Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-02-16

| words he had rehearsed but as she made
to fee from him, with a pitiful gesture,
towards her room, the fear Of losing
her aroused him and spurred his wit.
Don't go away! 1 have something 1
must tell you. I've thought it over, and
you've got to listen, Necia-"
II am listening" she answered very
quietly.
Understand me, I'm not whining, and
I'm willing to take my medicine l
couldn't talk or think very straight this
afternoon, but you were wrong"
Eyes. know now. / was wrong 1t
was most unlady-like, wasn't It? But
you see. I am only little savage"
81 don't mean that; mean you were
wrong when you said 1 had played with
you In the sight Of God. swear you
were mistaken. You have made me love
you. Necia. Can't you seer
She made no sign.
IF you can't. I owe 1t to you and
to myself TO set you right. I am not
ashamed to acknowledge my love, and
even when you are married to Poleon
want you to know that 1 shall love you
always
Even yet she made no sign. Was he
not merely repeating the same empty
words with which he had so often be-
guiled herr There was no word Of mar
riage; he still considered her unworthy;
beneath him. The pain Of IT caused the
girl to vince suddenly, and her sensitive
face finched. seeing which he broke out:
You do love me, Necia-you do; see
It in your eyes!' And he started to-
wards her with open arms. but she
shrank away from him.
NO. no! Don't touch mel" she al
most screamed.
My dear one he breathed, you must
listen to me. You have nothing to fear,
for 1 love you-love you-love you! You
were made for me! Yum be my wife,
Yes; you'll be married on Sunday, but to
me, not to Poleon or any other mani!
Did she hear aright7 Was he. her SOL
der lover, asking her. the Indian girl?
You do love me. don't your he plead
ed. But still she could not speak, and
he tried to read the answer in her swim
ming eyes.
You mean-you want to-marry me2'
she murmured. at last, hesitating shyly
at the word that had come to play so
momentous a part in her little world.
Indeed 1 dor he declared, with en-
phasis. In spite of everything anything.
Nothing else matters"
'Nohing"7
Nothing! I'll quit the army. I'll give
UP the Service, and my people, too. I'll
put everything back Of me. and Wen
start. out anew-Just you and l."
Wait a moment" she said, re-
treating a little from his eager.
outstretched arms. why do you need
to do all thatT'
Never mind why; it's as good as done.
You wouldn't understand"
But / think I do understand now.
Do really mean all that to your"
Yes, and moreT'
Listen to me-" said the girl, quietly.
1T want you to talk slowly so 1 may not
misunderstood. II you-marry me, must
you forego all those great things you
speak of-your profession, your family,
your future7"
Don't let's talk about it. Necia; I've
got you, and"
please answer me. she urged. II
thought I understood, but I'm afraid 1
don't I thought it was my being a
breed that stood In the way"
There's nothing in the way"
that 1 wasn't good enough. knew
could overcome that; 1 knew 1 could
make myself grow to your level. but 1
didn't think my blood would fetter you
and make this difference. I suppose 1 am
putting it awkwardly, because I'm not
sure that / quite understand 1t myself
yet Things seem different now, some
how, than they did before"
''Nonsensew exclaimed the soldier. IF
they don't bother me, Necia, why should
you worry7"
would you really have to give up your
family-your sister? Would those people
you are so proud of and who. are so
proud of you-would they cut you orr
There is no question Of cutting off.
have no inheritance coming; / don't
want any. 1 don't want anything ex-
cept you, dear"
Won't you tell me?' she persisted
"You see, am dull at these things"
well, what II they dor" he conceded
You more than make It up to me-you
outweigh a thousand families"
"And would your marriage to a-a-to
me destroy your army caReer?'
well, it viii really be much easier
for both Of us II 1 resign from the ser
vice" he finally admitted. I'm fact
I've decided to do so at once"
NO, no! You mustn't do that. To-
night you think 1 am worth the price,
but a day will come"
He leaned forward and caught her
hands in his.
Meade. can't let you do it."
I'D IKE to see you help yourself"
he said, banteringly.
II can and I will. You must not mar