The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-04-10

Betty Malroy and Darlington had
ridden into Raleigh to take leave OF
their friends. They had watched the
stage from sight, had answered the
last majestic salute the judge had CIV
en- them across the swaying top OF
the coach before the first turn of the
road hid it from sight, and then they
had turned their horses heads in the
direction of Belle Plain.
Bruce, do you think Judge Price
will ever be able to accomplish all he
hopes to?" Betty asked when they
had left the town behind. She drew
in her horse as she spoke, and they
went forward at a walk under the
splendid arch of the forest and over a
carpet of vivid leaves.
Il reckon he viii, 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 a doubt in his mind,''
agreed Darlington.
He was still at Belle Plain, living
in what had been Wares office, while
the Cavendishes were domiciled at
the big house. He had arranged with
the judge to crop a part of that hope
full gentleman's land the very next
season; the fact that a lawsuit inter-
Vened between the judge and posses
sion seemed a trifiing 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 still intended going
south into the Purchase; she was not
sure but it was the dignified thing for
him to do. She was thinking of this
now as they went forward over the
rustling leaves, and at length she
turned in the saddle and faced him.
i am going to miss Hannibal
dreadfully-yes. and the judge, and
Mr.. Yancyl" she began.
Il am to be missed, too, am l, Bet
typ" he inquired, leaning toward her.
"You, Bruce?-Oh, 1 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 a surrepti,
tious glance at Darlington from under
her long lashes, and went on slowly,
as though she were making careful
choice of her words.
when you come back in three
years, Bruce"
Darlington stin regarded her fixed
ly. There was light in his black
eyes that seemed to penetrate to the
most secret recesses Of her heart and
soul.
Three years, Betty?" he repeated
again.
Betty, her eyes cast down, twisted
her rein nervously between her slim,
white fingers, but Carrington's 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 sayl When you come back-next
year" and then she lifted her eyes
to his and he saw that they were fun
OF sudden tears. Bruce, don't 60
away-don't go away at all"
Darlington slipped from the saddle
and stood at her side.
do you mean that, Betty7" he
asked. He took her hands loosely in
his and relentlessly considered hel
crimscned face. 4 reckon It Will al
ways be right hard to refuse you any
thing-here is one settler the Pur
chase wiz never get:" and he laughed
softly.
1T was the Purchase-you we're 60
| ing therel7 she cried.
No, wasn't Betty; that notion
died It's natural death long ago. When