Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-15
CHAPTER III.
A WHITE LIE


That night as he walked back through
the streets he was thrilled with a sense Of
strength and Of triumph. He knew his
ground now. There was to be war be-
tween him and the general to the bitter
end. He had never asked her once to OPP
pose her fathers or mothers command.
Now he would see who was master in a
test of strength. And he was eager for
the struggle. His mind was alert and
every nerve and muscle tense with energy.
Heavens. how hungry I ami" he ex-
claimed when he reached the brilliantly
lighted business portion of the city.
He went into a restaurant, ordered a
steak and enjoyed a good meal. He recall
ed then that he had not eaten for "a hours.
The steak was good, and the faces of the
people seemed to him lit with gladness.
He was singing a battle song in his soul,
and the eyes of the woman he loved look
ed at him with yearnlng tenderness!
Now. Bob, I count on you" he cried
TO his friend next morning. 81 am going
to have a merry Christmas, and you are
to aid in the skirmishing."
I'm with you to the finish!' Bob re-
sponded with enthusiasm.
1--WE must make a feint this morning
flank. I go home on the 9 o'clock train.
You understand"
Eyes. over the left. It's dead easy, too.
There's to be a big Christmas party to-
night at the Alexanders. She's invited.
I'll see that she goes to it if have to drag
her"
Good. Don't tell her I'm in town 1
want to surprise her"
The general. had a man at the morn
ing train who reported Gastons departure.
He was surprised at Sallies good spirits,
but attributed ii TO the magnificent pres
ent he had given her that morning of
a diamond ring and an exquisite pearl
necklace.
He hustled her off to the party that
night and congratulated himself on the
certainty of his triumph over an aspiring
youngster who dared to set his will
against his own.
When the festivities had begun and the
children were busy with their fireworks.
Sallie strolled along the winding walks
of the big lawn. She was chatting with
Bob st. Clare about a young man they
both knew. and when they reached the
corner furthest from the house, under the
shadows of a great magnolia with low
overhanging boughs, she saw the figure
of a man.
She smiled into Bob's face, pressed his
hand and said:
Now. Bob, you've done all a good
friend could do. Go back. 1 don't need
you
And Bob answered with a smile and left
her. In a moment CASTOR was by her side
tenderly.
Didn't surprise you, dear?" he softly
asked.
mo Bob denied you were here. but
I knew he was a story. I was sure you
would never leave without seeing me. You
couldn't could your
mot after what l saw in your eyes last
night" he whispered.
1T seems a century since I've heard
your voice." she said wistfully. God
alone knows what l have suffered, and
/ am growing weary of it."
do you think 1 have been treated fair
Ivy he asked.
mo. / do not"
Then, you will write to me?"
Eyes. / will not starve my heart any
longer" And she pressed his hand.
You have made the world glorious
again. When will you marry me, Sallie?"
He bent his face close to her. and for
an answer she tenderly kissed him.
They stood in silence a moment with
clasped hands, and then she said slowly:
you didn't want your freedom, did you,
dear? That's the third kiss, isn't it?