Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-04-22

The trouble was all out now, and Al
bert looked gloomy. II don't think any
more Of him for coming here to dun
u.s." he answered savagely. 'He might
have waited until he saw me-"
"Oh, he was very nice about It," re-
sponded Alice. "and begged my pardon
for speaking Of 1t. He said there was
10 hurry. only that he had made out
his bill as matter Of form, etc., and
we could pay it when convenient"
Albert made no further comment.
but when the meal was ended said,
Come out on the porch, sig, aud let US
talk matters over" She followed him.
feeling there was trouble coming, and.
drawing her low chair next to his.
placed one elbow on his chair arm and
covered her face with that hand. For
few moments he remained silent.
watching the firef1ies beginning their
evening dance over the meadow and
listening to the distant call Of whip
poorwill. Across the valley the village
lights were coming in sight one by
one, and q faint odor Of new mown
hay came to him. The pathetic little
figure Mt his side unneryed him, how
ever, and he dreaded to say what he
must
"Well, sis," he said at last, "I've kept
matters from you as long as can. We
not only owe Hobbs good deal, but
as much more in smaller bills to 9TH
ers, and there Is no money to pay
them. I've worried about them more
than you know or than cared to have
you. One Of two things must be done.
either borrow money and pay these
bills or I must 60 away and earn
some"
Then the little head beside him sunk
slowly to his chair, and as he began
stroking 1t he added: 'I've written to
Frank Mason. my old college chum.
and through him have received fair
offer to 60 to Boston and have decided
to accept it. I shall leave here as soon
as can get ready"
The trouble was growing serious
now, and as he ceased speaking he
caught the sound Of suppressed 500.
Don't cry, Alice" he said tenderly;
ut can't be helped. Our home must
be broken up some time, and 1t may
as we'll be now as any other. The
thing that worries me most IL leaving
you and Aunt Susan here alone"
Then the sobs increased, and the
bowed form beside him shook.
"Oh, Bertie." she said at last In
choked voice, don't leave US here
alone. Let US sell the old house, pay
the bills, and II you must 60 away let
us go too"
mo, dear, that is not best" he an
swered softly. II can't earn enough
at first to do 1t. You will have to stay
here till l can"
Then the proud spirit that had come
to Alice Page from many generations
of self helpful ancestors spoke, and
she said as she raised her head and
brushed away the tears: IF you are to
leave me here 1 shall go to work as
well. can teach school or do some
thing to help you, and shall too"
Her defiant little speech hurt Albert
just bit, and yet he felt proud OF her
for it. ut may be best for you If you
could get a chance to teach" he re-
sponded, "and it will help me some
and take up your mind, which Is worth
good deal"
But the worst was to come, and the
evening before his departure she never
forgot. There were some consultations
to exchange, however, for she had seen
Mr.. Mears Of the school committee
and obtained a position to teach the
north district school in Sandgate,
small byroad schoolhouse two miles
from her home, and felt little pride
in telling about 1t, while he had to re-
port that all whom they owed had
promised to wait patiently for their
dues.
MIR. Hobbs even offered to lend me
money If / needed It," he said after
they had talked matters over, "and so.
you see. we have good many friends
in Sandgate after all. And now want
you to sing a few of the old songs for
me, so that I can have them to think
about when I am lonesome and home
sick"
But the singing was failure, for Al
ice broke down in the middle Of the
first song. and they had to go out and
watch the firefies once more while she
conquered her tears.
"You will write to me every day,
won't you. Bertie?" she asked discon-
solately as they waited the next morn
ing for the train that was to separate
them. 81 shall be so lonesome and blue
all the time"
When he kissed her goodby she could
not speak. and the last he saw as the
train bore him away was that sweet
sisters face trying bravely to smile
through its tears, like the sun peeping
out of q cloud.
EXCISEMAN BURNS.