The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-02-21
CHAPTER III,

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 Forester did not see Caroline again until after his book had been completed, and then he met her at a neighbor's house. The work had been accepted by reputable publisher, still the young author lacked faith in the venture, for in speaking to Caroline, he said: "Its ac- ceptance was only one step. It only places 1t before its enemies. The opinion of publisher, after all, is worth no more than the opinion of any other shrewd business man. It will be a failure"
 The book was a great success. The magazines and newspapers lauded it, but its large sale was its greatest feature of achievement.
 One evening, after receiving an en- couraging letter and a still more en- couraging check from his publishers Forester called at the house of Mrs. Andrews. She was sitting alone, knitting
 "Come in," she said when she saw him approach the open door. "Have this seat," arising, " have not seen you for a long time. They tell me that your book is quite a success. l am truly glad to hear it tor would not like to think that Caroline had married the 'neighberhood failure While 1 had no objections to you, and while always encouraged your suit, yet was a little anxious. 1 read the book, and l was very much surprised, 1 must say, for did not think you could write so many pretty things. Caroline has gone over to Peserson's. She will be back in a moment"
 Forester knew not what to say. Mrs. Andrews continued:
 was telling her to-day that did not sec why the marriage should be postponed much longer. She is such a good girl and loves you so devotedly."
 "The old hag," thought Forester.
 {" don't believe l ever saw such de- votion," she went on. "Does nothing but talk of you all the time."
 "Mrs. Andrews-"
 "Never mind. know what you are going to say. You want to thank me, but did nothing but my duty. How few do that. is no matter. have done mine and that's all there is about it. You don't owe me cent, Tom, and l want you to understand that my house shall always be your home."
 "Mrs. Andrews"
 @Hush, now, and let me talk. As T was saying-ah, here's Caroline. I'll 20 out to the kitchen a moment and leave you together"
 "Oh, Tom," exclaimed Caroline, aI intended to see you this morning and tell you, but l didn't. Mother has told you, hasn't she?"
 "She hasn't told me anything. She has only shown me what a hypocrite she is."
 "Dont say that for you'd have to take it back. I'll tell you something that will open your eyes. Some time ago, mother gave mo check for ten thousand dollars. payable to your order. Wait until [ get through. She said that she would try to make something of you, and that must not tell you of the check until the day of our marriage. When she heard that you were writing q book, she said: sNow, Caroline, that book is bound to be q failure, and when it proves to be, 70 to him with that check and tell him that l say he must get married at once' But the book wasn't . failure, was it, ma2" The old lady had entered the room.
 @God bless you, madam"
 "Never mind, Tom. Don't get me stirred up. If you do, I1l let the pies burn. No horse races, Tom. l know what you are going to say, sir. You don't need to warn me about cotton futures. Walk out to supper. What are you crying for, you big booby2 There, nov, come on, Tom.s