The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-05-09


and was jubilant at the prospect Of
reconciliation. The next Sunday he
sought an interview with Miss Drew,
but she received him with icy reserve.
If he had thought to punish her by
staying away it was evident that she
felt equally responsible for a great
deal Of misery on his part. Both had
been more or less unhappy, and both
were resentfully obstinate. Brewster
felt hurt and insulted, while she felt
that he had imposed upon her disgrace
fully. He was now ready to cry quits,
and it surprised him to find her obdu-
rate. If he had expected to dictate the
terms Of peace he was woefully disap-
pointed when she treated his advances
with cool contempt.
Barbara, you know I care very
much for you," he was pleading, fairly
on the road to submission. Il am sure
YOU are not quite Indifferent to me.
This foolish misunderstanding must
really be as disa agreeable to you as it
is to me-"
'Indeed!'' she replied, lifting her
brows disdainfully You are assum-
ing a good deal, Mr.. Brewster
Il am merely recalling the fact that
YOU once told me you cared. You
would not promise anything, l know,
but it meant much that you cared. A
little difference could not have changed
your feeling completely
"When you are ready to treat me
with respect may listen to your peti-
tion,'' she said, rising haughtily.
.'AIy petition?' he did not like the
word, and his tact quite deserted him.
Its as much yours as mine. Don't
throw the burden Of responsibility OF
me, Miss Drew"
"Have suggested going back to the
old relations? You will pardon me if
I remind you Of the fact that you came
today on your own initiative and GER
tainly without my solicitation
9.Now, look here, Barbara he be-
Gan, dimly realizing that it was going
to be hard, very hard, to bring her to
reason
81 am very sorry, Mr. Brewster, but
you will have to excuse me. am go
ing OUT
81 regret exceedingly that I should
have disturbed you today, Miss Drew"
he said, swallowing his pride. Per
haps I may have the pleasure Of see
ing you again."
As he was leaving the house, deep
anger in his soul, he encountered the
colonel. There was something about
Monty's greeting, cordial as it was,
that gave the older man hint as to
the situation.
won't you stop for dinner, Monty?"
he asked in the hope that his sus-
picion was groundless.
sThank you, colonel, not tonight"
and he was of before the colonel could
hold him.
Barbara was tearfully angry when
her father came into the room, but as
he began to demonstrate with her the
tears disappeared and left her at White
heat.
Cranky, father, you don't under
stand matters" she said. with slow en-
plasis. ST wish you to know now that
if Montgomery Brewster calls again
shall not see him."
IF that is your point of view, Barba-
ra, wish you to know mine" Inc
colonel rose and stood over her, every
thing forgotten but the rage that went
so deep that it left the surface calm.
Throwing aside his promise to Brew
ster, he told Barbara with dramatic
simplicity the story Of the rescue OF the
bank. "You see," he added, IF it had
not been for that open hearted boy we
would now be ruined. Instead of Civ
ing cotillons you might be giving mu-
sic lessons. Montgomery Brewster will
always be welcome in this house, and
YOU will see that my wishes are re-
spected. Do you understand
Perfectly" Barbara answered in a
still voice. @As your friend shall try
to be civil to him."
The colonel was not satisfied with so
cold blooded an acquleScence, Dut ne
wisely retired from the field. He left
the girl silent and crushed, but with
CLEAN in her eyes that was not alto
gether to be concealed. The story had
touched her more deeply than she
would willingly confess. 1t was some
thing to know that Monty Brewster
could do thing like that and would do
it for her. The exultant smile which it
brought to her lips could only be made
to disappear by reminding herself
sharply of his recent arrogance. Her
anger, she found was plant which
needed careful cultivation.
1t was in somewhat chastened
mood that she started few days later
for dinner at the DeA1illes'. AS she
entered in her sweeping golden gown
the sight of Monty Brewster at the 9TH
er end Of the room gave her lutter at
the heart, but it was an agitation that
was very carefully concealed. Brew
ster was certainly unconscious of it.
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