Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-15
Continuation of Chapter II.
The Trial BY Fire.

Again the general frowned. Look
here, young man, did 1t ever occur to you
that your pursuit might be held the work
of low adventurer? My daughter is an
heiress. You haven't dollar. Don't you
know that I will disinherit her If she
marries you without my consent?
You can't brighten me on that tack
answered CASTOR firmly. mo dollar mark
has yet been placed on the doors or
southern society. Manhood, character
and achievement are the keys that un-
lock it, You know that, and L know 1t.
was poorer and more obscure the day
you first invited me here tnan today. And
vet you gave me as hearty a welcome as
her richest sutton. All l ask is time to
prove to you in my life my manhood and
worth-one year, two years, five years:
ten years, any, time you see fit TO name.
mo, sir" firmly snapped the general,
mot a day. l don't like long engage
ments Yours is ended, once and for all
time 1 have settled that"
Can even a father decide the destiny
of two immortal souls off land like
that2"
Now. you are assuming too much. 1
am not speaking for myself alone. have
laid all the facts carefully before Sallie,
and she has agreed to The wisdom of
my decision, and asked me to represent
her in what 1 say this evening"
CASTOR turned pale, his lips quivered,
ana turning 10 the 6Sheioi SNNNiAiS' Az
said:
That is the only important fact you
have, laid before me. Just let her come
here, stand by your side and say that
with her own lips and 1 will never cross
your path I'm life again."
The general hung his head and stam-
mered: NO IL is not necessary. 1t will
embarrass and humiliate her. 1 will not
permit it,"
''Then I deny your credentials" ex-
claimed CASTOR.
The general seemed embarrassed by the
failure of this fatherly subterfuge, and
CASTOR could not help smiling at the rev.
elation of his weakness. He decided to
press his advantage and to try to see her
if only for a moment.
General" protested CASTOR persuas-
lively. II appeal to your sense of courtesy,
even to an enemy. After all that has
passed between us in this house, is 1t fair
or courteous to show me that door with
out one word of farewell to the woman
l have given my life? Or is 1t wise from
your point of view?"
Again the general hesitated. He was a
big-hearted man Of generous impulses,
and he felt worsted in this interview
somehow, but it was hard to deny such
a request. He fumbled at his watch
chain, arose, and said:
Il will see If she desires it,"
Gaston's heart bounded with joy! II
she desired it! He could feel her soul en-
veloping him with it's love as he sat there
conscious that she was somewhere in that
house praying for him!
He fairly choked with the pain and the
Joy of the certainty that in a moment
he would be near her. touch her hand, see
her glorious beauty and his ears drink
the music of her voice.
"Just step this way" said the gener-
al, re-appearing at the door
CASTOR walked into the hall and met
Sallie as she emerged from the library
door opposite. He tried to say something
but his throat was dry and his tongue
paralyzed with the wonder of her pres
encel Besides. the general stood by like
guard over a life prisoner.
He looked searchingly into her eyes as
he held her hand for a moment and felt
its warm impulsive pressure. OH the
eyes of the woman we love! What are
words to their language of melting ten
derness of faith and longingl CASTOR felt
like shouting in the generals face HIS
triumph She tried to speak, but only
pressed his hand again. 1t was enough.
He bowed to the general, and left with
out a word.