Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-12-31

Or acslon. Tor between them, rs far
as any further intimacy was con-
cerned, stood the great barrier of his
engagement to Beatrice Hammond, I'M
announced as yet, but none the less
binding.
Until recently he had been tremen-
dously satisfied with Beatrice's capitu-
lntion. Yet now that he had met
Frances. he was forced to admit that
too late he had learned the difference
between infatuation, and the strong
deep love 1t is given man to Know
but once.
Then Beatrice wrote that she was
going through on her way to Bar Har-
Dor. Would he meet her train-she
was very anxious to see him. John
read into her words possible inten-
ton to consult him about making pub
lie their engagement, perhaps about
setting the wedding date itself-ques-
tons she would undoubtedly prefer TO
discuss In person rather than trust to
the cold channels Of correspondence.
AS he waited for the train. John
made an effort to assume the look of
expectant fiance and to drive from his
thoughts the picture Of Frances as he
had last seen her, saying good-by to
him on the schoolhouse steps. She
had not known that he was consider
Ing 1T final farewell, that he had
made up his mind to be true to Bea.
trice In thought as we'll as in deed. She
lo<{
mark Of Jimmy's and he recalled her
low. delicious laugh and the sparkle
In her eyes. Frances-Frances-
Frances
Then the train drew in and present
ly John found himself holding slim
hand, while Beatrices mother conSid-
erately withdrew n little. It was only
fve-minute StOpover, hardly enough
to bother with-yet during So brief
an interval the destinies of nations
may be changed.
Jack" Beatrice spoke hurriedly.
This must seem brutal, but the time
Is so short. And I am making 1t my
punishment to tell you face to face
instead Of writing. Our engagement
was mistake. thought l loved
you, but since you went away-oh,
am ashamed! But Harvey Wilson
came home and found-Oh, don't take
it SO badlyw
Afterward John remembered that
last remark. He must have acted bet
ter than he knew. At the moment, he
murmured assurance of forgiveness,
patted her hand III brotherly man
ner. and, as the brakeman signaled.
helped her aboard the train.
That afternoon he and Frances
climbed the hill as the westcrlhg sun
flung Its radiance abroad. Reaching
the summit, they paused In the lee Of
q wind-bent group Of trees.
Suddenly, John spoke. Frances,
know what you think I ana careless
dog, spending money right and left
with never Q sense Of responsibility.
|. And Ill confess that is what have
been. But somehow, being down here
In the heart Of things, and above all
knowing you, has changed me. 1 be-
gin to see that q man can do more
than install spotless lunchrooms In his
plant, put mirrors In the cloakrooms,
T and pay fair wage. ] want to do my
little bit to change conditions such as
those below" FIe indicated the smoke
darkened huddle Of buildings In the
valley.
"It is dreadful, isn't it2' Frances
said sadly, and quoted slowly, "'Not
that they starve, but that they starve
so dreamlessly.' For she saw not
vague cluster Of shanties, but the homes
Of Jimmy and Mrs. Donahue and Tony
Valeska.
Eyes" agreed John, "but look!" She
followed his eyes to the far horizon
where a smoke-free world began -
green meadows, clean woods, and, Mt
the very rim, the blue.penciled line Of
an inland sea. "Our generation IS like
this hilltop. From 1t we glimpse the
world as it might he. 1t Is something
at least, to have the vision"
Then he turned to the girl. ooh.
Frances, love you beyond words
Fove you for waking I'm me what little
idealism / have, love you for your
beautiful self VIII you marry me and
work with me to make our visions
come ttrueT
Era,lces was silent for moment.
Then she raised happy eyes to his.
"Ob. Johnr she cried. That was NIL,
but the why she said X promised al
he wished.