Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-11-21

"I was here only for the summer"
he explained. 81 must go back home
too"
recollections of this delightful coun-
try" she said. 81 know that l shall
always remember this summer most
pleasantly"
.I want to- take away something
else" he said slowly. Ruby turned her
face away and let her gaze wander
over the fragrant towering buckwheat.
~ want to take with me your promise
that some day 1 may come for you"
he went on-"that some day l may
come and claim you for my bride.
May l, dear"
Gently Ruby drew from his grasp
the hand he had seized. Her heart
cried "Yes," but there came into her
mental vision the prospect of her am.
bilious mother. Mrs. Forbush would
never consent to their union, and Mrs.
Forbush could make life very unpleas-
ant when she elected.
II am sorry" she said softly, "but l
cannot answer you as you want me to-.
I shall always remember most pleas
antly this happy summer. Please do
not ask more of me-"
"You do not love me?" he demanded
bluntly.
81 do like you," she said Il can
not say more"
Peter flicked his horse with his whip,
and the patient animal logged ON. He
spoke no more of his love, and Ruby
was grateful to him.
She went about her shopping while
Peter drove over to the postofIice to
report When he returned to meet her
It was with livery rig.
II cannot use the delivery horses
now," he explained. Il am no longer
working for the contractor. Shall we
go home by the river road?'
Her eyes made answer. The river
road was the longest and prettiest, and
she would not deny herself this last
trip with the man she loved. Tomor-
row he must pass out of her life To-
night she wished only that she might
drive on and on far into the soft sum
mer night.
But Peter kept the horse at a trot,
and presently they were at the farm.
He was fayorite with Mrs. Slocum.
and she insisted that he come in and
take supper with them. He fingered
In the gloom of the trees until the
moon was high, but at last he had to
go.
Il want to say goodby 10 you here
under the trees" he said as he rose to
his feet after | have harnessed up
the whole family will come out. l am
sorry you could not say Yes dear, but
l do not blame you, and l shall always
love you and cherish the memory of
this summer"
He bent over her and lightly brush
ed her forehead with his lips. Then he
strode of toward the barn, and pres
emily she heard the grating of the bug
gy wheels upon the graveled walk
There was the sound of voices as he
took farewell of the group on the back
porch. and then the carriage came
down the drive and turned into the
road.
For moment the world seemed 10
stand still for Ruby; then she leaped
from the hammock and went flying
down the dusty road after the buggy.
Peter! Peterw she called softly.
Come back. 1t was all a mistake
do love you, and l will marry you, no
matter what mother says"
In an instant he had sprung from the
buggy and had her in his arms. Dab
ney came running up.
Il want to be the first to congratu
late you, old man." he said as he grasp
ed Peters hand. II knew you'd win,
even If sis does hate all the men
know"
"All the men you know" gasped
Ruby.
This is Pennington, Pete Penning
ton." he explained, my roommate at
college. He took the job to meet you
without the disadvantage of my in
dorsement."
IL would have loved him anyhow"
declared Ruby stoutly, millionaire or
Il. +. ID. clerk, as you like"