The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-01-08

Elisabeth were long, her brows
long and straight and delicate'v
fine. A Betty might even have red
hair; Elisabeth's was brown IN
most lights, and SO liquid smooth
that almost l was disposed to call
it dense rather than thick. Betty
would seem to indicate a nature
impulsive. gay, and free from care;
on the other hand, it was to be said
of Elisabeth that she was logical
beyond her kinda trait which she
got from her mother, a daughter of
old Judge Henry Gooch of our
superior court. Yet, disposed as
she always was to be logical in
her conclusions, the great charac-
teristic of Elisabeth was serenity,
consideration and charity.
With all this, there appeared
sometimes at the surface of Elisa
beth's nature that fire and light
ness and impulsiveness which she
goth from her father, Mr.. Daniel
Churchill. Whether she was Who'll
ly reserved and reasonable, or
wholly warm and impulsive, l,
long as had known and loved her,
never was quite sure. Something
held me away, something called
me forward; so that was always
baffled, and yet always eager, God
wot. suppose this is the way of
women. At times have been i'm
patient with it, knowing my own
mind we'll enough.
At least now, in my tight-strap-
ped trousers and my long blue coat
and my deep embroidered waist
coat and my high stock, my shin
ing boots and my tall beaver,
made my way on my well-grOomed
horse up to the gates of old Elm
hurst; and as I rode l pondered
and l dreamed.
But Miss Elisabeth was not at
home, it seemed. Her father, Dan
lei Churchill, rather portly and
now just a trifle red of face, met
me instead. 1t was not an encoun-
ter for which l devoutly wished,
but one which l knew it was the
right of both of us to expect ere
long. Seeing the occasion propit-
ious, I plunged at once in medals
res. Part of the time explanatory,
again apologize, and yet again, l
trust, assertive, although always
laundering and red and awkward, l
told the father of my intended of
my own wishes, my prospects and
my plans.
He listened to me gravely and, 1t
seemed to me. with none of that
enthusiasm which l would have
welcomed. As to my family, he
knew enough. AS to my prospects,
he questioned me. My record was
not unfamiliar to him. So, gaining
confidence at last under the insist
ence Of what l knew were worthy
motives, and which certainly were
irresistible of themselves, SO far as
l was concerned, l asked him If we
might not soon make an end of
this, and, taking chances as they
were, allow my wedding with Elisa
beth to take place at no very dis
tant date.
"Why, as to that, of course l do
not know what my girl will say"
went on Mr.. Daniel Churchill, purs-
ing up his lips.
"Oh, of course-that," I answer
ed; Miss Elizabeth and I"
1.-THE skeesicks!" he exclaimed.
81 thought she told me every
thing"
81 think Miss Elisabeth tells no
one quite everything" l ventured.
81 confess she has kept me almost
as much in the dark as yourself,
sir. But l only wanted to ask if,
after | have seen her today, and if
should gain her consent to an
early day, you would not waive any
objections on your own part and
allow the matter to go forward as
soon as possible?"
In answer to this he arose from
his chair and stood looking out
of the window, his back turned to
me. l could not call his reception
of my suggestion enthusiastic, but
at last ne turned.
81 presume that our two families
might send you young people
sack of meal or side of bacon
now and then, as far as that is
concerned" he said.
/ could not call this speech
joyous.
There are said to be risks in
civ RI
Il admit | do not follow you in
contemplating any risk whatever.
If either you or your daughter
doubts my loyalty or affection,
then l should say certainly it were
wise to end all this; but" and |
fancied l Strengthened perceptibly
II think that might perhaps be
left to Miss Elisabeth herself"
After all, Mr.. Dan Churchill was
obliged to yield, as fathers have
been obliged from the beginning
of the world. At last he told me l
might take my fate in my own
hands and go my way.
Trust the instinct of lovers to
bring them together! l was quite
confident that at that hour
should find Elisabeth and her aunt
in the big east room at the presi-
dents reception, the former look
ing on with her uncompromising
eyes at the little pageant which on
reception days regularly went for
ward there.
My conclusion was correct. /
found a boy to hold my horse in
front of Gautier's cafe. Then l