The Forrest City times., 1908-11-27
-and VI? I suppose she'd new,

"dHL to see her Iatner ana mother. She'd be quite happy without them" He turned contemptuous eyes upon Sally B.'s quivering face. Lord, She ought to be happy without you. It's worse than Abrahan's sacrifice if there had been no lamb: At least. Isaac would have burned quickly!"
 He saw Sally B.'s face drop and gray shadows creep in. Al last she found speech, and her words were steady.
 Whats the use of money and beauty, an Wis sristocratic way, if Bill an me was ready to tie her down 10 our kind? To life on the desert; maybe-Bill ain't no fnandseer-to tough luck an pore grub. That's whats bound to come if Bills luck turns Do you think that's loyin' her? That lord b'longs 10 folks that's al- ways had money. an always looked 1t. An if he fails, there's Freddy Bryan; he's a man, the right kind. If he loses his money. he'll make it again-he's buekin' bright-an' she'll live genteel. l spose you'd call 1t lovin' her to drag her away from all that, an tie her up
 
 a-trampin' along the railroad," It was her turn for scorn, and it burned deep.
 Alvin walked abruptly away to the open window. The beautiful palm gar. den with it's waxen-crested calla hedge and yine-wrapped trellises was full of winter bloom and fragrance. but he saw nothing. His eyes were misty. a Ipol-ipo mi to d,,, out Viola, future never before con- templated.
 Sally B.. watching, saw her battle won; and quick reyulsion of feeling set in. She admired his square, manly shoulders. Freddy Bryan was thin, and stopped little. and the lord was small for an Englishman Alyins plain, well-ftting business suit had wholesome honest look that appealed to her She remembered how valiant ly he had fought his way on a crutch through half-staryed boyhood to man. hood, honorable manhood Even his straightness touched a new chord-she was proud of the courage that had pioneered all operation that was the
 
 for Vii
 Alvin felt her changed attitude. and when he came back to her and spoke, his voice was vary gentle. May l see Viola before go? It'll be my last chance. you know"
 "Oh, All" she cried out and stopped.
 Alvin was astonished at her emo tion. yet waited.
 Almost ambition had lost; no. quite. Al. boy, Do you think you'd better? Won't 1t be harder for you? An for her, too?" she added after breath
 Alyin's face contracted Give her up without one more look into her dear face? Not see for himself that 1t was well with her? That she could 1 love-at least, be content with--the man her mother would secure for her? l His heart beat clamorously; and he l told himself he would see her, would l see her!
 Yet he took up his hat, looked calm ] ly for his gloves and turned steady ! eyes to where Sally B. stood, her white-knuckled hands grasping a chair back desperately.
 Tell Vi-tell Vino. don't tell Der i. anything" he said, with forced calm ! ness. Goodbye Sally B." He bowed , slightly and walked out of the door. | Oh, Al Carter, you're the best man 1 l ever" She caught her breath and 1 stopped. staring after him.
 Neither to the right nor to the loft did he turn his eyes as he walked ! down the winding. rose-lined avenue to the iron gates. Life seemed at sn end,
 Al, Al Carter" screamed a shrin voice behind him. Through the gatos 1 Sally B. flew, her hair disordered, her full draperies bellying to the wind like pirate sails, her crape ruffles dragging out behind her, Al, come back" she cried breathlessly, catching him by the arm, hurrying him through the Iron gates again, through the rose-lined avenue to the house. Come back an see Vii Gosh durn it, Al, l throw up the game, What does a shamming old Greaser like me want of big bug II. right smart better'n l deserve; an good enough for Vi. too. Go long in the music room there. an find Vi. Tell her If she's said Yes to Reg Lawrence or to Freddy Bryan, or to any other feler, I'll say No to him. Co.,
 She dragged him into the hall. pushed him toward the music room; and, sobbing wildly. ran up the sound less stairs.
 Alvin stood still. dazed, half con- scious of ripping, tearing ruJles on the stair, when little figure sprang for. ward to meet him.
 "Oh. Alvin!" she cried in quick rapture, then halted questioningly.
 Viola, your mother has accepted me for you" he said softly, and took her in his arms. And long years of misery were cut from the lovers cal. 1 endar