The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-04-25

There was queer constrained 81
lence for several moments. Then Sir
Timothy leaned back in his chair and,
with word of apology, lit cigarette.
Let U.S." he said, consider the stu
alton. Margaret is my daughter. You
wish to marry her. Margaret is Of age
and has been married before. She is
at liberty, therefore. to make her own
choice. You agree with me so fart"
Entirely" Francis assented.
TT happens" Sir Timothy went on,
that I disapprove Of her choice. She
desires to marry young man who be-
longs to profession which I detest.
and whose efforts in life are directed
towards the determination of a class
for whom have every sympathy. To
me he represents the SNUG Sas against
the human, the artifcially moral as
against the freethlnker. He is also
my personal enemy. am therefore
naturally DESTROYS that my daughter
should not marry this young man."
eve will let It 60 at that" Francis
commented, "but should like to point
out to you that the antagonism be-
tween us Is in no say personal. You
have declared yourself for forces with
which am at enmity. like any other
decent-living citizen. Your declaration
might at any, time be amended. !.
Sir Timothy bowed.
'The situation is stated" he said. "I
will ask you this question as matter
Of form. Do you recognize my right to
forbid your marrige with my daughter,
Mr.. Ledsamw
II most certainly do not" was the
forcible reply.
Have any rights at all?" Sir Tim.
othy asked. Margaret has lived under
my roof whenever it, has suited her to
do so. Since she has taken up her
residence at Curzon street she has
been her own mistress, her banking
account has known no limit whatso-
ever. 1 may be person of evil dispo-
sition, but have shown no unkindness
to her,"
1T is quite true" Margaret admit
ted. turning little pale. "Since l have
been alone, you have been kindness it.
SELF"
"Then let me repeat my question"
Sir Timothy went on, "have the right
to any consideration at all?"
EYES," Francis replied. Short OF
keeping us apart, you have the ordi-
nary rights of parent"
"Then l ask you to delay the an
nouncemept Of your engagement, or
taking any further steps concerning it.
for fourteen days" Sir Timothy said.
II place no restrictions on your move
ments during that time. Such hospital
ity as you, Mr.. Ledsam, care to accept
at my hands, is at your disposal. am
bohemian enough. indeed, to find moth
ing to complain of in such little cele-
brations as you are at present indulging
in-most excellent pate, that. But I
request that no announcement of your
engagement be made. or any further
arrangements made concerning it, for
fourteen days."
II am quite willing. father" Marga-
ret acQuiesced.
"And /, SIR" Francis echoed.
"In which case." Sir Timothy con-
Guided. rising to his feet, lighting a
cigarette and taking lip his hat and
gloves, II shall go peaceably away.
You will admit. trust" he added, with
that peculiar smile at the corner Of his
lips. shat I have not in any way tried
to come the heavy father? can even
command certain amount of respect,
Margaret, for young man who Is able
to inaugurate his engagement by an Inn
promptu meal Of such perfection. l
wish you both good morning. Any in.
vitation which Margaret extends, Led
sam. please consider as confirmed by
me-"
He closed the door softly. They
heard his footsteps descending the
stairs. Francis leaned once more over
Margaret. She seemed still dazed, con-
fused with new thoughts. She re-
sponded. however. readily to his touch.
yielded to his caress with an almost
pathetic eagernesss
Francis" she murmured, as his
arms closed around her, 81 want to for
GET
There followed a brief, period of
time, the most wonderful of his life,
the happlest Of hers. They took ad-
vantage of Sir Timothy's absolute IL
cense, and spent long days at the
Sanctuary, ideal lovers days, with
their, punt moored at night amongst
the lilies, where her kisses seemed to
come to him with an aroma and won
der born on the spot. Then there came
morning when he found a cloud on
her face. She was looking at the
great wall, and away at the minaret
beyond. They had heard from the
butler that Sir Timothy had spent the
night at the villa. and that prepara-
tions were on hand for another of his
wonderful parties. Francis. who was
swift to read her thoughts, led her
away into the rose garden where once