Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-06-17
NEIL PAYS THE LAST OF HIS
OBLIGATIONS.
CHAPTER CXXII

CHATTER CAAll
nj OW we both enjoyed that
~ month together. Father and
mother remained a week, then once
more Neil went into town to business.
A business that must now once more
be readjusted to meet peace require
menus just as it had been adjusted to
meet war conditions. But his months
rest had done him all sorts of good
He looked and said that he felt a
different man. Then one day he came
home a subdued look of joy on his
face.
"They are all paid, Bah, every one.
Thank God l am free man once
MORE" he threw back his shoulders
as if he were throwing off load.
Really, Neil! oh, am SO happy!
and so glad for youw Then l added,
trying to speak lightly: Nov we can
begin to save for our old age. 1t won't
be hard we are so accustomed to
it."
''You have been the best wife a
man ever had," he replied as he took
me into his arms. "Some women
would, under the circumstances, eth
er have driven man crazy with re-
grets or have left him.
\ ''Not if they loved-as do YOU"
"You never have cared for anyone
else have you Bah? Even when neg
lected you and left you alone so
much"
'No, Neil. l never have cared for
anyone but you, never will"
'Do you know dear | used to sort
of imagine you like Frederick, al
though | knew he was not a lady's
man. But you seemed to be so pleased
to see him, to repose such confidence
in him-not that blame you for that
bit then | at times used to wonder if
you weren't falling in love with him."
Nonsense! he is a confirmed bach
elor."
''You needn't blush like a school
girl at the idea of falling in love with
him. l know you didn't but as l said
l used to think you liked him lot"
81 did, and do now. But not the
way you mean"
"He is coming out Sunday. He'll
motor down about noon"
II didn't know he was in town"
Game yesterday. Is only going to
stay day or two, and seemed very
pleased when l asked him down. Said
he would like to see you and Robert
again. Asked some leading questions
as to Roberts tastes, l imagine he will
come loaded"
II shall be very glad to see him."
| meant it. We owed everything we
were to him. Scott never would have
spared Neil.
Better get a woman in to help
with the dinner so you can visit with
him."
mo dear. We haven't a penny to
our names now that you have paid
your debts. will get the dinner all
ready before he comes, and not clear
away until later in the day." Some
time before l had given Neil the
money had saved from my allow
ance to add to his in bank. We knew
nothing of what his salary would be
now that the need for such strenuous
labor was over. would not let pride
lead me to do anything different
because Mr.. Frederick was to be our
guest.
Sunday was a lovely day, and our
little home never had looked more
attractive. The Spring had come
early, and the air was soft and balmy.
] had prepared as nice dinner as
knew how, then dressed myself be-
comingly to await our guest.
AS | dressed l couldn't help but
wonder if Mr.. Frederick still CARED
for me a little, then smiled to my
self to think how like l was to every
other woman. did not love him,
did not want to, yet | was pleased
that he had cared, and I'll confess
it, I rather hoped he still did-a lit
tie.
When | went down to meet him |
knew that his feeling for me had
not changed. I knew it from the
light in his eyes, the way he held my
hand. and | flushed little under his
gaze as recalled my thoughts while
dressing. :.
"You have nice little nest here"
he said looking about.
'Indeed we have! Neil must show
YOU around after dinner" | replied,