Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-14

nineteen, yet three years ago Snc Hdu pccai
ready to marry Tom Lunt because she
loved him. Toms father had forbidden y
and had forced the boy to leave home.
Hannah was thinking of the night Tom
went away, of how he pleaded with her to
go with him. of her refusal to go 80 far
away from her parents, and, finally, OF
how Tom had kissed her and told her he
was going to make himself independent,
then return and marry her in the face or all
opposition. But 81 Lunt had spoken that
day of Toms family in Arkansas. Ham
nah stared for a long time out across the
moonlit field. Then she pressed her fingers
to her eyes and drew them away moiStened
with teardrops.
There was pathway leading from the
very roots of the tree near which Hannah
was sitting, around the edge of the woods,
to the highway and the girl was startled
presently by the sound of footstep di-
rectly behind her. She turned her head
quickly and was again startled, this time
by the presence of tall man within six
rect OF her. The man stood. still mo-
ment, then, with smile, extended his
arms toward Hannah. The girl leaned for
ward and, with a little cry Of surprise, rec
ognized Tom Lunt But instead OF advanc-
ing to meet him she drew back, even taxi
ing step toward the cabin.
why. Hannah, girl, what Is the matter?'
asked Tom, coming forward.
Hannah waited for him, but made no Of
fer of the reception which Tom seemed to
expect.
I'm glad to see you, Tom," she said,
but lit seems that things are not like
they used to be, an / reckon
Reckon what? why, Hannah! what's
the matter? Ye don't mean to say ye're
lovin somebody else? Ye're not married
surely? Why, girl. I've come two thousand
miles jest to see vel"
The sentences tumbled over each other
But Hannah did not reply at once. and the
moonlight showed ring of white about
her lips. Tom stood waiting, his eyes never
turning from her face
AT last the girl ma mayed tO sneak and
the one question uppermost in her thoughts
slipped from her lips in low tone.
Amt you married, Tom?" she asked. al
lowing her chin to drop to her bosom as
she uttered it.
1t was Toms turn to remain silent. but
the cause of his silence was amazement.
Hannah he began, as soon as he could
control his thoughts somebody's been
Iyin about me. Who Is it? Did We think
I'd forgot? Did We think 1 could ever for
get enough to marry somebody else? I
never could. Hannah, didn't We know that?''
Your father told me today he had let
ter from you, and he spoke of your family"
Where did he say I lived?''
I'm Arkansas"
We'll. Hannah. I've been Twin in Col
Ofado Tor three years. l struck a good
thing out there. and I've saved $1,000. More
than that, my dad hasn't had a line from
me since went west. Now. 1 wonder what
he told We that for?'
Maybe 1t was because Hannah paused
and blush enlivened her cheeks.
Because what. Hannah?' There was
sadness in Toms tone.
Because, Tom, If I must tell We, he-he
wanted me to marry him.
Tom was silent. and he glanced off to-
ward the home Of his childhood, 81 Lunt's
house across the fields. Hannah caught his
glance and the next moment the gaze of
the two met again.
I'D been thnkin' I'd drop round an see
him before goin back. but I've Jest now
changed my mind. An. Hannah. I've got
on?"
A gem between Toms fingers sparkled In
the moonlight. Hannah extended her hand
ana Iom catching her in his arms, slipped
the ring upon her finger.
A few days later 81 Lunt passing the
heids where Bill Dukes crop was pitched.
noted that stout negro boy had taken
Hannah's place in the field, and he rode on
10 town wondering how this had happened.
IN town ne learned that Bills lien had been
Cancelled and his account paid And he
further learned before returning home that
Bill had credit of one hundred dollars at
the bank. 81 frequently scratched the back
or his head, as his mule logged along the
road nome, and reaching Dukes field. he
iet down panel of the fence and rode
straight across to where Bill was chopping
out the last row of cotton
Bill. said 81 abruptly do you know if
Tom Lunt's been in this neighborhood
lateIY?'
well. yes" answered Bill. che was here
few nights ago-him an Hannah's gone
on their honeymoon
well, ding my buttonsi an d-n the lien
law!" muttered Mr.. Lunt, as he turned and
rode back toward the fence. And his mood
was NOT the least bit softened by shout
from Bill. which reached his ears against
the breeze:
Isl. be sartain We put up that panel o.
fence after We go through"