The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-02-09
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"Wall, suppose she isl admitted
Jerry, not seeing we'll how he could
dispute this fact. '.If you weren't
fool-which I can't help it if you are,
John-you'd understand people cry for
a lot of things-so1netimes for just
hothin at ADJUST as the notion takes
'em. You couldn t tell by that if they'r
mad or glad.
maybe so-maybe so-but that there
weepin don't sound joyful, tell you
what, jerry.
But Jerry was not listening. He had
graver things to consider than matter
of argument with this young jack
anapes. The sounds inside were very
disquieting-Jerry had heard them sew
eral times before-but somehow they
had never struck upon his ear so oml-
nously as now.
His heart was suddenly oppressed
with a strange forebcding-what i
John were right after all? Suppose there
was an end to peace and harmony be-
tween those two for whom he-Jerry-
felt in some odd way responsible. Had
he not openly sanctioned the marriage
by assuming a public role at the we'd
ding festivities, and would he not virtu-
ally hold the reins for the youthful pair
for the allotted year and'a day: How
could he face the servants inqriring
glances-if things went wrong-or pre-
vent John from seeing the jagged ENDS
of disagreement that were forever show
inc themselves under the footman's S in
quisitive nose? And pray what right
had John to be inquisitiyes He wasn't
paid for anything but to sit up there
beside him with his arms folded and his
mouth shut and to make himself useful
when he was wanted. 1t was none Of
his business how the young couple We're
getting along-least of all to let his
gossiping tongue wag for lack OF some
thing else to do.
Jerry would have liked to turn upon
his box there and then and shake the
lad soundly for daring to venture an
opinion concerning his betters He
should be taught his place. and there
was no time like the present, but pru-
dence was Wholesome element in Jer-
rv's nature, and he argued that such
betrayal Of his indignation would only
give Johns chatter sharper edge A
wiser plan would be to divert his atten-
ton so much as possible during the re-
mainder of their long drive, though how
to do this effectively was difficult
problem, for angry words in the mas
ter's deep voice came to them distinct
ly-words which carried their weight
and sting and could not be raisunder-
stood.
John glanced furtively at his superi-
or, but no movement showed the trend
of Jerry's thoughts. 1t was pretty poor
work to sit and hug oneself IN silence
with not even the usual threadbere con-
yersation to beguile the way, and there
was that devil of a row going on below
that made his blood tingle. What was
he sparring at her for anyway
"Oh, Winston, dearest, don't sag
that''
The sweet voice rose for an instant to
the height of entreaty, but was soon
lost in choking sobs. The sound passed
through Jerry like an electric current.
He faced about suddenly and looked az
his companion.
"Well, did you hear that now::'
There was a jovjal ring in his voice
which might have deceived less astute
person than the youthful John. "f that
don't sound for all the world like when
they were little sweethearts together.
They always had it out like that and
made 1t ali up after. That's just the
way Miss Ethel-that's Mrs. Arnold
always did call out. It carries me way
back; it seems like yesterday. -
Yes, just like yesterday and the day
before" remarked John. It's been
goin on nigh to week, I guess;
Jerry smothe1ed sharp reply and
went on talking for talks sake. "Mr.
Winston was the likeliest boy you ever
did see and always dead set On Miss
Ethel, for all they used to have their
little spats pretty regular. Mr. Winston
never could bear for any other young
fellow to lcok at Miss Ethel; he'd ges
that jealous. .
"Huznph!' said John. Iguess that's
what's up now. He'd like to stick her
into corner at all them parties they so
to and charge 10 cents to look. and she's
kickin ag'in the traces. She amt made
of sawdust, I'll bet. .
Jerry compressed his lips. Johns Ian
guage showed only too plainly his stable
origin, but he felt that it was his duty
to keep the conversational ball rolling
as pleasantly as possible in order to
drown the discord which occasionally
rang out on the still, frosty air.
eyes, Miss Ethel, bein the youngest,
was terrible spoiled when she was lit
tie. She always liked to have her way,
which was natural fer baby like her,
but, then, Mr. Winston was always hot
and fiery from the time he was small
chap. They're about even matched, ]
guess. That amt real quarrel-don't