The Virginia enterprise., 1910-07-01


up her mind. But law me. l don't
believe in being so close mouthed to
anybody like you, Abner, that l held
in my arms when you were a baby.
What do you think about it2''
II think 1t would be downright fool.
ish to sell the farm that you have
lived on so long. Then there are 50
many associations about it that must
give you q deal of comfort. The city
is no place for woman like you, Mrs.
Hitchcock. that has been used to the
broad out of DOORS"
II know it. Do you hear that, Pa
mela?" Mrs. Hitchcock queried, flush
coming into her withered cheeks.
YES" Pamela m1rmured.
doesn't it change you a mite?" Her
old voice trembled.
NO." Pamela answered. I'm tired
Of this humdrum life Of ours, mother:
each day as colorless as the others. I
want to see something besides Miller's
elevator. a few sprawling houses in the
village, the town pump and Tom
Cra1gs general store. Just think of it,
mother? We own 100 acres of some
OF the choicest prairie land in Illinois
and you and have never even been
to Springfield"
L didn't know you cared aboot 60
ing to such places. Do you mind what
the preacher said last Sabbath about
folks being contented with their lot?
I reckon that some people from the
stuffy city would be glad to chknge
places with you" Mrs. Hitchcock said.
If the preacher believes in being
contented why wasn't he satisfied with
the suit the Ladies' Aid society bought
him instead Of finding fault with the
cut OF it," Pamela returned.
II never felt called upon to criticize
the minister and don't think you
ought to-" Mrs. Hitchcock looked at
her daughter reprovtngly.
I'll sell my 80, mother, 80 don't
worry" Pamela declared, with an air
of assurance that nearly provoked Ab-
ner into a spasm.
Pamela Hitchcock. you don't know
what you are doing! What would you
invest your money in-mining stock?"
he protested.
That's my business!" she retorted.
A sharp rap on the parlor door
brought Pamela to her feet with 4
start.
Its Mr.. Morris coming for my de-
cision."
What decision, Pamela-about your
marriage?" Abner burst out frantical-
ly, his heavy masculine mind failing
to see any Significance between the
mysterious caller and Pamela's de-
string to sell her land. mo, say it is
not, Pamela?"
She started to the door. Abuer
sprang to his feet and caught hold of
her arm.
"One minute, before you go to the
door," he cried, his voice choking with
emotion. Il want to know If you have
gone back on me?'
mo, Abner, you never gave me the
chance"
I've wanted to, goodness knows, all
these years, but every time I tried to
speak-my tongue would get twisted
and the nice phrases 1 had thought out
beforehand would disappear like magic
and I would feel as awkward as a
whale on Pixies peak. I've waited
hoping that something would loosen
my tongue. It has come"
In the guise Of real estate agent
who wants me to trade my 80 acres
for city property" Pamela put in slyly.
and glanced at her mother whose anx-
ious face reflected her feelings.
What Ounce I have been!" Alb
ner stared his astonishment PA
mela, love you. Don't sell the land
Marry me and I'll take you to Spring
field or any place you want to co." he
pleaded.
Another knock at the door threw
Abner into a state of greater excite
ment.
Answer me. Do you love me?"
"Yes," she murmured.
His lips were close to hers and with
Mrs. Hitchcock nodding approval, he
kissed her.
Pamela finally went to the door and
opened it. but Mr.. Morris had grown
impatient and departed.
In the fast gathering darkness she
saw figure at the far end of the lane
But she did not call him back.
Hard Up.
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