The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-09-26
CHAPTER II.

go over and adroitly get instructions from Haywood. was industrious and took an interest in my work. My salary was greater than had dared to hope. Mrs. Blakemore was kind-hearted and considerate. Her suggestions were al- ways offered in a quiet way. One day she said to me:
 "Mr Crenshaw, you seem to be much interested in your work"
 "Yes," I replied. "Cotton raising is a passion with me-"
 "It seems to be, and do not hesitate to say that you are the most skillful man. ager l have ever had. MT. Haywood says that yos know more about cotton than everybody in the neighborhood put together"
 "I hope that l to some extent merit his extravagant opinion"
 "You certainly do. By the way, my daughter Laura will be home tomorrow. She has been visiting friends in the north. ]"
 Laura came at the appointed time. She was not decidedly pretty, but there was saucy attractiveness about her face and music in her voice that caused me to look at her more than once during supper. was not long in discovering that she had no particular use for me. During the evening she only spoke to me once-to request me to have a patch of melons planted. The next day, ap- preached her while she was strolling in the yard and asked her if she had en- joyed her visit.
 What do you know about my visit "
 Nothing, only heard your mother speak of it."
 Nav always talks too much"
 She turned away. don't know why followed her, but did.
 "You have very pleasant home," ] said.
 "Yes, but the fields are neglected. We ought to employ some one to look after the crop"
 "l am employed for that purpose"
 Indeed" turning and lifting her eye brows.
 Yes, indeed"
 "l didn't know. l thought probably that nav had employed you to be com panion to me-"
 "No, she didn't mention that, still I am not unwilling to-" "Sir 1"
 That's all right. Good morning."
 Crenshaw, old fellow" said to n.y. self, you are not so attractive as you thought you were. Better leave that lit- tie miss alone"
 At the dinner table Laura did not notice me. She spoke with high head. edness that almost made me angry. At night l entered the parlor where she was singing.
 "Do you wish anything2" she asked.
 "Yes. l wish you'd sing When The Swallows Homeward Fly.'"
 "l can't."
 "I heard you sing it."
 "I say ea~'t."
 "I say you can."
 If you were as musical as you are in- sulting, you would not be forced to ask for song"
 Unfortunately, am not"
 "Your last remark was unnecessary. My eyesight and my ears are very good" She arose and swept out of the room.
 Crenshaw, old fellow," said l, "you have picked up Tartar" CHAPTER III.
 My advancement in the direction of Laura's good opinion was very slow. She avoided me on every occasion, and, when forced to address me, her words were very few. Mrs. Blakemore spoke to Laura with regard to her treatment of me. I overheard the conversation.
 "Laura, why don't you treat MT. Cren- shaw with more respectr "i treat him with as much respect as he deserves"
 @No. yea don't, my daughter. You must remember that he is well educated and wsllraised young man. His position here is one of trust and honor. Heis no mere overseer. He has studied in q scientific manner, the production of cot ton, and his work thus far shows that his studies were not in vain. would maks t moss, pasasant for him.s
 It b not ny duty so mako 1t plsasant