Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1915-04-08

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shall build the lodge and II you wish
to live in 1t you will be welcome to
DO 3d."
Not long after this Alexander, aided
by John, was stalking out the lines for
the foundations Of the lodge. The
grounds near the gate were covered
with trees, and Anne, approaching,
paused in the shadow and watched
them for moment and then, advanc-
Ing, asked what they were doing.
"I'm going to build lodge here"
said Mr.. Alexander. John will live
In it. l have suggested his taking
wife to keep him company"
John, who was driving stake, did
not look up and failed to see glance
that his employer gave the girl. Anne
turned away and walked toward the
house. Alexander Joined her, and
John, having driven the stake, looked
after them. An idea seemed to have
entered his brain or, rather, his heart,
for an idea will enter through the
heart that will not gain admittance
through the brain. Suppose Alexander
wanted Anne himself?
The thought brought with 1t infinite
terrors. Although Alexander was near
ly double the girls age, that was no
reason why she should not marry him.
He had inherited her with the place.
She was indebted to him for her living.
AS his wife she would live life Of
luxury. Could there be stronger rea-
sons why she should marry him If he
wanted her?
The foundations for the lodge were
dug and the structure was nearly COM
pleted when one day Anne met John
making preparations for little garden
In its rear. Anne, who had been out
gathering wild flowers, came in at the
gate and began to talk to him.
whats that Mr.. Alexander was say
ing to you about being married and nv-
ing in the lodge?"
"He wants some one ut the gate;
what for don't know. There has
never been any gatekeeper since the
place was built"
"Who IL It you're thinking Of marry
ing!"
John looked up, surprised. Hes
been talking to you," he said.
Anne neither affirmed nor denied the
truth Of the statement.
did he tell you that she was not
born lady, but was brought up one7''
asked John.
Still there was no reply.
"She wouldn't live in q lodge" con-
tinued John.
Glow do you know?"
perhaps she might do better. She
might be mistress Of country place of
her own"
"She might not wish to be-"
"But you don't deny that she might
be If she chose"
Anne was looking into vacancy.
What she was thinking John did not
know. She knew of what she was
thinking, but it is questionable If she
knew herself just what she thought
At any rate, she was not controlling
her thoughts. They We're controlling
/ her. There was a step OH the grave
walk, and Alexander, approaching, saw
the girl standing near his gardener
John looking wistfully into her face
| A frown denoted that an idea had en-
! tered Alexanders brain similar to the
one that had struck John when Anne
and Alexander had walked away from
him on the day the foundation line Of
the lodge was being staked out. Il
was succeeded by smile, and Alex
ander said jocularly:
well, John, the lodge is nearly ready
for you. How about the girl who is tt
occupy it with you? Has she consent
ed to live in SO humble a dwelling?"
II fear not" replied John. "Wher,
had one doubt on the day gave 20,
my confidence have a dozen today"
Glow is that, John?"
'"That would be to discuss natter
which have no right to discuss"
Alexander colored slightly under tn
implied reproof, then, turning to Anne
asked her If she would walk to tn
conservatory with him since he wishe,
to show her something there. Ann
accepted, but before turning fron
John gave him look. What 1t mean
he did not know. 1t was merely
? look.
When the lodge was finished its OWL
er ordered q supper to be served ther
> and invited every one on the place t
gather in the evening to celebrate til
buildings completion. When all ha
: come and were standing about the ia
g BILE preparatory to helping themselve
D to the yiands Alexander, who stood q
t the head of the table, filled a wine
t glass, raised It and said:
"Let us drink to John Ricketts,, til
8 occupant Of the lodge, including hi
future wife, who will occupy it wit
him, for, as the good book says, 4
> is not good for man to be alone'"
All drank, looking at John. tn
Q toast had evidently stirred In him som
: strong emotion.
: II shall occupy the lodge Alone" b
q said. "She whom would like to O
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