The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-03-09
CHAPTER XXIY.
THE OLD, OLD STORY.


When CASTOR arrived in Independence
he went direct to st. Clare's, determined
to spend a week, and get what sympathy
ne could from his friend.
Bob. I'm going to risk it. I'm going to
look fate squarely in the face and get
my answer like little man, for life or
DEATH"
Mrs. Worth met CASTOR and greeted him
with warmest cordiality.
1--WE are charmed to welcome you to
lakewood again, Mr.. CASTOR.
Il assure you Mrs Worth, never
saw home so beautiful. feel as though
am in paradise when get here
IT hope to see more of you this time,
feel that l know you so much bet
ter since our talk at the Springs"
Thank you, Mrs. Worth" He said this
so simply and earnestly she could but
feel his deep appreciation of her attitude
of welcome.
sallie suddenly stepped. from the hall
into the doorway.
Now. mama, there you are again car
rying on with one of my beaux! l don't
know what l will do with you!''
Mrs Worth actually blushed, sprang UP
and struck Sallie lightly on the arm with
her fan exclaiming, ''Oh! you sly thing,
to stand out there and listen to what /
said Mr.. CASTOR l turn her over to you
to punish her for such conduct"
Isn't she dear" said Sallie when
her mother was gone.
Il was charmed with her at the Springs
but the gracious way she made me feel
at home this morning completely won my
heart
II can do anything with mama. She's
the dearest mother that ever lived. She
always seems to know intuitively my
hearts wish and, If it's best, gives 1t to
me, and if it's not she makes me. cease
to desire it. / wish l could manage
papa as easily But, come, my horse is
ready, go with me for another ride to-
day. am going to take you across
the river and show you a pretty drive
over there"
They were soon lost in the deep shad-
ows of the stately pine forest that lay
beyond the Catawba from the GeneraIs
home The road was a cross country mar
row way that wound in and out around the
big trees.
They logged slowly along while he
~bathed his soul in the Joy of her presence
How sweet to be alone and near her!
There seemed to him a magic power In
the touch of her dress as she sat in the
little buggy so close by his side. They
drove to the park; it was famous place
for lovers. For hours, again he lay at hef
feet and drank the wine of her beauty
until his heart was drunk with love.
Once he opened his lips to tell her, and
great fear awed him into silence. He
longed to pour out to her his passion,
but feared her answer. He had studied
her every word and tone and look and
hand-pressure since he had known her.
He was sure she loved him. And yet he
was not sure. She was so skilled in the
science of self defence, so subtle mis-
tress of all the arts of polite society
in which the souls deepest secrets are
hid from the world, he was para1ysed now
as the moment drew near He put 1T
off another day and gave himself up to
the pure delight of her face and form and
voice and presence.
That evening when she entered the home
her mother caught her hand and softly
| whispered, did he court you today, Sal
lie?'
She shook her head smilingly. "No, but
| think he will tomorrow"
The next day was perfect. The warm
life giving sun of June was tempered by
breezes that swept fresh and invigorating
over the earth that had been drenched
with showers in the night. The WOODS
were ringing with the chorus of feathered
threats chanting the old oratorio OF life
and love. Again CASTOR and Sallie were
jogging along the cool shady river road
they had travelled on the first day she
had taken him driving.
'eThat is my island she cried. point
ing out into the river. THAT third one
in the group running out from the point
We can step from one rock to another TO
it."
1t was indeed an enhancing spot. Inc
island seemed all alone in the middle OF
the river when one was on 1t. 1t was NOT
more than fifty feet wide and hundred
feet long it's length lying with the SWIFT
current, At the lower end OF 1t a une