Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1922-03-31

their anne Marcus says II he can't
get rid Of them. he'll leave Ithaca"
A step In the hall closed the ron
vcrsati0n for the time being, and a
moment later Robert Perclvnl Joined
them. In silence Mrs. Robertson
studied his face. She wondered what
had changed him 8 p~erccptibly In the
last little while. He looked almost
haggard TO her searching eyes. She
was about to question him as to his
health when the young man turned to
Evelyn.
Eve, dear" he began hcsItatlngly,
II want something done very badly,
and perhaps you can accomplish 1t
for me"
A lazy smile stole 10 Evelyn's lips.
And you know, Bob, I'll do II
II | can" she responded, "Tell me
what's on your mind, honey"
certainly why, yes, indeed" inter
jectcd Mrs, Robertson, you know,
Bob, Eve and / will do anything we
can for you"
The expression Of anxiety, which his
face had worn since he had seen the
last Of Polly Hopkins, lifted a little.
That's fine" he exclaimed heartily.
There's nothing Ike a fellows own
women folks, Is there2 And you're
Just ms good to me as II I belonged to
you"
Mrs. Robertson bridled consciously,
pleased with her nephew and pleased
with herself.
why, Robert, dear" she returned,
you do belong 10 us. God bless you.
boy, you're my baby and EYES little
brother. Now tell us what's botherlng
you"
IT'S Mares row with the squatters!
| can't get the poor devils out of my
MIND. Eve, can't you get him to leave
the settlement people alone? I'd let
them have some Of my land, but 1t
doesn't touch the lake, and they
couldn't make a living on It."
Evelyn arose and crossed the room
to the table. She had not expected
this. Her promise to Mackenzie
flashed into her mind
II don't like interfering with Mares
business, Bob" she demurred. "Be-
sides, he wants to improve the prop
erty down there, and he can't while
the fishermen stay on the shorel"
Gently, for Robert had always been
like a younger brother to her, and she
loved him dearly, Evelyn explained
Mackenzle's plans and showed how
impossible II was for her, under the
circumstances, to interfere with them.
Then she crossed to his side and bent
over him.
Robert, dear" she begged. Forget
about the squntters. They aren't any
thing special to you!" 70 head Off an
objection that she saw in his eyes, she
hurried on: They're poor and unfor-
tunatc, | know. I'm sorry for them.
We all are; but you can't deny they're
worthless and filthy, and worst of all.
they haven't any right to be where
they are. You won't let them come be-
tween you and Marc aud me, will
your
Without giving the mar n chance to
answer, Mrs. Robertson interrupted
Mercy, Eve, why of course he
won't! Mare will soon be one of the
family, People Of u social standing
don't wrangle over such cattle as the
SQuatters." She turned smillngly TO
the young man and ended sweetly:
You feel that way, don't you, Boh?"
Dlsregarding both the lady and her
question, Robert got up, his lips grim
and his fine brow corrugated with
lines. Evelyn and Marcus could do MS
they pleased he would take his stand
right there,
Evelyn" he said slowly, II should
be sorry to have anything come be-
tween us. You've always been like a
dear sister to me. | suppose it's nat
urai and right for you to see this the
way Mare does. You're engaged TO
him, but you can tell him for me I'm
going to help the sQuatters any way
md every way | can"
Too angry to listen to any more mr.
gumentS, he pushed his chair to one
side and left the room.
Mrs. Robertson looked daggers at
her daughter and ms soon as she could
get her breath. broke out:
"Now, Evelyn, see what a storm
you've stirred up! Why didn't you use
a little diplomacy That was the least
You could have done. You get Mare
and Bob by the ears, and whcrell you
be-"
"Oh! don't know | don't known"
moaned Evelyn. Don't talk to me
any more. I'm Just about crazy. I'm
going TO bed! Good night"
CHAPTER TX.