The Springfield herald., 1912-06-07

surance. Where is he?"
"In the hall. SIR"
"show him into the library and say
l shall be down In a moment"
very good. sir"
1t was a decidedly wrathful individ-
ual who confronted Stephen Maitland
few moments afterward in the H.
brary. for Armstrong was not accus-
toned to such cavalier treatment. and
had Maitland been other than Ends
father he would have given more out
ward expression at his Indignation
over the discourtesy in his reception.
"Mr. James Armstrong, l believe"
began Mr.. Maitland. looking at the
card In his hand.
Yes. Sir"
"Er-from Colorado?"
"And proud of it,
"Ah, dare say. l believe you wish.
ed to see me about"
"Your daughter, sir"
"And in what way are you concern
ed about her, sir?"
II wish to make her my Wife"
Great God!" exclaimed the older
man in a voice equally divided be-
tween horror and astonishment.
How dare you, sir? You amaze me
beyond measure with your internal
impudence."
Excuse me. Mr.. Maitland. inter
posed Armstrong quickly and with
great spirit and determination. "but
where l come from We don't allow
anybody to talk to us in this way.
You are Ends father and much old
er man than /, but can't permit you
to-"
"Sir," said astounded Maitland.
drawing himself up at this bold flout-
ing. you may be a very worthy young
man, / have no doubt of 1t, but it is
out of the question. My daughter"
Again less excited hearer might
have noticed the emphasis in the pro-
noun
why, she is halfway engaged to
me now" interrupted the younger
man with a certain contemptuous
amusement in his voice. Look here,
Mr. Maitland. I've knocked around this
world a good deal. know what's
what l know all about you eastern
people and 1 don't fancy you any
more than you fancy US. Miss Enid Is
quite unspoiled yet and that is why
want her. I'm well able to take care
of her, too; l don't know what you've
got or how you got 1t. but 1 can come
near laying down dollar for dollar
with you, and mines all clean money
mines, cattle. lumber-and it's all
good money. l made 1t myself. left
her two weeks ago with her promise
that she would think very seriously
of my suit After came back to Dem
ver-I was called east-I made up my
mind that I'd come here when I'd fin
ished my business and have 1t out
with you. Now you can treat me like
dog If you want to. but if you expect
to keep peace in the family you'd bet
ter not. for tell you plainly, whether
you give your consent or not, l mean
to win her All want is her consent,
and I've pretty nearly got that"
Mr.. Stephen Maitland was black
with anger at this clear. unequivocal
determined statement of the case
from Armstrong; point of view.
Il would rather see her dead" he
exclaimed with angry stubbornness
than married to a man like you
How dare you force yourself into my
house and insult me in this way?
Were | not an old man | would show
you. | would give you taste of your
own manner"
The old mans white mustache fair
ly quivered with what he believed to
be righteous Indignation. He stepped
over to the other and looked hard at
him. his eyes blazing. his ruddy
cheeks redder than ever. The two
men confronted each other unflinch-
ingly for a moment, then Mr.. Maitland
touched bell button in the wall by
his side. Instantly the footman made
his appearance.
James," said the old man, his voice
shaking and his knees trembling with
passion, which he did not quite sue
coed in controlling. despite a desper
ate effort "Show this-er-gentle-
man the door. Good morning, sir; our
first and last interview is over
He bowed with ceremonious polite
ness as he spoke. becoming more and
more composed as he felt himself
mastering the situation. And Arm
strong, to do him Justice. knew a gen
tleman when he saw him, and secretly
admired the older man and began to
feel touch of shame at his own rude
way of putting things.
Beg pardon, SIR" said the footman,
breaking the awkward silence, but
here is telegram that has just come.
SIR"
There was nothing for Armstrong to
do or say. Indeed. having expressed
himself SO unrestrainedly to his rapid
Embarrassing regret, as the old man
took the telegram he turned away in
considerable discontinue. James bow
ing before him at the door opening
into the hall and following him as he
slowly passed out. Mr.. Stephen Matt
land mechanically and with great de
liberation and with no premonition of
evil tidings. tore open the yellow en-
velope and glanced at the dispatch.
Neither the visitor nor the footman
had got out of sight or hearing when
they heard the old man groan and
fall back help'essly into chair Both
men turned and ran back to the door,
for there was that in the exclamation
which gave rise to instant apprehen-
sion SteDhen Maitland now no u-bite