The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1911-03-31

I'M sure IL Gun De OOne-mOtner
would be wild. You know she stipu-
lated for a year, and we tacitly con-
sented, for the sake OF peace. She
thinks that Tm-pretty young"
You're pretty and young-further
reasons for my wanting to have you all
to myself. Waiting can't make me love
you more--I hope 1t could not make
you love me less. What's the use-or
the real reason behind It? Are you all
going south this winter"
well, was Just wondering how I
would tell you. You see, Maude is not
quite as we'll as usual, so they have de-
cided today to leave in October instead
of waiting until January, as usual. 1t
can't seem 10 be helped. Doctor Wake.
field thinks 1t would be the best for
her. 1t seems. OF course, nobody real.
~ needs me. when you cant step with.
out walking on a nurse or a servant.
But can't refuse to go. Mother would
cry and take on, and father depends
on me to help keep the peace. I don't
see"-she hesitated as they came to
the porch. and he spoke.
well, shall probably not cry and
take on but I need you, and you are
mine, and my claim is before theirs.
Alcie. need my wife, and l need her
now! Have you ever really considered
my loneliness, my position during this
entirely unnecessary waiting? II there
was any real reason for It 1t would be
different. But they do not need you,
do. I shall speak about 1t to your
parents tonight"
VERY well" she said, tonelessly, "but
It will do no good"
Then they entered the house togeth-
er. For while they sat before the
fire in the beautiful library, and then
Mr. Brand came in from the family
sitting room and greeted Steven
warmly enough. He liked his future
son-in-law. despite his disappointment
about Austin.
Steve calmly asked to see him and
Mrs. Brand moment aud the two
men went to join that formidable lady
where her husband had left her. Al
Gle. refusing to be present at the inter-
view, sat alone before the fire.
In what seemed ages, but was prob,
ably less than an hour the young man
returned. his face set and stern, HIS
manner cold. He stepped over and
leaned on the mantel, looking down at
the soft beauty Of the girl as she
looked questioningly up at him from
her big chair.
Now, Alice, have only you to ap-
peal to. I think your father sees the
Justice OF my plea. but he dares not
openly attack your mothers attitude.
She wants-all sorts Of things; me, to
be surer of myself-and to make more
money; you to have more time. more
society, more clothes, even. and to be
further sure Of yourself! She did not
give one true, sincere reason. Since
she Is your mother, will not say
when openly accused her Of wanting
to separate us for time and to get
You with Tom Austin.for a whole sea
son."
"Dear--yon need never feaer my
changing!" and at the pain in his face
she jumped up and went to him, cling
ing closely to him. But where once
he would gladly have EMBODIED her, he
now held her OF.
mo-" he said. 'in my heaert I do
not doubt you, but want you to
marry me soon--before they go south
this winter. appeal to you! have
no home now, mother being gone to
my sisters, until you make one for
me. Alcie. your mother would not
even consent definitely to next June
or even to September-a whole year!
What are you going to do? Will you
stand with her--or with me?"
my heart is with you," she SAID
softly, "but-1 could not-run away
and know the hopelessness Of resist.
ing mother better than you. Dear I'm
afraid we will have to wait"
The man drew her to him and
kissed her, then he released her. and
took his hat.
when you feel that you can marry
me-" he said, quietly, will you tell
me"
YES" she said. "Oh. Steve, don't
take It like this--I will"
A month later the brand household !
was packed and ready for travel.
Maude, not visibly worse than her
usual delicacy OF health. was impa.
ttent TO be gone. Mrs. Brand was ODER