The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-04-22

IL 10 lOuHu incoming In the Snru D.
berry like a schoolgirl did not please
her, but it seemed there was no re-
course, and she had half arisen, when
the majors gruff-voiced companion
spoke a name that caused her to sit
down abruptly.
"Bristow, Shirley's magnificent
girl"
Finest in seven countless" agreed
the majors bass.
Whom do you reckon she'll choose
to marry?"
Chilly Lusk, Of course. The BOYS
been in love with her since t'lay were
in bibs. And he comes as near being
( fit for her as anybody"
Hump" said the other sardonical.
ly. mo man ever saw was half good
enough for good woman. But good
women marry just the same 1t isn't
Lusk | used to think it would be,
but I've got pair Of eyes in my
head, If you haven't. It's young Val
iant."
The pearl fan twisted in Katha.
Iines fingers. What she had guessed
was an open secret, then!
The major made an exclamation that
had the effect of coming after a Jaw.
dropped silence. IL never thought
of that"
The other resumed slowly, some.
what bitterly, it seemed to tie girl
listening. IF her mother was in love
with Sassoon-"
Katharine's heart beat fast and then
stood still. Sassoon! That was the
name Of the man Valiant's father had
killed in that old duel Of which Judge
Chalmers had told! 'Tf her mother
Shirley Dandridge's mother-"was in
love with Sassoon!" Why"
WAS she?"
The majors query held a SHARPNESS
that seemed almost appeal She was
conscious that the other had faced
about abruptly.
I've always believed so, certainly.
If she had loved Valiant, would she
have thrown him over merely because
he broke his promise not to be a party
to quarrel?"
you think not?" said the major
husxny.
Not under the circumstances. Val
liant was forced into it. No gentleman, /,
at that day, could have declined the
meeting. He could have explained it
to Judith's satisfaction-a woman
doesn't need much e.idence to justify
the man she's in love with. He must
have written her-he couldn't have
gone away without that-and if she
had loved him, she would have called
him back"
/ The major made no answer. Katha-
rine saw cigar fall unheeded upon
the grass, where it lay glowing like a
panther's eye.
The. other had risen now, his stoop-
ed Hgure bulking in the moonlight
His voice sounded harsh and strain
ed: Il loved Beauty Valiant" he said.
"and his son is his son to me-but I
have to think Of Judith, too. She faint
ed, Bristow. when she saw him-Shir-
ley told me about it. Her mother has
made her think it was the scent of the
roses! He's his fathers living image,
and he's brought the past back with
hin. Every sound Of his voice, every
sight OF his face, will be a separate
stab! Oh, his mere presence will be
enough for Judith to bear. But with
her heart in the grave with Sassoon,
what would love between Shirley and
young Valiant mean to her? Think of
it,"
He broke off, and there was blank
of silence. in which he turned with
almost sigh. Then Katharine saw
him reach the bench with a single
stride and drop his hand on the bowed
shoulder.
"Bristow!" he said bruskly. you're
III! This confounded philandering at
your time of life"
The majors face looked ashy pale,
but he got up with a laugh. mot T."
ne said; Il was never better in my
life! We've had our mouthful of air.
Come on back to the house."
Not much!" grunted the other. 'Im
going where we both ought to have
been hours ago." He threw away his
cigar and stalked down the path into
the darkness.
The major stood 10 king after him
Till he had disappeared, then suddenly
dropped on the bench and covered his
face Something like a groan burst
from him.
My God" he said, and his voice
camo to Katharine with a quaver of
age and suffering-very different from
the jovial accents of the ballroom-"if
| were only sure it was Sassoon!"
Presently he rose and went slowly