New-York tribune., 1911-01-29


town among the mountains
The door closed behind him He found himself con
fronting the he had come to ask tor his daughter
II was grim face that he saw, set in hard, infcxblc
lines Balamanes business face. For the first time
tnge of doubt, 50 faint to be hardly perceptble
crossed the younger mans mind. Balarnane mad risen
and now stood facing him. Both were tall men, almost
of a height and they measured ganCcS the doubt IN
Heskcth's mind gave way TO another sensation tin
Cling Of the nerves that meant effort fight something
that braccd the mental faculties the ring OF crossed
steel tautens the muscles Of a swordsman
As Baamaincs eyes swept over the visitor, his eX-
preston changed He held out his hand and llcskeh
graspcd it, then sat down in the chair placed for HIM
opposite the window.
Baamainc was a silent man who ordinarily seemed
to weigh every word. Now he spoke slowly, ponder
ously. "You wished to me!
Before replying Hcskcth deliberately placed his hat
and stick on an adjacent chair close observer might
have found characteristics oddly alike IN the two men,
Then he looked full at Baamainc.
Il have come no business matter, MIR. 3alarnanc
but on a personal one | love Nan, and She-thank
God-loves me" He spoke with an undercurrcnt Of
fervor. May | conclude that you Will not withhold
your consent to our marriage
1t was hardly a query. The quiet self confidence of
the words brought Balamaines heavy brows together
in frown. Upon the writing table stood small bronze
stauette of a workman leaning on his pckax lie liited
the thing up and put 1t down again as II weighing II IN
his hand Then he gave his attention again to ifeSkeh
"You very certain of my consent, he remarked
dryly. ,...-.
The young man tanned race TOOK on Il uCSlcc more
color "Why not?" he said. Nan loves me; there is
nothing in my life to my discredit. You will want to
put through my facings and you naturally want to
know the kind of man your daughter IS marrying She
has told me all that you are and have been to each
other and of course
He broke off some of his self confidence torn away
by the older mans expression. He half rose; but Baa
maneS great hand waved him back.
Come that's better, he SAID. Il like you to be
frank with me. I'm not the man to beat about the
bush myself You're outspoken with me; I'm going to
speak my mind to YOU and YOU get few hard knocks
well, guess my little girls worth EN-.
LIE rose and took a leisurely turn round the room,
IL then came back to his chair and leaning forward,
faced IIesketh. Nan to have taken fancy to
you and YOU seem think you've fallen in love with
Nan. No. wait,-dont begin interrupting me,-you
shall have your say later. You've known each other
for a week she tells me, and last night at ball matters
came to a head.
II was all hideouslv commonplace put that way.
Fortunately, HeSkeths of humor came to his aid
He folded his arms. set his lips firmly and made no
comment. Marshall Balamane fdgeting again with
the bronze stauette nodded to himself
"And where did you meet before that! AT another
ball, she told me. And before that: AT the opera.
And before that" he paused. Hesketh, mperurbabe,
again made no sign. AT another ball.
Hcsketh'S eyes came back to him from the bronze
figure. Forgive me for interruptng; but you evil
IDENTIFY like to be accurate. 1t at theater supper
given by the Craweys.
Balafnaine waved his hand in acknowledgment OF the
correction. What want TO point out is the fact that
never once have you and she met when either was at
disadvantage You have both been on your very best
behavior, well dressed, pleased with your company,
surrounded by all the glamour Of wealth and beauty.
What can YOU know Of my daughter She, apparently,
has the most exalted notions of your worth
He glanced across at IIcSkcth. His last words had
brought a glow to the young mans eyes; but still he
made no comment.
Balls theaters, suppers, dinners, concerts, each
word touched upon gained irmer note of Scorn,-all
very well for women perhaps; but as mans chlet OBJ
ject in lifc-bah'
II. hi In, tr,r -t,,, lyqfu