Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1912-05-23
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Naiad. he proposed twice.
Tom was mistaken in his suppose
ton that Betty would soon tire Of
Belle Plain She demanded men, and
teams. and began on the lawns. This
interested and fascinated her. She
was out at sun-up to direct her labor
ers. She had the advantage Of Charley
Norton's presence and advice Tor the
greater part Of each day in the week,
and Sundays he came to look over
what had been accomplished, and, as
Tom firmly believed, to put that little
fool up to fresh nonsense. He could
have booted him!
AS the grounds took shape before
her delighted eyes, Betty found leis-
ure to institute a 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.
Betty's 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, land with a
brutal, satisfied air.
"Stop!" commanded Betty, her eyes
blazing. She stroye 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
or. 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 OF the place, did she;
well, you'll have to eat crow. I'll do
all can. I don't know what girls
were ever made for anyhow, damned
If 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,
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 again! 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 quickening OF the
heart. 1t was anger. s.-4as.-.---.--.
Then one day when she had decid-
ed forever to Danish all memory OF
him from her mind, he presented him
self at Belle Plain. ezz.5 ,
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 the parlor who wished
to see her.
Is 1t Mr. Norton?" asked Betty.
No, 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 as he gazed from one of the win
dows, but she instantly recognized
those broad shoulders, and the fine
poise of the shapely head that sur
mounted them.
"Oh, Mr. Carrington-" and Betty
stopped short, while her face grew
rather pale and then crimsoned.
Then she advanced boldly and held
out frigid hand. Il didn't know
SO you are alive-you disappeared so
suddenly that night"
Eyes, I'm alive he said, and then
with q smile, but / fear before you
get through with me we'n both wish
wera not Betty
DO you still hate me. Betty-Miss
Malroy-is there anything can say
or do that win make you forgive me7'
He looked at her penitently.