Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1910-06-03

ing shortly.
"A lawyer perhaps? They are
very troublesome correspondents.
those lawyers"
"A letter from my brother
George" the other answered, with a
glance at the Frenchman's face.
"An invitation to Rhoda."
M. LEROY raised his eyebrows
slightly.
care we on such terms with our
brother? congratulate you. my
friend Dering."
THANK you! Rhoda is going al
most at once.
There was silence for a moment.
Then M. LEROY said carelessly:
"a long visit?"
"A life long visit in all probable
ity. Rhoda will live in England in
future"
There was another silence. Mr..
Dering watched the Frenchman's
face furtively. but it told him little.
M. LEROY spoke first.
IT had the honor a few days ago,
to make certain proposals to you.
Did express myself clearly on that
occasion?"
"Quite clearly, my friend"
"Then why does mademoiselle go
to England? Am to understand"
"You are to understand. my dear
LEROY, that 1 feel very deeply the
honor of the alliance you propose.
but 1t cannot be-"
"And why?"
Mr.. Dering shrugged his shoul-
ders.
"A girl has fancies about such
things. l wish Rhoda to chose for
herself; and. to speak quite frankly,
my friend, she does not choose you" !"
But you give me no chance.
hoped that in this journey to-
gether-"
Mr.. Dering interrupted the
Frenchman sharply.
"It's out of the question:! Take
your answer. Lefroy. You and l go
alone. Your marriage with my
daughter is utterly out of the ques-
ton.
The Frenchman drew back in his
chair with sudden jerk. 1t was
the only sign he showed that the
words had moved him. There was a
deadly calmness in his tone and
| manner as he answered.
You speak strongly, mon ami.
Have you looked at the game thor
oughly.
II know your cards. Play them
all. Do your worst"
You are excited, too much ex-
cited. Allow me to withdraw from
my position. l congratulate made
moiselle on her good fortune. You
have a very good brother, my dear
friend"
He got up as the door opened be-
hind him and stepped forward to
meet Rhoda.
II have Just heard the good news.
mademoiselle," he said. with a low
bow. you leave us desolate; but an
English home is to be made glad by
our loss. l congratulate that Eng
lish home"
Thank you, Monsieur Lefroy!"
Rhoda returned, with a slight bow.
II am glad to go to England"
How glad England will be to re-
ceive you! How thrice fortunate
your uncle's happy family! You will
be able to enliven the long winter
evenings. mademoiselle. by long
tales Of your travels"
"Rhoda Is taking notes for that
purpose" her father broke In. She
will have many stories to tell them
ALL"
II am surprised" M. LEROY went
on. Forgive me, mademoiselle, for
being so surprised; but l thought"
"You see, Lefroy," Mr.. Dering
again broke in. what surprises you
is an old tale with US. They have
wanted Rhoda for years. but she
would not leave her father. am
not invited to Dering. That might
surprise you indeed"
"They are very good and kind,
your English relatives. If appear
Surprised, mademoiselle, it is that
you have waited SO long"
your surprise Is quite natural,
M. LEROY" returned Rhoda quiet
ly. A scarlet spot of color had come
into each cheek, and her eyes were
dark with anger, but her voice was
very calm. Luncheon is ready"
she added, turning away and ad-
dressing her father. will you
come into the other room?"
II had hoped so much that you
would come with us next week." the
Frenchman went on, drawing a step
! nearer to her.
Mr.. Dering glanced at them both
and then busied himself with his
cigar-case. M. LEROY went on in a
| lower tone.
Can l not persuade you? Eng
land is cold; English people will not
| understand you. Mademoiselle, l en-
treat you, do not 60 to England"
England is my native country"
Rhoda answered. meeting his pas
I -