Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1912-05-02

Naiad, he proposed twice.
Tom was mistaken in his supposi.
ton that Betty would soon tire OF
Belle Plain. she demanded men, and
teams, and began on the lawns. This
interested ard fascinated her. She
was out at sul.up to direct her labor.
ers. She had tie advantage OF Charley
Norton's presence and advice for the
greater Part OF each day In the week,
and sundays lie came to look over
what had been accomplished, and, as
Tom firmly believed, to pu, that little
tool up tc irest nonsense. He could
have boot'l hin!
As the Grounds took shape before
her delighted eyes, Betty found leis-
ur" to institute a thorough reforma.
ton indoors a number OF house serv-
ants were rescued from the quarters
and she bean to instruct them in
their new duties.
Pettv's sphere OF influence extend.
ed itself. 81 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 a crisis one day
when, happening to ride through tho
quarters, she found him disciplining
a refractory black. She turned sick
at the sight. Here was a slave actual
~ being whipped by another slave
while Hicks stood looking on with his
hands IN his pockets. and with a
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. lie knew 1t
would a k more han her saying so
to get him off the place. Betty turned
her horse and galtoned lack to TIE
house She ielt that she was in no
condition to see Tom Just at that mo.
mcnt, and dismounting at the door.
ran upstairs to her room.
Meantime the overscer sought out
Ware in his Office. liis AM OF
stating his grievance wss singular.
He began by swearing at his employ.
or. He had been insulted before all
the quarter-his rag fairly choked
him. he could not speak.
Tom seized the opportunity to
swear back.
sent YOU of the place, did she,
well, youll hap to eat crow. III do
all can. don't know what girls
were ever made for anyhow. damned
II ! do he added.
Hicks consented to eat crow only
after Mr.. Ware had cursed and Ca
jot,d him into a better and more for,
giving frame oil mind.
Later. after Hicks had made his
apology. the " men smoked a
friendly pipe and discussed the situa.
ticn. Tom pointed out that opposi.
ton was useless. a losing game,
In the midst Of her activities Betty
occasionally found time to think 0!
Bruce Darlington, She was sure she
did not wish to see him again. But
when three weeks had passed she be
gan to feel inccnsed tina. he had no,
appeared She thought OF him with
hot cheeks and a quickening of the
heart. II was anger.
Then n day when she had decid
ed forever to Danish all memory O
him from her mind. he presented him
self at Belle Plain.
She was In her room Just puttint
the finishing touches to an especial,
satisfying toilet when her maid tappet
on the door and told her there was
gentleman In the parlor who wishe,
to see her.
rs It Mr.. Norton?" asked Betty.
NO. Missile didn't give no name
Miss
, When Betty entered the parlor
moment later she saw her Gale
, standing with his back turned towar
her as he gazed from one OF the VIII
G dows, but she Instantly recognize
A those broad shoulders. and tho fin
poise OF the shape!y head that suI
- mounted them.
r "Oh, MIR. Darlington" and Bett
stopped short. while her face gre
rather pale and hen crimsone,
q Then she advanced boldly and hel
out a frigid hand. Il didn't know
so you are alive-you disappeared s
suddenly that night"
g Yes, I'm alive" he said. and the
" with a smile, but ] fear before yo
, get through with me wen both wis
T. we're not. Betty.
DO you still hate me, Betty-Mii
!. Malroy--is there anything | can 81
or do that will make YOU forgive me
Lie ookad at her penitently.