The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1915-07-23

ne relieved her with his eyes There
was something almost affectionate in
his behavior toward IT.
1T is all arranged Mr. Grey told
Milly one afternoon when their guest
was off on a stroll. my good friend
has paid Off the mortgage here and
will finance my business for a one.
third interest in it. Oh, Milly! I feel
as If a load of lead has been lifted
from my heart"
Dear, dear father!" murmured Mil
ly.
MY dear" pursued Mr.. Grey, 81
wonder if you are not a certain in
luence in bringing all this about? Mr..
Marsh seems to think the world OF
you"
Mile flushed, paled. Plainly her
father meant to imply that their
guest was in love with her. And Mil
ly thought Of the young nan who had
come into her life at the b~rookside,
and trembled.
"He is not an old man." went on
her father. HE has done so much
for me! Milly, l may be imagining
all this. If l am not, remember-for
all his age he would be a safe, noble
husband for any woman"
"Oh, father!" gasped Milly.
BE kind to him, Milly," urged Mr..
Grey, and left his daughter battling
with the most vivid emotions.
After that Milly many a time tried
to evade Mr. Marsh. She felt that
duty, gratitude, might impel her for
her fathers sake to sacrifice her
young life, but her soul was sad all
Of the time.
One evening MI. Marsh came into
the house, showing more than usual
animation and excitement in his man
ner. It was a beautiful moonlight
night, and after supper he said;
"Milly. | have something to tell
you. Won't you come and take a
stroll with me along the brooke"
1T has comet" breathed Milly, and
she could hardly keep back her tears,
but her escort talked on Of common
places as they proceeded on their
walk. A poignant pain came into
Milly's heart as they finally halted.
1t was near the old gnarled tree, the
only trysting she had ever known.
"Sit down and let us rest" sug-
gested Mr. Marsh, and Milly dreaded
what next he might say.
my dear" resumed Mr.. Marsh, and
his manner was tender and kindly,
and he took her hand in his own. ~
wish to tell you a little story"
Yes, Mr.. Marsh" murmured Milly,
trembling all over.
There was an old man whose son
went off on a ~iunketing tour, to meet
by the merest chance a beautiful
young lady, just like yourself. He
fell in love with her. But in his talk
with her he learned her name. He
huiAAcu udSh l Mo ldlh6i W lCll ulul
that he had found a devoted friend
of his youth, whom the father had
longed for years to find That friend
was your father. Milly, and ! I'M the
father of the young man ] am telling
you about"
Miles senses wavered, her breath
came quick. She wondered-she rapt-
ly hoped.
Il came on to greet my lost friend"
proceeded Mr.. Marsh, and as well to
study the young girl who had stolen
my dear boys heart. Milly, you re-
member him-Cyril, my SOM"
yes" palpitated MiIIy, in a sub
dued tone, Il can never forget him"
You say that! I hoped it." cried
Mr. Marsh, ioyfulTy. You will be-
come my daughter-Milly, promise
me-"
She burst into happy tears. She
nestled close into those fatherly
arms. It was her reply, and the old
mans face was radiant.
Cyril" he called, and from the
shrubbery there advanced the subject
of all Milly's love dreams.