Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-01-04
8he Hrgus Daily Short Story
'.Betty's Decision. BY Lulu Johnson.
lCnnyright 1907 by. C. H Sutcliffel

wiles of the fortune hunters. She did
not for an instant believe that Beyan
cared for her money, but she was too
proud of him to be willing that he
should SO be classified by others.
Much the same feeling had led Bes-
sic Brewster to refuse to marry Fred
Greyson until his fortune should match
her own. Greyson had gone to the
Philippines, where he believed that
fortune might be acquired quickly He
had made his pile" but on his way
home the fever had taken him. From
Manila the journey had been made In
n metallic casket.
The last of the carriages had passed
The dead march still sounded clear
~ on the crisp, frosty air, and Bevan
fell IN with the crowd that escorted
the procession ON foot. The road
wound up the side of the hill to Gods
acre. where the yellowed headStones
cleaned darkly against the freshly
fallen snow.
The fire companies made a hollow
square, within which the Masons form
ed for the funeral service. Betty Har-
vey stood with the chief mou.ners,
supporting her friend, but before the
short service was concluded she had
to lead the bereaved girl back to the
carriage. Rapidly the hack drove
back to the village. Vance Bevan had
been there TO help Betty lift the girl
into the carriage, and he had sprung
! to the dris ers box to be of service
/ when they hould have reached home.
! 1t was he who bore the fainting girl
into the house, he who summoned the
doctor, and he was waiting when at
last. Bessie having fallen into the mer-
! ciful oblivion of sleep, Betty stole soft
| ly from the room.
! Are you still here?' she asked In
surprise as she came up to Vance
Il must go back TO town tonight" he
explained. Before l go | had to see
you
I'VE have been all over that before"
| pleaded Betty. Cant you understand
, how feel about it, dear?"
| And does this not change your
mind?" he asked Look, Betty.
have come to let you decide for me-
Already l am making progress in my
profession / am classed as one of the
rising young men among the engineers
! My reputation has obtained for me an
offer from South America 1t is to go
down there and make the survey for
Il railroad. 1t will make me rich in
three or four years.
! "As matters are now I cannot make
the same money here in ten or fifteen
years, but can support you comforta-
bly,. You can give away your fortune
to charities If you want l can make
enough for two. Shall go or stay?"
rs there any question: asked Betty.
-Four years is l9ng time, Vance, but
can wait that long to see you escape
being called fortune hunter Was
there need TO askg'
They represent four years that can
never be replaced" reminded Bevan.
There are excellent probabilities that
l may come back home, as Greyson
ibid. If it were my only opportunity
should not hesitate. but have n
chance here. 1t is for you to say"
For a moment the girl hestated All
| uci lie slit udu DeeIl ldueUI 10 utSplSe
the title of fortune hunter She loved
Bevan too we'll to wish that title might
be applied TO him, even though she
knew that under no circumstances
would he consent 10 avail himself % a
penny of her money. 1t was a Ques-
ton between pride and love, and in q
country town the opinion of others
counts for much.
Bevan, reading her answer in her
eyes. turned to go. For an instant she
remained silent: then the glance fell
upon the Grape draped picture of Grey.
son on the wall, and with a little cry
she stepped forward. Bevan turned
to catch her in his arms
II don't care what people say" sob
bed Betty. -Four years is too long
dear"
. On the street without the fire com
panies We're returning from the GENE
terry. and the band headed the pro
, cession playing The Girl Left Be
hind Me-" Betty raised her head from
Bevan's shoulder with little smile.
you will never leave me behind
will you, dear| she whispered
Bevan bent his head to kiss the rosy
mouth. It'll death do us part" b,
quoted reyerently