The state herald., 1912-05-24

40 uoiiShteu eyes, Betty IOunQ 1915
ure to institute thorough reforma-
ton indoors. A number Of house serv-
ants were rescued from the quarters
and she began to instruct them in
their new duties.
Bettys sphere OF influence extend
ed itself. She soon began to have
her doubts concerning the treatment
accorded the slaves. and was not long
In discovering that Hicks, the over
seer, ran things with a heavy hand.
Matters reached crisis one day
when. happening to ride through the
quarters. she found him disciplining
refractory black. She turned sick
at the sight. Here was slave actual.
ly being whipped by another slave
while Hicks stood looking on with his
hands In his pockets, and with
brutal. satisfied air.
"Stop!" commanded Betty, her eyes
blazing. She strove to keep her voice
steady. you shall not remain at
Belle Plain another hour"
Hicks said nothing. He knew 1t
would take more than her saying so
to get him of the place. Betty turned
her horse and galloped back to the
house. She felt that she was in no
condition to see Tom Just at that mo-
ment. and dismounting at the door,
ran upstairs to her room.
Meantime the overseer sought out
Ware in his office. His manner OF
stating his grievance was singular.
He began by swearing at his employ
er. He had been insulted before all
the Quarter-his rage fairly choked
him; he could not speak.
Tom seized the opportunity to
swear back.
Sent you on the place, did she;
well. you'll have to eat crow. I'll do
all ! can. | don't know what girls
were ever made for anyhow. damned
II l dol" he added.
Hicks consented to eat crow only
after Mr.. Ware had cursed and ca
joled him into a better and more for.
giving frame OF mind.
Later. after Hicks had made his
apology. the two men smoked a
friendly pipe and discussed the situa-
ton. Tom pointed out that opposi-
ton was useless. a losing game; you
could get your way by less direct
means. She wouldn't stay long at
Belle Plain. but while she did remain
they must avoid any more crises OF
the sort through which they had Just
passed. and presently she'd be sick OF
the place.
In the midst OF her activities Betty
occasionally found time to think OF
Bruce Darlington. She was sure she
did not wish TO see him againl But
when three weeks had passed she be.
gan to feel incensed that he had not
appeared. She thought OF him with
hot cheeks and n quickening OF the
heart II was anger.
Then one day when she had decid.
ed forever to Danish all memory OF
him from her mind. ho presented him.
self at Belle Plain.
She was In her room Just putting
the finishing touches to an especially
satisfying toilet when her maid tapped
on the door and told her there was a
gentleman in tho parior who wished
to sec her.
rs II Mr.. NortonI" asked Betty.
mo. Missile didn't give no name,
Miss"
When Betty entered the parlor a
moment later she saw her caller
standing with his back turned toward
her ns he gazed from one OF the win.
dows. but she instantly recognized
those broad shoulders, and tho rno
poise OF the shapoly head tina, sur.
mounted them.
"oh. Mr.. carrington-" ana Betty
stopped short, while her face grew
rather pale and then erimsoncd
| Then she advanced boldly and held
out frigid hand Il didn't know
so you nre aliyc-you disappeared no
suddenly that night"
Yes. I'm alive he said. and then
with smile, but | fear before you
get through with mo wen both wish
were not. Betty.
DO you atill hate me. Betty-Miaa
Malroy-is there anything | can Hhy
or do that will make you forgive NOR"
Ito looked at her pcnitcntly.
But Betty hardened her heart
against him and prepared TO keep
him In place.
"will you sit DOWN." she Indicated
a chair. lilo seated himself and Betty
put safe distance between them.
| "Aro you ntayinF In the neirhborhood