New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-04-08
THE COURTSHIP or HOMER FORT.
A TWO-MINUTE NOVEL.


Homer Fort sat I'm the parlor nervousy toying
with an ivory paper-knife She had not yet come
down H.. was i'm evening dress. and as he leaned
forward and caught glimpse Of his face in mir
ror he was surprised TO see that he was pale. But
bo foI Il IA be the supreme moment Of his life the
one on which his whole future hung For had no
not decided 10 ask Reatrix that evening 20 be his
wife? He heard the rustic Of siiken skirts and drew
n quick Involuntary breath But 1t was Mrs Hide
hart tin. mother Of Beatrix who entered. She was
a widow and lived alone with her daughter.
"Ah. Mr. Fort" said the lady extending her hand
graciously, you are quite deserted mere are So"
not?"
..vo no, that Mrs TIildehart" answered Homer.
II found the place deserted and colonized IT, and
base nv claim on priority Of settlement. But en-
courage immigration" he added quickly:
The lady smiled as she sank into chair and
looked the young man.
..your daughter" continued Homer. "she is well?'
"Ouite so-and much Interested in her charitable
work We have had very hard winter and ans
there are many poor. BY the way, Mr. Fort there
is a matter on which | wish to speak to you.
.Indeed?' said the young man. as he felt the
color again Aying from his face, The lady sat up
on m. edge Of her chair. adjusted a pair Of gold
trimmed eyeglasses and looked at him narrowly
Yes a matter OF great importance. have had
&, In mind some time. and although II IL an awk-
ward and painful subject, It cannot be avoided
longer"
Homer faltered an inartculate reply and swal-
lowed a lump in his throat
.you have now. Mr.. Fort Teen visiting my daugh-
tor Heotrix for almost year Your calls become
more frequent and they grow longer lou w "o'
deny this fancy. Mr.. Fort;
Poor Homer shook his head and chung TO the arms
~ bia chair lie could feel his heart throbbing in
his bosom like some great piece Of machinery.
Il approhended that you would not-BeatriN docs
ma, Mr. Fort. as you know have been to CON
siderable EXPENSE during the past year In visiting
,be WORLDS Fair and repairing my carriage-house
This adlel 10 the notorious string ncy OF the times
has seriously reduced my purse Now MT for'
,, must know that in sitting up here 50 otten ana
so late with EeatriN YOU have burned OUT e''
dool OF wood during the winter. do not ASK Eou
NJ For, ~ furnish this wood, but, my dear young
cir I must insist on your saving II IN the future
yo, viii ~ course comply with my wishes In the
natter ,., I'll,
81. swept out Of the room Homer Fort hid his
face IN his hands.
How long he sat thus he could not guess. but he
was aroused by a soft touch on his head II"
started up and with little cry Beatrix shrahK
back -,
81 thought YOU were asleep. Mr.. Fort" she said
bushes iostling one another on her race As she
stood there in the mellow light she seemed more
heou,ifnl than ever; and she known TO be the
most beautiful girl in Binghamton
with a strong effort Homer spoke
.'Do you know all?' he asked
"Al" she replied. and her eyes sought the floor
what can | say-tell me-
She tanned the toe of her boot impatiently on the
soft carpet but did not raise her eyes.
SAY nothing" she replied with intense earnest
ness: SAY nothing. but saw wood!
She turned and walked to the sofa. and from
under (, drew a large. red bucksaw with glitter
ing blade and great jagged savage teeth she heIu
Il up toward the young man
saw wood" she repeated.
He sank back In his chair and looked at her as In
a dream.
see" she cried speaking rapidly and controlling
herself with an effort she reached behind alittle
bronze Barye the mantel and took up bacon
rind daintily between her thumb ana ringer, see.
IL will grease the blade. | smugged 1t from the
She rubbed the rind up and down the blade with
nervous haste Saw wood" she said again. "You
know YOU were centre-rush at college year ago,
and the rind Will help. oh. 50 much
Homer Fort. though young. was man Oh rcsolu-
ton lie rose and drew himset up 10 MS run SIN
Il am ready" he said SLOWLY. scarcely parting his
lips. The words came from the very depths OF MS
lie followed her through the kitchen and into the
wo0dshed Tn nHg ne saW Si Beatrx held the
iamp Then for two hours the rasped and
tore ana ripped till the cool air of the woodshel
stop for moment and the girl would apply the
bacon rind to the hot and quvering blade II would
hiss and sputter; but In moment the saw would be
Leaning Ike living thing through IA hickory knot.
At last IT paused for lack OF food;
,Beatrx" he said softly but his voice did not
faltcr. my Beatrix, with you by my side could
She looked tip into his face. trust and happiness
deeper than words could tell shining from her eyes.
As they went into the house he saw n future as
in vision stretching away before him; but through
all the years he could see no parting from the
woman by his side the hSarse grow OF cat fol-
tom has found the bacon rlnd' whispered the
girl.