Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-08-10

new Dut genuine western enthusiasm
for her own town. Mamma says it's
half as large again as when they
moved there. Papa has all the work
he can do; he Is q carpenter, you
know. and carpenters are scarce-so
is capital. A man with some money
is sure to make a success. You could
do we'll there"
II can do we'll at G%ilesburg," re-
turned Gideon. sturdily loyal. Tho
finest apples in the state are raised
in that district. It's a good shipping
point. too"
but see here. what mamma says
about a young man from home. who
has only been in Evansville two
years" She unfolded a letter and
read: "'Abram Hewitt is doing
splendidly. He is the only money
lender in town. and Is n Of the rich
men now. He Is building a beautiful
home and Is very helpful to your
father and me. You would not know
him for the same Abram. He IN
quires every day when you-'" She
broke of abruptly.
e>oh "iASSA
wouldn't do as a money-lender," lie
replied; too much sympathy for the
other fellow. I've had to borrow,
myself"
Constraint fell with that, and Gid
con went to the smoking compart-
ment and sat himself down, gloomily,
In a corner.
"Of course" he chided; 81 might
have known some rich man would
want her. I'm surprised she ever
got away from New England without
being married" With that he watch
ed a vague and delightful dream
which had come into his life in the
past 4S hours fade as the light Of
evening faded on the distant Jul
tains.
The rich Mr.. Hewitt stalked into
their conversation and spread him
self around like Q wet blanket fire.
Quently; after that Gideon tried to
avoid him. and SO did the school
ma'am girl. But he was evidently a
character not accustomed to being
ignored. 1t was patent to Gideon he
"a uilAbCll " VIC LAG hub-
band of little Miss Serena.
Next morning he recalled with a
start that they were but IA hours
from G%ilesburg. He sought Serena.
The schoolma'am girl was encased
in the manner which he knew strange
teachers adopt at an institute. She
was p~ainstakingly polite and pain
fully friendly, and as impersonal as
the multiplication table. For once.
Mr.. -iowitt did not get into the con-
%versation.
Even at dinner, a dining car extrav-
cause 1t was to be their last meal to-
gether. the girls armOr remained In
place.
Tho hours passed inexorably. Al
most before he could believe 1t, the
whistle screamed. the brakeman
cried "Gilesburg!" and Gideon was
standing in the aisle. saying goodbye.
So with a heart sore and rebellious
he descended into the soft darkness
Of the little town. suitcase In hand.
Mechanically he fumbled In his peck.
cts for his trunk check.
The engine was taking water. Gid.
cor walked forward, for one more
look at the schoolma'am girl. Her
seat was toward the middle of the
car on the other side. The platform
was high. and by standing on tiptoe
he could Just SEQ her.
Her head was turned away; chin
On hand, she was looking out into the
darkness. There was a droop to her
not at all like the young m who
had hidden him a cheerful goodbye q
few moments before. Stealthily she
dabbed her eyes with her handker-
chief.
Just then the train started; so did
Gideon. He rushed up the steps Of
the car. treading on the toes of the
conductor. and nearly knocking oveY
the porter. dropped his suitcase in
the vestibule. and marched up the
aisle.
"Bun." he said. quietly. and sat
down beside her.
She turned. with a sudden catch
ing Of breath. There was Joy In
her dewy eyes. Unconsciously she
stretched out her hand and Gideon
took II In his own.
"Oh!" she sighed. with a tremulous
smile. 1T seemed SO lonesome. But
the ~train-we're leaving Gilesburg.
Where are you going?"
with you" he replied. simply.
But" she struggled to release
her hand. You can't" Her eyes
fell on the trunk-check between his
fingers. Your trunks back there
your orchard! Why, Cid"