The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-04-22
Our Daily $bcrt Story

to my mind"
 "But, hold on" began Miss Collin wood, the merrlment in her face changing to sudden dismay.
 'No, mo-" he said hurriedly, "it is absolutely necessary. It is the-the examination, you know-or. to take the place of it, mean. I have felt wor- ried about the school boys, for I never went to an American school. you know; and the singing class, too. I couldn't refuse, of course, for they are all splendid. hard working people here. and it would help them; but am ab- solutely ignorant of the manipulation of singing class. It will be such a relief to have you to take it off my hands-and the other things. too. I think we will make a great success of 1t now"
 'T hope so," faitnly.
 He looked at her keenIy.
 "Of course I shall help you all can,. he reassured her. "The first few days expect I would better even help with the teaching. Some of the young peo- pie can speak broken English, and some cannot speak English at all. and most of them are only half-civilized. But I've been here several years and understand them, and they all like me- think if I go to school with you while and tell them hunting stories, and perhaps take one of my half-wild horses there for them to give exhibi- tions on and try to break during re- cess, 1t might keep them more tracta- ble. But suppose we go over to kik- shons now and arrange for your &C., commodation. will have your trunk sent after"
 One week later school commenced on log benches and a desk under the trees. RyiaTd was there with an inexhausti- ble store of hunting and animal stories to bribe the scholars attention. and with a vicious horse fastened to one of the trees which was to be school prop erty out of school hours.
 For the first few days Ryland was thoroughly interested in the novel work, and was there when school open ed and remained until it closed, and by the time the novelty began to pail he had become even more thoroughy inter- ested in the teacher.
 Among his letters from England two months or so later was one from the family solicitors, the opening para graph of which read: Tt is our painful duty to inform you of a sad accident which befell your cousin Robert and the baronet while testing new auto mobile. Robert was instantly killed and the baronet somewhat injured. He Is already better. thanks to his robust constitution. This makes you the heir, and the baronet directs that you dis pose of any interests you may have in America and return home immediately Roberts allowance of three thousand pounds year will be yours if you re- side in England. We may add that the Lady Ellen is staying at the hall" Ryland read the letter thoughtfully. but on the whole with a clearing face Only that morning he had received an intimation that a mortgage would be foreclosed on his ranch unless the in- terest be paid immediately That would leave him practically penniless, His natural bent was for quiet and his books. He doubted if he could make living in America. or anywhere, for that matter. The only thing was to return and accept tbe three thousand. and incidentally, the Lady Ellen.
 Once decided, he thrust the rest of the letters into his pocket and started out to say goodbye to his friends. By catching that night train he could without an hours waiting. and when something disagreeable was in pros- pect the less proerastination there was tho better.
 It was that that took him straight to the schoolhouse. Miss Collinwood was more to him than all else in America. how much more he had not realized un- til he decided to leave.
 She was just closing the door. with the scholars separating for their homes, when he arrived. and something in her eyes as she greeted him changed his intended brief farewell into Suppose We stop under the trees a little while. now: and, besides l have something l want to tell you"
 Under the trees that had been their favorite talking place, and he found 1t even more difficult to speak the words of farewell there than he had at the schoolhouse door. Several times he forced them to his lips, but looking in- to her eyes and listening to her voice he could not give them utterance. And all the while England and the three thousand were slipping farther and farther away, and America and this girl beside him were becoming nearer and more indispensable. She was telling him some of her ambitions and hopes, and the indomitable courage was firing his own veins and making simple what had before seemed insurmountable. He had thought this girl his dearest friend. he now knew that she was infinitely more. And in this land. or anywhere, if would be easy to make a living for lthe woman one loved. Suddenly he
 reached out and took her hands in his, strongly, and she did not resist.
 Miss Collinwood-Elinor," he said steadily. Twill you marry me?'' And she, after a moment of silence. but not hesitation, answered quietly, | "YeA"
 They talked for half an hour longer. making plans and discussing hopes. then he noticed the bulk of unopened l letters fin his pocket, and took them out one by one and read them. still talking. and making comments on what they | contained The last one was from the | two days later but mailed in time to 1 reach the same boat. It read. 'sThe late baronet's injuries, at first thought slight, yesterday developed
 alarming symptoms, and he died this I morning. You succeed 10 the title. | Please come at once"
 non1t sorvnt to come to the EaSter