The St. Louis Republic., 1905-08-06
A Temporary Revival Of Ante-Bellum Customs
That Brought Chivalrous Young Man a Bride
By WILL N. III AR RBEN

seeming to be-I thought. perhaps l was wrong
but thought she was pleased to have me make
this visit
The old gruntcd and began to pull at his
cigar again. ''Oh. that for nothing.
She could not have received attentions from YOU
she did in Augusta without earnestly desiring
make you welcome here. poor our opportunity
''Then have had no encouragement at all sai,l
Hanbury. crestfallcn. Indeed Colonel. can think
nf nothing from which l could gather the
slightest hope"
'Oh. don't look at it that way. You must not
lc discouraged bv my silly talk. l don't kn",:
women never did
The Lamps were lighted in the parlor behind
the two men. and through Of the big windows
they saw Evelyn at the piano. "fou might well
so speak to her now" said the Colonel throwing
away his cigar-"no. Ill send her out here: its
inside
When he her coming. Hanburv felt himself
turning cold from head to foot. As she drew
he reached out for one Of the big vcranda chairs
and placed it for her. remaining standing
She looked at him almost inIuiringly for Il
moment. and then sat down. CHANGING at another
chair near him. she motionesl for him take il.
Not till have spoken To you.' he said bending
slightly toward her. do YOU remember. Miss
HaSbrook. that you compimented
having the courage to approach those Northern
capitalists on that big deal in real es,atc:"
Quite wcll.'' she told him. And right.
for it was your courage that made the venture
coed have heard many Of your friends say that.
They said no one else could have put it through
We'll it may have bccn a of courage
Hanbury admitted. with a little forced laugh but
there is another sort that have not gnt-it is the
courage to tell you frankly about something that i;
more important to than all the land deals in tn.
word-more important than life itself. ! have
spoken to your father. and want to tell YOU that
love you and that want to devote my whole life
to your happiness.
She drew herself erect in her chair. The move
ment brought her face into the light Of one Of the
lamps in the parOr and he surprised expression
Of tender sympathy her features that thrilled
to the chair. ''Sit down.. she said softly. Il
to talk to vou.''
He ohcycd drawing the chair to hers
"YOu doubt that l could enough for YOU
and swecily.
You have given To hope sO'' he
said 1T IS only mad love for you that has
driven to this. I I" know my fate. in
sheer desperation. I know the worst and
lie prepared to gr.pple with it. The fear Of losing
you. coupled with this fresh sight of you in Your
own home. has simply unnamed me-
She raised her hand TO her face. her uncovered
elbow rested the broad of the chair Beyond
the along the main road some carry
ing a torch oi pine. From of the o,cuIic,i
cabins Of the quarter the sonoro,is song
Of black mother singing child to sleep: there
the dull humping Of a rockcriess chair: over
the wide fields the shining
When she spoke she removed her hand from her
face and her Voice shook with emotion she tried
in vain control. You would honor
in the world. Mr. Hanburv. with such proposal
and wish could all that you wan, 20
say tonight; bu, really don't know If love YOU
as :, wifi. should ovc's,,ch husband know yo,,
would make her. ] respect you more than anyone
I know bu, me marriage Is a mos, sacred thing
and / hEys. nor 1t6 yed
moment. Of course. {" think of YOU a possible
husband II YOU would consent To wait awhile
To- let me think il over. - She seemed unable
TO 60 further