The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1911-11-24
CHAPTER Xiv.
Betty Bushes.

Betty Malroy and Darlington had rid
friends. They had watched the stage
! from sight, had answered the last ma
jestic salute the judge had given them
across the swaying top of the coach be-
fore the first turn OF the road hid it
from sight. and then they had turned
their horses heads in the direction OF
Belle Plain.
Bruce, do you think Judge Price will
ever he able to accomplish all he hopes
tor Betty asked when they had left the
town behind. She drew in her horse as
she spoke. and they went forward at a
walk under the splendid arch of the for
est and over a carpet of vivid leaves.
II reckon he will, Betty" responded
Darlington. Unfavorable as had been
his original estimate of the judges char
aCter, events had greatly modified II.
He really seems quite sure, doesn't
he?' said Betty.
There's not a doubt in his mind, "
agreed Darlington.
He was still at Belle Plain, living in
what had been Wares office. while the
Cavendishes were domiciled in the big
house. He had arranged with the judge
to crop a part of that hopeful gentle
mans land the very next season; the
fact that a lawsuit interviewed between
the judge and possession seemed a trif1ing
matter, for Darlington had become in
fected with the judges point of view
which did not admit of the possibility
of failure; but he had not yet told Betty
of his plans. Time enough for that when
he left Belle Plain.
His silence concerning the future had
caused Betty much thought. She won
dered If he still intended going south
into the Purchase: she was not sure but
it was the dignified thing for him to do.
She was thinking OF this now as they
went forward over the rustling leaves,
and at length she turned in the saddle
and faced him.
81 am going to miss Hannibal dread
fully-yes. and the judge, and Mr..
Yancy" she began.
And when I leave-how about me,
Betty" Darlington asked Unexpectedly.
but he only had in mind leaving Belle
Plain.
A little sigh escaped Betty's red lips.
for she was thinking of the Purchase,
which lay far down the river, many,
many miles distant The sigh was ever
So little. But Darlington had heard it.
IT am to be missed. too, am I, Betty"
he inquired, leaning toward her.
You, Bruce? Oh, I shall miss you.
too. d-eadfully-but then. perhaps in five
years, when you come back
Five years. cried Darlington. but he
understood something of what was pass
ing in her mind and laughed shortly.
Five years, Betty he repeated, dwell
ing on the numeral.
Betty hesitated and looked thoughtful.
Presently she stole a surreptitious glance
at Darlington from under her long
lashes, and went on slowly, as though
she were making careful choice of her
words
when you come back in three years.
Bruce"
Darlington still regarded her fixedIy
There was a light in his black eyes that
seemed to penetrate to the most secret
recesses OF her heart and soul.
Three years, Betty" he repeated
again.
Betty, her eyes cast down. twisted her
rein nervously between her slim, white
fingers, but Carrington's steady glance
never left her sweet face, framed by it's
halo of bright hair. She stole another
look at him from beneath her dark
lashes.
Three years, Betty?'' he prompted.
Bruce, don't stare at me that way, It
makes, me forget what 1 was going to
say! When you come back-next year
and then she shifted her eyes TO his and
he saw that they were full Of sudden
tears. Bruce, don't go away-don't go
away at all"
Darlington slipped from the saddle and
stood at her side.
do you mean that. Betty?' he asked.
He took her hands loosely in his and
relentlessly considered her crimsoned
face. 81 reckon it will always be right
hard to refuse you anything-here IL one