The Newtown bee., 1904-01-22

day went by and Ezra repeated these maneuvers conviction settled upon the neighborhood, and the townsfolk open ly pitied Dan Ferrand and commend ed Ezra's wisdom in the same breath, for Ruth Warren was undeniably the prettiest girl in town as we'll as a mo- table housekeeper. Everybody knew exactly how 1t was coming out; the re- suit of Ezra's move was a foregone conclusion.
 It had long been an open secret that Ezra was covetous of the Warren acres, which, though somewhat worn- out and neglected at present, were among the most valuable lands in town, and, moreover, joined Ezra's in a most convenient fashion.
 '"The old fox knows what he 8 about, '' Jim Townsend said.
 Dan came over the bridge one even- ing at sunset, and turned into the path that led down the bank to the seat under the willows. It was June, now, exactly two years from the time he had plighted his troth to Ruth in this very spot. The girl was waiting for him under the shadow of the trees, and the scent of the white violets was strong in the damp air, just as it had been on that other evening.
 Dan spoke with a perceptible effort after minutes silence.
 "I'm going to start for Georgia to- night, Ruth," he said.
 "I suppose there is no other way" the girl said, slowly.
 "It's good openin', but it will be a long while before I shall fairly get a footin'," Dan went on, gloomily. "If there was any chance of making de- cent livin' in this hole of a town, I'd stay, but with all the hindrances in the way of our gettin' married, don't know as there'd be much comfort in it."
 Something desolate in his look smote on the girls motherly heart.
 "Don't be so discouraged, Dan, D she said, laying her hand on his should CT. "We're doing what we think is right"-Dan stirred rebelliously-'and it must come right sooner or later. I shall think of you so much that the distance won't seem anything after we get used to the idea"
 Dan took her hand from his shoulder and held 1t, looking into her face as ahe atood fooaidA him
 'I should leave you with better cour- ago." he said, ''if that old curmudge down the road would keep away from you."
 Ruth knitted her forehead whim- sically.
 "It almost seems as if he would, now that I've told him I wouldn't marry him If his three hundred thousand was so many millions, and that I'll thank him to keep oil my land and give the extra seat in his gig to somebody that wants his charity. You've always kind of underrated my ability to take care of myself, Dan. The fact is I've an unusual talent for making folks let me alone when they get too meddle- some. But don't let's waste our breath on him"
 Dan pulled her down on the seat be- side him and put his arm around her.
 "WeI never mention him again as long as the world stands" he said, with proud look at her. "You know I never mistrusted you, Ruth, but somehow I'm mighty glad to hear you say them words. Tain't every woman that would turn her back on a fortune for fellow like me. Ruth, I'm going this evening at 8; this is goodbye for nobody knows how long,"
 They sat in silence for a while. The sweet summer world was forlorn all at once, and the voices of the night had a lonely sound. From the house the quaver of Nancy's thin voice singing an old hymn, drifted down to them The home that should have been theirs was beginning to gleam cheerfully with lights. It seemed suddenly like a Paradise sbut against them. Dams breath came unevenly and Ruth's tears were falling, though she held