Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-04-07

n do Tom,> softly replied Mary.
"How could you. believe I didn't love
you? You ought % be ashamsd' of your.
Self."
And Tom Strickland took Mary Tod
hunter In his arms, leaving old solo
mon to 60 his own way unSuided.
"I'll tell Mrs. Todhunter and the
colonel this very day." he announced
a few moments later. "Lord, they'd
zee it anyway in my face, I'm 20 proud
and happy. I want to know IL they
think I'm good enough for you"
Mary tossed her head. They'd bet
ter think SOL" she retorted Indignantly.
mot good enough, indeedv
But Tom was near to being panic
stricken when they had gained the
wide gallery Of Mary's home and were
confronting her parents.
"Howdy, Tomv' spoke Colonel Tod
hunter. His glance passed from young
Strickland to his daughter with just
the faintest twinkle Of amusement In
his gray blue eyes.
Tom Strickland had taken Mrs. Tod
hunters hand. "Howdy, Mrs. Tod
hunter-Howdy. colonel" he said. his
face an open book Of confession. e.
I-well, MARY was good enough to
say could come home with herr"
Were glad you did, Tom." replied
Mrs Todhunter. "And you've got to
stay to supper"
Colonel Todhunter's lips were witch
ing. II don't know about that, honey"
he spoke. "Tom don't look to me like
he's very hungry
Mary flashed swift indignation at
her father. Mrs Todhunter looked ut
the colonel in surprise. Then in sud.
den understanding, she shot quick
glance at the young people. Tom
Strickland blushed redder than ever.
Mary fred at her mother one soft vol
ley Of entreaty from dewy eyes and
then fed precipitately into the house.
Her face filed with comprehending
tenderness, Mrs. Todhunter followed
Mary, making no excuses.
Tom," said Colonel Todhunter, you
seem to have been kicking up mighty
funny rumpus this load O poles, young
manw
in the dock. II reckon have, colonel"
he made answer. Then, after dis
may filled pause. "I-I-I've been ask
ing Mary to marry me, sir"
Colonel Todhunter's face was impas-
sive.
Tom Strickland stood very erect.
Pride shone in his eyes. II don't know,
sir, whether you've noticed it or not"
he resumed, "but I've been in love with
Mary for long time"
A relishful twinkle was in Colonel
Todhunter's eyes.
"And, sir-and-well, Colonel Todhun-
ter, it's just this" exultantly but blush
ingly exclaimed Tom, II know don't
deserve It'll can't hardly believe it
but Mary says she loves me. too-and-
well, sir, want to ask Mrs. Todhun-
ters and your consent to our marriage,
sir"
Colonel Todhunter was contemplate
ing the young man with eyes brimful
of kindly amusement.
1Om, ne SN1u, Us AOA1S dS you AANc
you'll never forget how skeered you
are this minute, sub. But you got
through with it like hero. a blamed
sight better than did when l asket
for Mrs Todhunter. That sure was {
terrible experience.
But the next moment his face wa:
grave. He laid his hand on young
Strickland's shoulder.
"Tom, my boy" he said. I'D rather
give Mary to you than to any othel
man in the world, and you ought tt
ha' known it without my tellin' you
I've known you and liked you all the
time you've been CROWN up, and
love your father like he was my owr
brother. am glad you and Mary
have got it all settled, and I'm sure
Mrs. Todhunter thinks as much of you
as do. God bless you and Mary both
my boy"
There was a sudden break in the
colonels voice. Its up to you and
Mary to arrange all the rest of it
young man." he spoke again after g
little pause. Then. with a whimsical
smile: "And all Of your troubles are
ahead of you both. May the good LORD
have mercy on your souls"
A splendid gratitude shone in Toms
eyes. "All I've got to say is this, Colo
mel Todhunter," he said, God helping
me, I'll make Mary the best husband II
the world"
you'll need the Good Marster's help
considerable. too. my boy" responded
Colonel Todhunter quizzically. land
don't bank on bein' too blamed success
full in that there undertaken, sub. Be
in a good husband amt no sinecure
not by long shot. It's the biggest con
tract you ever undertook, and you've
got to keep hammerin' away ut it ev'ry
minute, sub. It's enough to skeer O
man to death. Tom, If it want for one
thing-bein' a good husband means
havin' happy wife, and that's the fin
est thing on Gods green footstool. You
Just live up to that great truth. Tom
and it's all I'll ask of you"
'You won't have to ask more than
once, Colonel Todhunter,' replied Tom
fervently. "Ill think Of nothing but
Mary's happiness all my life. sir. And
that'll mean mine, too; we're going to
be the happiest couple In all the world,
colonel