Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-06-26
A BURNT BARRIER.
The Lover Laid His Pride at His
Sweetheart's Feet.
BY MARIE MoNTRosE.
copyrighted 1903. by Associated Literary
Press.l

smoke that was rolling up from the
sheep dotted pasture. She went ''cross
lots" and came to the charrcd remains
OF the old farmhouse, where knot OF
neighbors. helpless and wondering.
gathered round the pathetically small
pile OF rescued household effects.
Doxy was not young woman, but
she was Of the type that time touched
gently. Her eyes were soft and gray
and expressive OF n past but unforgot
ten time. Her optimistic fatallsm was
not wanting In this hour of trouble.
81 don't see how you managed to
save so many things" she said to her
friends. each OF whom at this encour.
agement began TO point out what he
had snatched from the flames.
"See. Miss Barton" cried lad. tri-
thrustlng tin can into her
hand. II hearn you say as how this
ere was yer bank. so grabbed II fust
thing"
"Oh, Jim. there Is $50 In IT,"
Her father. Seth Barton. now arriv
ed upon the scene. His heart was full
of memories which were smothered In
the philosophical remark. "Neyer could
have saved her In this wind"
you and Doxy II come right home
with us and stay" cordially invited
the nearest neighbor.
The others followed suit In this prof
fer Of hospitality, rendering wide open
doors.
you are so kind but well stay
right here" said Doxy in response to
each invitation. "Our upstairs is fitted
up snug as fireside. you know"
Her fathers stoical face frightened.
He had a catlike clinging to home
not from love Of every heart beat for
II. as In Doxy's case. but because he
could not bear the thought of uproot-
ing and transplanting.
The neighbors carried the goods and
chattels to the barn and helped Doxy
arrange temporary home. While the
men were aiding In the evening work
their wives prepared supper. ANY
event. joyful or calamitous, In the dis
trict was deemed an occasion" wor-
thy Of general repast. After supper
they departed for their homes. Seth
settled down to his evening pipe and
weekly paper rs II nothing had hap
pened.
Then Doxy In the soft shadows OF
the dusk stole out and went through
the garden to the blackened ruins of
tottering walls and crumbled mortar.
All the voices Of long ago called to
her. most persistently the voice OF the
youth who ten years before had wooed
her.
There had been the lovers quarrel.
and Jed Knox In n moment OF hot
headed anger had sworn he would
never again cross the Barton thresh-
old.
Time and events showed him that
he was entirely In the wrong and that
the quarrel had been of his own max.
ing. hnt he held stubbornly to his
oath. With quiet and firm dignity
Doxy had refused to see him else
where than in her own home.
As Jed's stubbornness increased he
grew bitter and morose. avoiding all
mention OF Doxy.
She started at sight of a man COM
ing from out the ruins, but in an in
slant she recognized Sol Opper, the
village carpenter, early in line for a
contract.
"Sol," said Doxy briskly, II want
you to build me house as near like
this as you can"
"waal. Miss Barton. tell me how
much you can put into house."
There's the $50 Jim saved, the bank
account, little insurance, some that
Hobbs owes u.s.
After a mental accounting she gave
the total OF her capital. Sol shook his
head discouraglngly.
"You can't do It noways for that
money"
KNOCK out the cellar" commanded
Doxy, "and take Off the blinds. In the
fall I will use the turkeys for blinds"
''rhe turkeys!" repeated Sol wonder
ingly.
"The money l get for selling them.
! mean."
When the blinds were OF, the bay
window deducted. the gables torn or.
the back porch taken away. the stairs
removed and a general clearing of fire.
place. attic, paint, plaster. lath and par
titions had been effected. the amount
of cash available was triumphantly
reached.
The architecture appealed to Sol as
easy to build, but was not In accord
ance with his Ideas Of what dwelling
should be.
"Your house won't have no insides,
Miss Barton, but I'll be on hand to-
morrow TO begin" said he disapprov-
ingly.
When he had gone she again resum-
ed her twilight reveries.
Miss Doxyw
She started and. turning. saw the
figure Of lad so like the youth of the
long ago that there was a momentary
stirring In her heart like pain.
Don't you remember me? Laurie
KnoxT
He was Jed's young nephew. who