The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1911-01-26

the Martins, Ethel, the daughter of
his master, was the one member OF
the family who, in all his futile re-
volts, won him clemency from her
wrathful father, and gave him cause
to believe In such a thing as human
ity. He had not forgotten.
Waller remembered Ethel Martin
as an earnest-eyed little girl with
stiff, tawny braids sticking out on
each side of her head, and in prim
starched dresses on Sunday, and worn
pinafores on week days. He had been
a good ten years older than she. Wal
Ter found himself puzzling as to why
plain whited uck dress could make
a maid appear so positively beautiful.
Yes, ] am Ethel" the girl was say
ing I'VE received your letter, but
but papa is dead He died seven
years ago. Fred, the baby, you will
remember-mother, and myself are
living in the old home, and-and we
would like to have you stop with us
while you are in town"
In this invitation Waller detected
the personal wish Of Ethel. He knew
well enough that the mother of the
girl, a broken-spirited woman, had
long since ceased to take interest in
any happening. no matter how irreg.
ular. Fred, who had been an infant
in arms at the time he, Waller, had
gone away, would hardly enthuse over
the coming of his fathers runaway
boy.
II will be pleased to accept your
kind invitation" came from Waller
The New Yorker had intended to stay
at the old tavern. In accepting Ethel
Martins hospitality, his ready lips had
taken the wish from his heart, and his
methodical brain dumbly analysed the
reason as he plodded along.
How does 1t happen, Ethel,' he
asked, that you are -er-different
from these other women Of your
town? He waved discreet fingers to-
ward a slovenly pair in nearby yard.
Ethel laughed. dad sent me away
to school," she said.
Waller was received by the widow
of Martin with a listless shake of the
hand, and colorless words Of welcome.
The woman was beyond feeling or
emotion. She, too, had been a slave
to the stern man now in his grave.
Waller, explaining that he would be
in Mayville for some time, made ar.
rangements for board. His ideas Of
tavern accommodations had faded
since he had seen the daughter of his
old master For the first time in
his life Waller was in love.
Ethel" he said one day, II have
been here nearly four months, and
now must return MY work in the
city calls me. Will you not so back
with meas my wife?"
mo-" answered the girl shortly.
Fingers seemed to grip the heart
Of the man. The green fields and the
scattered trees by the roadside be-
came confused tumble, and Waller
lost consciousness.
DEAREST" The appeal in the words
came through a mist of oblivion and
drew the broker back to life. Dear
est, didn't mean it, Oh come back
to me, Dan; come back to mel"
His eyes opened and his weak hands
fumbled for the willing ones of the
girl my hearth" he gasped. "The
doctor told me that sudden shock
would do this. That is why / came
here this summer-for quiet"
''But didn't mean what said. T.
I will go back with you"
Rather" came from Waller, slow
ly, Il will remain here with you.
There can be no more city for me-
now The excitement of it would kill
me. Dearest, we have money enough
and love. We viii remain here