Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise., 1923-08-25
NIGHT OF DECISION.
BY A W. PEACH


AVA old man hanging around the
place." he said, his lips little white.
''He's good for nothing! I didn't sup
pose you dreamed of taking him with
us to the farm when we were mar
ried"
Della Oayton's brown eyes were
wide with astonishment as she faced
her fiance. "Why. Harvey. you know
how good he was to father and mother
while they were living His money
gave mother the things that kept her
alive for years..
Il can't help that" he replied. @Ths
point isl don't want him to take
care Of"
"But he's 30 pleasant and 80 little
trouble, and it won't be for many
years, you knowl"
II know this: II you want him so
much, stay here and keep him" He
turned on his heel. ."That Ia my last
word on the matterl"
"But. my dear
Della saw the door close behind him.
She sank back into the chair stricken.
She had never seen Harvey during the
months he had wooed her In such q
mood.
In the hallway the "eld man. her
uncle, trapped on his way to his bed
room. had been forced to listen. With
fumbling hands he stood in the dark
ness. the peace Of years Of quiet living
with Della shattered by the words
he had heard.
He worked his way down the hall
and upstairs slowly to his room, where
he sank on the edge Of his bed, staring
with unseeing eyes at the wall beyond
him. Slowly he came to an under
I. standing-he was In the way; no
young man taking his bride to D new
home wanted an old man around who
was too feeble to take hold and work.
"But I'm In the way he muttered,
''I'm In the way" M
He looked helplessly around the twf
Nght-flled room What could he dol
A faint, lthroaty whistle sounded
through the dusk, coming from the
station three miles down the road from
the village. 3
The old man stood up suddenly with
elenched hands, a solemn decision
rising in his throbbing heart. He would
go-yes, he would 60.
With trembling hands but with his
worn frame steadied BY his great re-
solve to leave the valley Of his youth
and manhood, leave Della free to claim
her happiness, he drew from the closet
Q battered travelling bag. Into it he
put his few treasured belongings. use
less things, most Of them, a picture Of
his wife m hen youth, little remem-
brances Of a lt1le lad Of his who never
grew up. odds and ends Of clothes
Then he stole to the door.
= On the stand in the han he left the
note he had written that she might not
worry. She would not find the note
there till morning. and by that time
he
On the knoll back Of the station hs
suddenly saw the train. "Why, ]
didn't hear it!s he muttered wonder
Ing why. II may miss It r. ''
He started to run, but fell Picking
selGp, he tried to hurry. but his
legs seemed weighted He drew near
the platform, trying to shout, but the
great express, which really stopped
there just for water, pulled out and
left him. He sagged against the plat
form, the night dizzy about him.
'tGreat Scottl Uncle Ned, what are
you doing herea. q CHEEKY voice d.
manded. .ae.,!.,e3.1. 4.-.,
He stirred He always liked that
voice. He knew 1t belonged to Ted
Thornton, whom Della had greatly
liked, but whom she had finally de-
cided against
Ted drew him IN whats the
troublef" -
It seemed good to hear that friendly
voice; and the old man told him all,
adding, II can do lots Of things yet,
Ted; you know. clean up round q
place. take care Of the hens.
,'tOf course you. can Say. you and
dad were old pals. You come to my
house; you can have his old room |;
and III give you your keep for help.
ing me round the placa need some
body bad!"
The old man Strengthened up, but
before he could speak carriage
whirled up to the station and girl
jumped out, girl whose attitude
showed she was frantic. She caught
sight Of Ted.
"Oh, Ted" Then she saw the sag
ging figure by the platform and.
jumping down, she threw her arms
around his neck. "Oh, Uncle Ned, how
could you! You left the front door
open and found-why. ! was so
frightenedl You know how love
you'll"
The old man explained haltingiy,
but she broke In, " know know
but even Ted can't have you. want
voul And Harvey Sloane can take his
farm and-and eat It'll"
"That so, Dellr' Ted said quickly.
..Then, perhaps, I can come to see you
againr'
She laughed q queer little happy