Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1923-10-12


dog. Well, I have found out since
then that there's a sort Of incom-
pleteness in my life which l never
suspected before. It's you who have
put that idea into my head. You
didn't mean it, dare say, but you
have done it all the same. sat
alone here yesterday evening smok
ing my pipe-and 1 didn't enjoy it.
I breakfast alone this morning-and
didn't enjoy that. said to myself,
She's coming to lunch, that's one
comfort shall enjoy lunch. That's
what 1 feel, roughly described 1
don't suppose I've been five minutes
together without thinking of you,
now in one way and now in another,
since the day when first saw you.
life, and has had my experience, he
knows what that means. It means,
| in plain English, that his heart is
set on a woman. You're that wo-
man."
Isabel had thus far made several
attempts to interrupt him, without
success. But when Hardyman's con-
fession attained it's eliminating point,
she insisted on being heard.
"If you will excuse me, sir" she
interposed, gravely, II think l had
better go back to the cottage. My
aunt is stranger here, and she
doesn't know where to look for us"
I'VE don't want your aunt" Hardy
man remarked, in his most positive
manner.
1--WE do want here" Isabel re-
joined. 81 don't venture to say it's
wrong in you, Mr.. Hardyman, to talk
to me as you have just done, but
am quite sure it's wrong in me to
listen"
What can you possibly be think
ing OFF," he asked.
| She gave him no answer; she only
looked at him reproachfu1ly, and
tried to release herself
Hardyman held her hand faster
than ever.
81 believe you think me an Internal
scoundrel," he said. II can stand
good deal, Miss Isabel, but I can't
stand that. How have I failed in
respect towards you, if you please?
have told you you're the woman my
heart is set on. Well? Isn't it
plain what l want of you when /
say that? Isabel Miller, want you
| to be my wife!"
Isabels only reply to this extra
| ordinary proposal of marriage was
faint cry of establishment, followed
by a sudden trembling that shook
her from head to foot.
Hardyman put his arm around her
with gentleness which his oldest
| friend would have been surprised to
see in him.
| Isabel looked up at him timidly.
I'm my position, sir" she asked,
have any right to like you? What
would your relations and friends
think if I said Yes?"
Hardyman gave her waist little
admopitory squeeze with his arm.
What! You're at it again? A
nice way to answer a man, to call
him sir and to get behind his rank
as If it were place of refuge from
him! hate talking of myself, but
you force me to it. Here is my po-
sition in the world: l have got an
elder brother; he is married and he
has son to succeed him in the
title and the property. You under
stand, so far? Very we'll! Years
ago 1 shifted my share of the rank
| whatever it may be) on to my
brothers shoulders. He's thorough
good fellow, and he has carried my
dignity for me, without once drop
ping it, ever since. AS for what peo-
pie may say, they have said it al
ready, from my father and mother
downward, in the time when I took
to the horses and the farm. If
they're the wise people 1 take them
for, they won't be at the trouble
of saying it all over again. No, no.
Twist it how you may, Miss Isabel,
whether I'm single or whether I'm
married, I'm plain Alfred Hardyman;
and everybody who knows me knows
that go on my own way, and please
myself. If you don't like me, it will
be the bitterest disappointment l
ever had in my life; but say so hon
estly, all the same"
Where is the woman in Isabel's
place who capacity for resistance
would not have yielded a little to
such an appeal as this?
| Il should be an insensible wretch"
she replied, warmly, "if didn't feel
the honor you have done me, and feel
| it gratefully"
Does that mean you will have me
| for a husband?" asked downright
Hardyman.
| (To Be Continued)