Smyrna times., 1904-11-16
Unto the Third
Generation
By CICELY ALLEN
Copyright, 1901, bg ". Wood

tStfOnS. uIIu HdIlu II was SOOu u
feel his support, his presence, even
though she had grown somewhat ac-
customed to it, and she turned to him
with wan smile.
At the head of the first fight of stairs
they turned into Mrs. Millers little
sitting room, and Francesca dropped
wearily into the low rocker by the
window. Dick sat on the window
hedge swinging his feet His hall bed
room was on the floor above. Fran
cesca had the room next to Mrs. Mil
lers, but since their engagement had
been announced the good natured land
lady had rather turned her little sit
hing room over to their use.
In my days young folks didn't have
to do their counting in the park, and
don't think it's right and proper"
she had said in explanation to her old
est bOarder, a crusty bachelor.
And now the two young people sat
in the twilight, typifying the two sec
lions of the country from which they
had cOme-Francesca, gentle, clinging
and dropping in the fierce struggle for
existence in the great northern city,
shrinking from the clamOr of trains
overhead, the clang of surface cars at
her side and longing for the mellow
moonlight and the voice of the night
ingale in her old southern home; Dick,
alert, quick. fascinated by the Oppor-
tunities which had drawn him from
Ia midwest farm. He had brought
nervous energy and strong, vigorous
blood. and New York loves to sap
and live off them both. They had met
on the commercial highway and loved
v YAt leas- Dick was quite sure of it on
bis side. Tonight Francesca
hardly knew what was wrong tonight.
"A whole day to ourselves tomor-
Fow, sweetheart" he was saying.
Yes replied Francesca bitterly.
f'That's what all the girls were saying
Today. You'd think we were slaves
and-well, we are!'
Dick looked at her in surprise. Then
Die spoke cheerily.
Well we shan't be always. DO you
know. Francesca, that little venture in
real estate is coming out all right. 1
could have sold my share today at a
ut gain of a thousand. But l think
HIll hang on until we're married, and
well build on the corner lot"
And you'll be a commuter, and I'll
die of loneliness through the day"
Dick eyed her anXiOusly.
'Things go wrong at the shop? Well,
tnever mind. Tomorrow we'll have the
Swhoie day
"Ion't say that again." she COM
man!cd, then corrected herself quick
D.. Il mean. where shall we go?'
If you don't mind, I'd like to take a
few flowers out to one of the cemeter-
les" Then, seeing the surprise in her
face. he added hastily: Not that I've
bny one buried around here, only at
home on Memorial day we always
put flowers on the soldiers graves, and
guess we can find plenty Of 'em
arOund here. Then We'll go down to
One of the beaches on the boat. We
won't get off. Just take the water
ride"
Francesca's hands were clasped tight
y over her crossed knees.
you can do as you like. I'll never
decorate a Federal soldiers grave. Dick
Merrill, never! If it hadn't been for
that war I'd not be in this dreadful,
, Dreadful city working-working like a
} Slave for $15 a week. with girls who
don't know how to dress, to talk, TO
bet My people always had money, but
my grandfather was killed in your
war. My father could not regain what
: the war had swept away. He died
Struggling with the problem, and my
hmother followed him with broken
; heart | hate the north, even though
bad to come and ask it for bread. And
EOu ask me to decorate the graves OF
: anen who devastated my homer
Il didn't think, Francesca, dear; hon
estly l didn't. You see, we've always
!. Kept the day. My folks fought on the
pther side, and then l guess I'm bit
!. Old fashioned. 1t seems natural to &c
= 70 the cemetery, and l didn't think Of
y bow you might feel
That's it, You didn't think. You'll
B hever understand me-" the girl said il
BOW, passionate tones. There's thu
cIasous and Dixon line between us
Hou northern men are so different
Nou're all business and dollars. Yol
pet us southern girls up here and grin'
: pur lives out"
Dick looked serious now, but h
forced a smile.
IF the north had not claimed you
talents, dear, we would never hav
#met,' he said, and it was her cue t
soften, but she did not take it.
"Oh, hate it! l hate 1.-THE air, th
! noise, the rush. 1t has no compensi
] lions"
She did not mean it just that wa!
but Dick took the words literally. II
] stood up suddenly and very straight.
: Il am sorry, Francesca, that yo
i think cannot make you happy"
Z And when she looked up he had le
the room so quietly that she cou
hardly believe the move had been tai
en- by vigorous stalwart Dick Merri