Catoctin clarion., 1921-07-21
POOR BETSY.
BY JACK LANTON.
((c). 1921. Western Newspaper Union)


pages of his manuscript scattered be-
fore him. Through an open window
OF the wide room of the country home
he had rented came alluring scents and
sounds of summer time. Whrk evnded
him: Troublesome realities again
protruded to the baniShment of
romance; he must settle this affair of
the brown-eyed maid at once. Betsy,
was becoming too much of an obSeS-
sion, when he could not write
seriously for pauSing to remember some
ingenious remark of hers, or to snLle
at the recollection of her childish
adoring gaZe,-it was time to stop.
Barrie was sure that Betsy's gaze
was adorng, for had not women wor-
SHIPPED him everywhere?
There was Pauline, back in his own
world, waiting for his coming back,
to win the appreciation of her wealthy
father. Pauline would have u great
deal of money some day. Probably
with the very advent of her marriage.
but tirst.-that father must be assured
=
world. Barrie had made Il good start.
which was one reason why the foolish
women were ready To idoliHr him,
hut-it would need an assured posi-
ti'd to launch him fairly, and Pau
line could provide that position.
He would have to dr"p the small
rustic Betsy person. and overlook the
matter of her wounded heart. They
had spent pleasant times together In
the picturesque garden of the deserted
big home. where he often elected TO
write. He had been told that its
owner, Il frail and elderly woman,
spent most OF her summer at the Sea-
side, her pretrntiolIS old country home
remaining vacant during the period
1t was All inspiring spot with u
fountain trickll,g over cleaning
stones, and Il rustic bench in the arbor.
Betsy too, had loved TO wander through
these gardens, afternoons, when her
simple tasks were completed. Betsy
kept house for her humble father in
Il quaint shabby little place down the
lane. And Barrie, collecting his pages
of manuscript, and folding them away,
remembered-not contritely, but with
an old triumphant thrill, certain swift
shy glanccS of Betsy's in response to
some laughing tenderness upon his
part, startled glances they had been,
as at some minor discovery.
Love was In her soft eyes Barrie
was sure, whenever he startled her
from Il day dream, sorrow too per
hapS, in that she understood
their separate ways. Yet he felt
it eXpedicnt to go to her now
and tell her Of Pauline. But first
he must know for certainty of her
love, Whyf-Barrie could not have
told still. he must know. So he found
her in the quaint parlor, and sang to
her. If Barrie had not determined to
be writer, his voice might have
gained him fame. 1t was voice Of
t-nderly sympathetic quality, part Of
his charm for women. SO he sang his
most thrilling love song for little Betsy,
and eagerly watched her face. He
was unprepared for the sudden change
that came over 1t, ut his repeated
words.
81 love you, o! love YOU"
Barrie had expected Betsy to grow
rosy red and glimpse him with her
startled eyes, but for her to grow
white, so quickly white was another
thing Then, presently, with her head
bowed upon the old piano, Betsy
brokenly urged him to so.
Please" she begged, 'go now-at
once"
When Barrie would have placed a
comforting arm across her shoulder
she shook him off tempestuously and
ran out into the garden. Slowly, and
not at all unhappily as he should,
Barrie departed. Back In his own
room, he decided to see her again
later and tell her about Pauline.
He was sorry for poor Betsy-or
tried to be--but an exhilerating sense
Of triumph remained. He had never
felt anything like it-nOr yet like the
joyous sensation her mute confession
had brought him.
She was in the tiny porch when he
called at evening, a new radiance
seemed to shine in her dark eyes.
Little GIRL" spoke Barrie gently,
Poor Betsy, l am sorry that l had
to bring grief upon you with my song.
If l had known that 1t would cause
you unhappiness-"
Betsy laughed, the merry sound
shocked him, he turned to stare at
her. at was silly of me-" she said,
ito be so afraid. But you see, Jack
Is so very jealous-and some one wrote
him about how much you and | have
been together SO he wired me to
expect him back, and when l looked
out of the window and saw him coming
up the walk just as you were trilling
out that, you loved me-, Well,-"
laughed Betsy again.
II just collapsed, and as soon as
l could get you out Of the way, l
ran out to meet him and explain. SO
now everything Is all right. l have
been engaged to Jack for some time /;
at last we are to be married. Jack
lives with his mother in the big house
In the garden you and admire. He
has been away at the seaside with her."
Presently Barrie found his voice, 1t
was coldly disappearing.
49," he said, II have been just a
pastime for your"
Betsy nodded.
"Or rather" she added, 1--WE have
fairly exchanged agreeable society.
OF course | knew there must be girl
l.,l, IL tbo oitp