The Irish standard., 1910-11-12
and who is glad to see people de-

things
Il presume" said Haldane, who had
said little but had thought deeply
that such proposition, if definitely
made, would be made to me-
well then, Of course" said his wife
you will give but one answer"
"And what would you suggest that
should be-" asked Haldane.
ITO show him the door,"
Il hardly think" returned her hus.
band, that I should be guilty Of that
discourtesy."
, There is no use," interposed her
daughter, ito discuss the matter any
further; for he hasn't asked me, l
haven't accepted him. don't know
whether he ever will ask me or not,
and until he does why trouble about
ftp"
We'll, what does he mean then by
telling you that he loves you? Loves,"
sneered the older woman disdain-
fully.
YES said her father. ct seems to
me rather remarkable course for a
man to address woman in that way,
and yet not complete his proposition
"He said that something was inl-
pending which made him feel that 1t
was proper to 5eil me this now
Something impeEdirg??"
Some sort of disclosure, Inferred"
answered the girl. that might affect
him Or possibly me-"
! TIaldane started,
Well" he said, 81 90 not quite
agree with your mother. There is NO
insult III the honest affection Of any
Ecaest man. But if he approaches you
upon the subject. wish that you
would refer him to me-
"Father!'
"Bee!.maa." exclaimed the older
woman, greatly surprised. You don't
mean"
"Now. don't mean anything. ex-
cept Just what I say" answered Hal
dane decisively. 1T is proper that
such proposition should be made to
me; and in short very greatly desire
| to be allowed to discuss tie matter, If
| It goes any further, with Mr. Gormly
personally"
FIaldanc spoke sternly, and his wife
at once subsidized, as she Invariably
did when he assumed that mood.
Eleanor, however, was not SO easily
s;lenccd
"Of COURSE. in airy event you would
! be consulted. father" size said firmly:
"but so ia: az the disposition OF my
hand gees. that is matter that corr
Germs Ill: heart and it is one which,
although should be very glsd Of your
/ counsel and your approval, I shall
/ have to decide myself
| Quite so. quite So said Haldane.
/ 81 have no other idea
Al this moment. which threatened
to sroV' more tense. Livingston Hal
dane entered the room He was great
iy perturbed ard alarmed.
| "Father,' he said abruptly. IT want
TO see you alone for moment or two
please"
What has haprercd:" began Hal
dane. rising. 49,.
why, Mr.. Gormly- But would
rather see you alone"
| Has he mace proposition to you
! for your sisters hand?' questioned
, Mrs. Haldane
What" exclaimed her son.
Eleanor" explained his mother.
''has just stated that Mr. Gorr1ly took
advantage of your kindness to him the
Other night, after that disgraceful cpl
scdc in the city hall, to mako love to
| her in the tonneau Of the car
"You don't say!" exclaimed the
young man, apparently neither shock.
Ct. nor surprised. Well he's good
; one. What did You say to him, sis?"
1T is very unpleasant to me to have
these matters discussed in this way"
ans wered Eleanor her face blushing.
CAS- I have explained to father and
mother, Mr.. Gormly did me the honor
to say that he cared great deal for
me. Te did not ask me to be his wife,
although he expressed his intention of
doing SO. He said that certain things
had made him anticipate his purpose
and state his feelings toward me now
without waiting, as he had expected
to do until the end of the election"
what things?'' asked young Hal
dane. Things that concerned him,
Or"
IT don't know what they are"
well think l do" returned the
young man.
What are they?' his sister asked
him with great eagerness.
But young Haldane was not quite
prepared to declare what things they
were.
ION second thoughts" he said, eva
sively II don't know. At any rate
want to talk some matters over with
father"
Financial matters, my boy?"
political"
very we'll. II your mother and sis
ter will excuse us, we will go into
the library
Certainly" answered Mrs. Haldane,
making virtue Of necessity.
"If they concern me or my rela-
tion fo Mr. COrm1v" said E1eanor HI