“He is rich and I am poor. I can not stay and be a temptation to one who is dearer to me than life. If he proves true then all is well, if not, then God pity me.”
Warren was listening to her passionate words, while tears stood in his honest blue eyes as he said, “Paul Burton is a man of honor. If he told my little cousin he loved her it is the truth, as I have known him for many years, or ever since I can remember a playmate, and I never have caught him in a lie.”
Nettie was weeping violently as she said, “Please write to me often, and write all the news about him, but do not tell him one word about me. If he really loves me he will find me, if not, it is better as it is.”
She spoke sadly.
“I will do as you have bidden me,” said Warren, “and prove to you that I am a true friend.”
Suddenly the crack of a gun was heard. The horses sprang forward and nearly threw the young couple out of the buggy.
“I wonder who is out sporting so early this morning,” said Nettie.
“It sounds like Paul’s gun,” said Warren, as he gently drew up the reins of the horses and brought them to a walk.
“I wonder how Paul’s mother is this morning. He said she was not very well last night. Perhaps he is out to kill something for her.”
“Has his mother been sick very long?” asked Nettie.