The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-03-30

you have made the world glorious
again. When will you marry me, Sal
lie?" 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 slow
ly, You didn't want your freedom, did
you, dear? That's the third kiss, isn't
it? l wonder if kissing will always be
as sweet! But you asked me when we
can marry? l can't tell now. l can do
nothing to shock mama. She seems to
draw closer and closer to me every day.
And now that l have determined no
power shall separate us, it seems more
and more necessary that l shall win
papa's consent. We are much alike in
temperament. He loves me dearly. I
feel that I must have his blessing on our
lives. Give me time. l hope to win
him.
"And you will never let another week
pass without writing to me?"
Never. Send my letters to Bob. He
loves you better than he ever thought
he loved me. He will give them to me
on Sundays at church and when he calls"
For two hours the kindly mantle of
the elm's boughs sheltered them while
they told the old sweet story over and
over again. And somehow that night it
seemed to them sweeter each time it
was told.
When CASTOR reached Hambright the
following day. and whispered to his
mother the good news. he FASTENED to
tell his friend Tom Camp. The young
mans heart warned toward the white
haired old soldier in this hour of his
viz
Tom of his stormy scene with the Cen
eral, of its curious ending. and the hours
he spent in heaven beneath the limbs of
an old elm.
I'm in for a tussle with him, Tom,"
he said in conclusion.
"Shucks, man, you can beat him with
one hand tied behind you if you've got
his gals heart. She's got his fire. and
gal as purity as she is can just about
do what she pleases in this world"
Il hope she can bring him around.
like the General. I'd much rather not
fight him.
Where's Flora?" cried Tom, looking
around in alarm
Il saw her going toward the spring in
the edge of the woods there a minute
ago." replied Castor.
Tom sprang up and began to hop and
Jump down the path toward the spring
with incredible rapidity.
Flora was playing in the branch below
the spring and Tom saw the form of a
negro man passing over the opposite hill
going along the spring path that led in
that direction
WAS you talkin' with that niger,
Flora?' asked Tom, holding his hand on
his side and trying to recover his breath
Yes, l said howdy, when he stopped to
get drink of water, and he give me a
whistle she replied with a pout of her
pretty lips and frown.
Tom seized her by the arm and shook
her. Didn't l tell you to run every
time you seed Niger unless was with
you!"
Yes, but he wasn't hurting me and
you are" she cried bursting into tears.
I've notion to whip you good for
this!" Tom stormed.
Don't Tom; she won't do it any more
will you, Flora?' pleaded CASTOR. taking
her in his arms and starting to the
house with her
There Tom .smoothed her curls and
kissed her at last and she slipped her
arm around his neck and squeezed it
tight.
Amt she purity and sweet pow?" he
exclaimed.
Tom you'll spoil her yet" warned
Gastfn as he smiled and took his leave.
throwing a kiss 10 Flora as he passed
through the little yard gate.
Two days later about FIVE o'clock in
the afternoon as CASTOR sat in his office
writing letter to his sweetheart. his
face aglow with love and the certainty
that she was his. as he read and re-
read her last glowing letter he was
startled by the sudden clang of the court
house bell At first he did not move.
only looking up from his paper Some
times misehieyous boys rang the bell and
ran down the steps before any one could
catch them. But the bell continued its
swift stroke seeming to grow louder
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