The Forrest City times., 1910-10-21
FALSE PRIDE
By CLARISSA MACKIE
.opyFlght. IsI9. by Assasl..ed Ll.eEaly Press

Thank you," came Treadwelrs voice. hesitating Does Miss Flea nor Brdsey live here?"
 "No.' said Eleanor quickly.
 There was silence for moment and then as if reluctantly. the machine slowly chugged past the house.
 Eleanor sank down into a crumpled heap on the grass with both hands on her tumultuous breast.
 I'm glad did it." she cried fiercely. He would have despised us-we are poor farmers. I wish had never gone to Mountaintopi"
 There was the sound of a distant crash. followed by shouts of men
 Eleanor sprang to her feet with sudden apprehension Something dreadful had happened had sent Treadwell on a fools errand to that other Henry Birdsey in the village and she had not warned him that the men were cutting trees on the wood lot that bordered the road She had lied to him, and now something had happened-something that she would remember the rest of her life and regret
 Fear-and something else-lent wings to her feet Out of the gate and down the road with beating heart she sped intent on one obiect-fnding , Jack Treadwell and telling him be- fore he died-of her wickedness. The road wound sinuously Flea. nor flew around a curve straight into somebody's open arms. She drew back with glad little cry that was unmistakable and clung to Tread wells outstretched hand. forgetful of her despised working attire. l on, you are safe-I thought q tree must have fallen upon you,- she ! cried; q heard the noise-and I 1 thought 1t was you"
 MT. Treadwell's face cleared won. l deriully he looked keenly at Flea. 1 nor gown with it's rolled-up sleeves and the becoming sunbonnet falling back from her bronze hair. He held closely to Eleanor's hand in spite of 1 her efforts to release 1t 1 he tree fell before my machine reached the spot. II fell across the l road and would have crushed me If l had kept on. As if was had stopped the machine this side of the curve and was debating whether would go back again and look at the other side Of that pink sunbonnet. wanted to ask you why you sent me on"
 Eleanor flushed rosily. You knew me-" she faltered
 sof course=I knew your. hands and 1 that telltale ring on your little finger recognized you in a dozen ways ina, your voice could not hide. Tell me Miss Birdsey. supnose [, must be-it was evident you did nd want to see me and yet-you are glad to see me now?"
 Eleanor lifted face changing with several emotions T have eonfoq slon to make, she said with proud humility. My visit to Mountafntor was an event. It was my first taste or that sort of pleasure and f. was charming of Grace Forbes to inv,te me. But after it was over was ashamed to think of this old farm, house did not want you to come for that reason"
 For that reason alone?" asked ] freadwell, gravely.
 She nodded "So when rocog rizeo your voice today. told you 2 falsehood and sent you on-hut apologize for my rudeness."
 You must not do that. am sr~. you had perfect right to deny yr-tr self to me if you wished. but ratha, liked you hanging up the clothp., MISS Blrdsey. Let us sit down lr, this rock tell me all about it"
 He listened with interest to he, simple story of the farm life
 When she had finished he sppxe ss himself ''I was born and brought up on farm like this: everyboov.s dead now. I'm an artist. you know and I'm rather poor have enough to live happily on and have little : fun now and then, hut I'm not up 10 the pace of the crowd you met nj ApuHidlnlop.
 Eleanor was smiling happily Aunt Hester's voice broke the little silence that followed Treadwelr. words
 Eleanor" she called. "Eleanor,-
 T must go-and finish hanging u, l the clothes"
 May l come around after suppe, and take you out in the Whirlwinde. he asked quickly
 I'd love to go"
 And may l stay at the village int . for few weeks9"
 There was the long-drawn silencs ] Of midsummer day; the buzzine e, , a bee, the distant ehirp of a bird Then Aunt Testers voice across the intervening space: Eleanor"
 Eleanor, repeated Treadwen softly. May l stay7"
 Yes" she said. evading his glance T hope you will"