Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1912-09-05

cry frames as she started out for
tramp with Meyers the next morning.
The engagement Of the two would be
announced at the beginning Of the
season in town, the marriage to take
place the following spring. 80
declared. Anne was glad that such Q
story was abroad. Marshall would be
sure to hear It and 30 realize how
little she really cared for him. Later.
down by Deep Rock springs. Stand
field Meyers demanded his final an
swer.
Leave me alone now" she urged.
II want to think 1t over before l an.
swer you positively"
And 80 It was that she sat there,
chin In hand, elbow on knee, looking
out across the valley basking in the
sunlight. Marshall came Upon her.
She could not quite keep the gladness
out of her eyes as she looked up and
saw him, stalwart and strong, with
his youthful dreams still In his brown
eyes.
1T is great to be back in the
mountains, Anne. You look today just
as you did that morning up at old
Chester when I went to stammer good.
bye to you. was such a kid. Re
member"
Anne tossed the petals OF O wild
rose on the clear little stream that
flowed from Deep Rock.
NO." she said, quietly. That was
. long time ago"
What's the matter with your
memory. Annef You've changed. I
couldn't sleep last night for thinking
that you left the ballroom after
seeing me without coming to wei.
come me. You meant home to me.
That's why followed you to the
mountains"
sYou don't know how hard It 10 to
speak to anybody when standfeld Is
around"
"Standneld Meyers? What has he
to do with your attitude to your old
friends?"
II am going to marry him" Anne
wondered why her voice did not
culver with her heart.
Without q word he turned and
started down the path.
"Tom." questioned Anne, tiny
pulse hammering In her throat,
Tom. won't you wish me joy?"
He came back then, his hand out
the old brave smile Of his youth
lighting his face.
II was a beast. Anne, dear. OF
course / wish you Joy. 1t knocked
me over a bit to hear the news.
was selfish. thinking only OF my
own loss. You see, l have always
foolishly, Of course-believed that YOU
were mine. 1t has occurred
to me that any man could take yor
away from me-"
oh" cried Anne, you mustn't tall
to me like that. What would YOU
wife think If she heard?"
MY what?"
Your wife. You wrote me about
girl you said was very pretty. 70,
her. and when you didn't answer m!
letter."
Didn't answer? wrote to 20,
four or five times while l was hurt.
"Hurt?' cried Anne. In alarm. "Oh
Tom. how"
Pony bucked with me and l I'm
fortunately got mixed up with a ms
chine that happened to be passing
Tho boys hurried me of to st. JIG
seph's hospital, where they patche,
uD one shoulder and an arm unit
they are as good as new"
All the mothers solicitude deep Il
the heart OF every uni for tn
only man. although he may be he
senior by many years. showed 4
Anne's eager, tender questioning.
why didn't you let me know
Tom? Mother and ! would have gon
It to you. Haven't you always know
d that l would do anything for your"
"All but the greatest thing, Ann,
d the giving OF yourself"
n. Aren't you married, Tom?"
n mo. ! never wanted any woman bu
c. you. My brother and his wife me
d me and came on to meet you. but 20
r. had gone, absolutely held you
a father up and demanded to kno,
1t where you WERE"
D. Il haven't answered standneld ye
II Tom. II would be a crime to MARI
" anybody but you. My pride wa
q hurt"
You'll have to marry me now, {,
A. day." said Marshall. his arms abor
y her. Then we'll 90 west and shoe
Q. up the town until l find out what b
D. came OF our letters"
Dr. "AlIs we'll that ends WELL" laughe
the girl happily. while q mocking Dir
n hroLa into n melody Of siluar ann