The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1911-12-20


Ware stalked toward them. Having
dined with Betty as recently as the day
before, he contented himself with a
nod in her direction. His greeting to
Norton was a more ambitious under
taking.
81 understand you've new over
seer?"
"Then you understand wrong-Car-
rington's my guest" said Norton. Hes
talking of putting in crop for him
self next season, so he's willing to help
me make mine.'
Going to turn farmer, is he?"
asked Ware.
$50 he says" Norton was extremely
disappointed when the planter mani
tested disposition to play the host
and returned to the house with them,
where his presence was such a hard
ship that Norton shortly took his
leave.
Issuing from the lane he turned his
face in the direction of home. He
was within two miles of Thicket Point
when passing a turn in the road, he
found himself confronted by three
men. One Of them seized his horse
by the bit. Norton had not even a
riding whip.
"Now, what do you wish to say to
me?" he asked.
1--WE want your word that you'll keep
away from Belle Plain"
"Well, you won't get it," responded
Norton.
In the same instant one of the men
raised his fist and struck the young
planter in the back of the neck.
you curl" cried Norton, as he
wheeled on him.
| Damn him--let him have it!''
1t was mid-afternoon of the day fol-
lowing before Betty heard OF the at
tack on Norton. She ordered her
horse saddled and was soon out on the
river road with groom in her wake.
Betty never drew rein until she had
reached Thicket Point Darlington
came from the house.
How is Mr.. Norton?" she asked,
extending her hand.
"The doctor say he'll be up and
about inside of a week. If you'll wait
I'll tell him you are here
Darlington passed on into the house.
He entered the room where Norton
lay.
Miss Malroy is here" he said.
"Betty?-bless her dear heart!"
cried Charley weakly. Just toss my
clothes into the closet and draw up a
chair There-thank you, Bruce-let
her come along in now" And as Car
rington quilted the room, Norton drew
himself up on the pillows and faced
the door. This is worth several beat
ings, Betty" he exclaimed as she ap-
peared.
He bent to kiss the hand she gave
him, but groaned with the eXertion.
Then he looked up into her face and
saw her eyes swimming with tears.
"What-tears?" and he was much
moved
Its a perfect outraged" Betty
paused irresolutely. Charley"
Eyes, dear"
Cant you be happy without me?"
mo"
but you don't try to be-"
"No use in my making any such
foolish effort, I'd be doomed to fail
ure."
Good by, Charley really must
go"
He looked up yearningly into her
face, and yielding to a sudden Impulse,
she stopped and kissed him on the
forehead, then she fed from the room.
CHAPTER Xxx.
At the Church Door.
Tom found Betty at supper.
you were over to see Norton,
weren't you, Bet? How did you find
him."
"The doctor says he will soon be
about again."
Betty, wish you wouldn't go there
again-that's a good girl" he said
tactfully, and as he conceived it, af-
lfectiOnately. Betty glanced up quick
ly.
"Why, Tom, why shouldn't l go
there?"
ut might set people guessing. l
reckon there's been pretty near enough
talk about you and Charley Nor
ton" The planters tone was concilia-
tory in the extreme, he dared not risk
a break by an open show of author
lily.
You needn't distress yourself, Tom,
l don't know that | shall go there
again." said Betty indifferently.
! At Thicket Point Charley Norton,
greatly excited, hobbled into the Ii
brary in search of Darlington. He
found him reading by the open win
dow.
Look here, Bruce" he cried. ITS
settled; she's going to marry me!
Can't you wish me joy?"
| Darlington held out his hand.
"You are not going to take any risks
now, you have too much to live for, y
he said haltingly.
"No, Pm to keep away from Belle
Plain" said Norton happily. "She in
sists on that. Everything is to be kept
a secret until we are actually married;
Its her wish"
It's to be soon, thep?" Darlington
asked, still haltingly.
Very soon"
There was brief silence Caring
ton, with face averte, lodoked from
the window
q am going to stay here as long as
you need me- he presently said Miss
Malroy asked me to, and then | am