Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-03-15
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had left the town behind. She drew
In her horse as she spoke, and they
went forward at walk under the
splendid arch of the forest and over
carpet Of vivid leaves.
Il reckon he Will, Betty" respond
ed Darlington. Unfavorable as had
been his original estimate OF the
judges character, events had greatly
! modified It.
He really seems quite sure, doesn't
.he?" said Betty.
There's not doubt In his mind"
agreed Darlington.
| He was still at Belle Plain, living
In what had been Wares office, while
the Cayendishes were domiciled at
the big house He had arranged With
the Judge to crop part OF that hope
full gentleman's land the very next
season; the fact that lawsuit inter
yened between the judge and posses
sion seemed tritiing matter, for Car
rington had become infected 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
wondered 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 or this
now as they went forward over the
rustling leaves, and at length she
turned in the saddle and faced him.
Il am going to miss Hannibal
dreadfully-yes, and the judge, and
Mr.. Yancy!" she began.
Il am to be missed, too, am l, Bet
ty?" he inquired, leaning toward her.
you, Bruce?-Oh, l shall miss
you, too, dreadfully-but then, per-
haps in five years, when you come
back"
Five years." cried Darlington, but
he understood something OF what was
passing in her mind, and laughed
shortly. Five years. Betty" he re-
peated, dwelling on the mineral.
Betty hesitated and looked thought.
full Presently she stole 'surrepti-
tious glance at Darlington from under
her loEg lashes, and went on slowly,
as though she We're making careful
choice OF her words.
When you come back IN three
years, Bruce -"
Darlington still regarded her fixed
ly There was light III his black
eyes that seemed to penetrate TO the
most secret recesses Of her heart and
soul.
4 Three years, Betty?" he repeated
again. ~;
Betty, her eyes cast down twisted
ner rein nerVously between her slipl,
white fingers, but Carringtons steady
glance never left her sweet face,
framed by its halo Of bright hair. She
stole another look at him from be-
meath her dark lashes.
Three years. Betty" he prompted.
Bruce, don't stare at me that way,
it makes me forget what | was going
to say! When you come back-next
year" and then she lifted her eyes
to his and he saw that they were full
Of sudden tears. Bruce. don't go
away-dou't 60 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 Il reckon it will al
ways be right hard to refuse you any
thing-here Is one settler the Pur-
chase will never get" and he laughed
softly.
ut was the Purchase-you were 60
ing there" she cried.
NO, wasn't Betty; that notion
died its natural death long age. When
We are sure you will be safe at Belle
Plain with just the Cayendishes, l
am going into Raleigh to wait as best
I can until spring" He spoke 80
gravely that she asked in quick alarm.
And then, Bruce-what?'
And then Oh, Betty. I'm starv.
ing" All in a moment he lifted her
slender figure in his arms, gathering
her close to him. And then, this
and this--and this. sweetheart--and
moro-and--oh, Betty! Betty"