiting him.
walking up and down in the garden
back of the inn.
Marjorie has told me why you
come" he said brusquely byw of
greeting.
Look here, Mr.. Petersen" he said
conciliatipgly, Il know 1t must be
rather presumptuous to you, but |
can't help it--really l can't. I love
Marjorie and she loves me. And we
can't help that now, can we?"
you may be lacking in money, but
you are not lacking in cheek" he said
curtly.
'The question. Eric continued, .ig-
noring the sneer, lis what are you
going to do about it, Are you going
to forbid the match. or are you going
to let love have its way?"
Il am going to forbid the match"
replied Mr.. Petersen, clenching his
fists determinedly.
But why?" Eric asked. in the most
innocent. surprised tone in the world.
II love your daughter and she loves
me. Why should you refuse us per-
mission to marry2"
"Confound youl" cried the Ameri-
can angrily. you cannot possibly
keep her in the style she has been ac-
customed to-
i can make living. | shant
starve her. Wholesome food-not
your rich, indigestible messes-and
a little work won't hurt her."
Then the storm broke.
Get out!" Numbered the million
aire. Get out before you are hurt. |
never heard such impudence in all
my life"
why should I get out?" Eric
asked quietly. Il am your equal:
there is nothing outrageous in my
wanting to marry your daughter
My equal, are youg 70 you know
young man. could 'e .u up al
hundred times and va st7l
Why you conceited " Il
have over million sh
Il have a few of II
there replied the you
ing his hand In the dir
"Salters''
Pooh, you have not
feed my hands for day.
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