The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1905-07-25
Copyright, 1905, Dv Louise J. strong

If | ever did speak to him again it
would be because had made up my
mind to marry him. Why it will be the
same as proposing If l ever speak to
him now, when I've evaded- can
never do it." she sighed.
Bert had not been greatly crushed
by her ultimatum. He spoke to her
cordially at every opportunity in spite
of her nonresponse with something like
elated expectancy in his manner that
stung Betty to a more determined stub
bornness.
Il suppose he thinks will, but he'll
see," she said firmly.
She had persisted in ignoring him
Jelly until at length he seemed to con-
clude that it was hopeless and avoided
meeting her. All the time, of course,
Betty had been hoping he would, some
how, make her speak, though she would
not have confessed it, nor the disap-
pointment she felt at his finally aban-
doning his efforts and accepting the
situation.
She fiirted desperately, which gave
her small satisfaction, as it apparently
did not disturb him in the least He
fiirted, too, and so fervidly that it be-
gan to look serious In regard to Addie
Stark. Betty felt that she was losing
all the fun of life and all the joy as
we'll
She had simulated successfully a
gayety of spirits almost boisterous at
the moonlight skating party, but had
really been so miserable at seeing those
two, Bert and Addie, gliding about, al
ways together, that she had deter
mined not to go to the coasting route.
She had refused all offers Of escort, but
now, at the passing of the gay party,
she suddenly changed her mind, whip
ped on her suit, tucked the becoming
cap on her curls and darted after Ned
and his chum, who had just started.
''TaggingY Ned chaffed. But he
made no objection, for Betty was as
good at coasting as any boy of them,
fully as fearless and as feet footed,
and now she rushed with them down
alleys, through back yards and over
fences, going across lots the nearest
way
Thus when the crowd arrived Miss
Betty was triumphantly sailing down
the longest, steepest course with the
yelling boys. cheered by the mob OF
town youths usually on the hill.
Most of the girls confined themselves
to the short, easy slope at the side, I'M
less in charge Of strong, capable es-
cort.
"It is dangerous, just with those
boys, Betty" demonstrated her friend,
Alice Hoover.
"And it is unladylike for a girl to go
laundering down with a gang Of fell
lows" commented Addie Stark, super
ciliously.
"You don't dare to, that's ALL" Betty
retorted.
I'm not the only one. Bert said"-
Bert's appearance cut short the
speech, and, laughing shrilly, Betty ran
away to the boys and coaxed them
over to a still sleeper spot, where only
the more skillful and daring ventured.
Her blood was boilingl So Bert had
been criticising her to Addie! 1t
seemed the boldest treachery. AS for
Addie-the little cat!-she was envious
because she had not the courage to I'M
dertake the long descent She looked
scornfully over at Bert, taking tame
little flights, with Addie clinging to him
shrieking In exaggerated fear. Betty
knew how he loved the rush of the long
hill, with the jounce at the end that
sent them flying across the bottom.
They had taken it together many times
Now it was unladylike of her, was it
and she with her own brother!
Her indignation grew, and with it her
recklessness. Little by little she drew
the boys toward the post that bore a
danger sign, which marked the limit
Of the coasting ground. Beyond the
post the hill was fine, but at the foot
the railroad swung up against it as it
curved to cross the river, and 1t was
not easy to see train till it was close
at hand. 1t was plainly no place for
coasting, though few ventured at
times, the spice of danger adding zest
to the sport.
Betty had always wanted to swoop
down and fly across the track, perhaps
catching sight of an oncoming train. 1t
would be thrilling But she had no In
tention of undertaking it now, though
In the mood to go as near it as pos
sible.
Look out, Nedy' some one called.
you're getting too close there! Better
come back"
There isn't a bit of danger" Betty
laughed as they flashed by.
"But you'd better come over here"
Will White urged when Betty and the
boys had climbed the hill and were pre-
pairing to descend again.
you're so close now a little bump
would throw you on the track. Don't
you see that. Betty?' Alice interposed
anxiously.
'Oh, Betty wants to show OFF, Ad-
die sneered, and unfortunately at the
same instant Bert commanded:
Ned, you boys bring your sleds over
here at once! You're foolhardyr'
With scarlet cheeks and flashing eyes
Betty snatched sled and ran TO a
point directly over the railroad and
prepared for a downward flight alone.
Command her, would he? OF course he
meant her! She'd show him! There
was an uproar of warning shouts from
the young men and shrieks from the
girls, but Betty was too angry to heed.
AS she started another sled shot down
diagonally and midway the hill ran
into hers, throwing them both into the
deeper snow, where they rolled over
and over and brought up at last in a
! tangle on the brink Of plunge just as
a train swept along below.
White and shaking at the narrow es-
cape Betty took herself off the head Of
her rescuer, sobbing:
"Oh, Bert, Bert! Have l killed your
At the instant Of collision she had seen
who it was attempting to stay her fool
ish flight at the risk of his life. She
had been too angry and excited to I'M
derstand that train was coming
she had been silly-so sillyp
She covered her face as Bert sat up,
saying as he brushed the snow from
his eyes:
ITS got to be soon, sweetheart, so !
can take proper care of my wifep'
But you called me unIadylike to Ad-
die and this would be-