The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1909-06-29
A BURNT BARRIER.
The Lover Laid His Pride at His
SWeetheart's Feet.
by MARIE MoNTRosE.


stricken, her eyes bent on a volume of
smoke that was rolling up from the
sheep dotted pasture. She went 'cross
lots" and came to the charred remains
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 a past but unforgot-
ten time. Her optimistic fatalism 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-
umphantly thrusting a tin can Into her
hand, II hearn you say as how this
ERE was yer bank. so grabbed it fnst
thing"
s>Oh, Jim, there is $50 In itr'
Her father, Seth Barton, now arrfv-
ed upon the scene. His heart was full
Of memories which were smothered IN
the philosophical remark, Never could
have saved her In thie windr
You and Doxy Il come right home
with us and stay," cordially invited
the nearest ne4ghboc.
The others followed suit in this prof
fer Of hospitality, rendering wide open
doors.
You are 80 kind, but wen stay
right here" said Doxy In response to
each invitation "Our IpstE.-s Is fitted
mp snug al a flreside, you know"
Her fathers stoical face frightened.
BE had catlike clinging to home
not from love Of every heart beat for
It, as In Doxy's case, but because he
could not bear the thought OF uproot-
ing and transplanting.
The neighbors carried the goods and
chatteis 10 the barn and helped Doxy
arrange q temporary home. While the
men were aiding In the evening work
their wives prepared supper. Any
event, joyful or calamftous, In the dis
txsct was deemed an occasion" wcr-
thy Of q general repast. After supper
settled down to his evening pipe and
weekly paper as 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 peFsistentiy the voice Of the
youth who ten years before had wooed |
her.
There had been the lovers quarrel,
and Jed Knox In moment Of hot
headed anger had sworn he would
never again cross the Barton thresh-
Cd.
Time aud events showed him that |
he was entirely in the wrong and that
the quarrel had been Of his own max
ing, but he held stubbornly to his
oath With quiet and firm dignity
Doxy had refused to see him else
where than in her own home.
f As Jed's stubbornness increased he
grew bitter and morose, avoiding all
mention Of Doxy.
She started at sight Of man COM
ing from out the ruins, but in an In
slant she recognized Sol Opper, the
village carpenter, early in line for
contract.
"Eol," said Doxy briskly, IT want
you to build me house as near Hike
this as you cam
'sWaal, Miss Barton, tell me how
much you can put into house."
49, exc IT., aoua6 tho honU
account, little insurance, some that
Hobbs owes u.s.
After a mental accounting she gave
the total of her capital. Sol shook his
head discouragingly.
''You can't do It noways for that
money"
KNOCK out the cellar" commanded
Doxy, and take Off the blinds. In the
fall Will use the turkeys for blinds"
1.-THE turkeysp' repeated Sol wonder
ingiy.
"The money get for selling them,
mean"
When the blinds were of, the bay
window deducted, the gables torn off,
the back porch taken away, the stairs
removed and general clearing Of fire.
place, attic, paint, plaster, hath 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 revexies.
Miss Doxyr'
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 IKE pain.
Don't you remember me? Laurie
KnoxT
He was Jed's young nephew, who
had been used as child to spend his
summer vacations with his uncle.
Little Laurie! A manw
at hope So" he replied, taking her
hand. ~ came today for visit after
all these years. We just heard Of the
FIRE. and Uncle Jed asked me to come
and see you and ask II there was any
thing we could do to help you Won't
you ana your father come over to On
Gle Jed's and stay, just for night any
wayT
Had 1t been so long, then, his strug
gies2 She pondered sadly. 1t hurt
her that he could not come himself,
but must send another. She thanked
the boy kindly, but declined the invi-
tation. After talking few moments
Of old times she babe him go to the
barn and see her father.
"You had better come, too," he plead
ed. 81 don't believe it's just good for
you to stay here"
She smiled at his boyish wisdom.
"Just a few moments more, Laurie,
and then I'll join you and father"
It was very quiet. A lone bird
called. She felt solitary and outlawed.
A third time she was interrupted.
There was no mistaking the man.
Jed, strong and straight, his grimness
softened, but showing In the lines of
his face, came straight up to her.
"Doxy, thought they would never
20. As soon as sent the lad knew
must come myself. 1 took short cut
but the Opper man was ahead OF me
and then Laurie"
sfVuall