Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 170, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 July 1913 — FOR CAMELIA ANN’S SAKE [ARTICLE]

FOR CAMELIA ANN’S SAKE

“Ah'm gwtna to stay. Befoh mah mammy died ah promised to look arter Mias Fay, an' ah won't go away. Ah don't want no pay—ah*m Jest a gwlne to stay," and faithful Camelia , Ann stalked majestically from the room, leaving the dignified Colonel Belroee to recover bis oompoaure as best he could. Belroee Manor was one of the many Virginian estates that had been ruined by the war. When the colonel returned from his regiment to the arms of hie young wife he found his slaves gone, the only servant left being the faithful negro nurse of his wife. Ten years afterwards the colonel's wife died, leaving him with a baby daughter, Fay. Later on the faithful muse died and to her daughter, Ca mella .Ann, she confided the care oi Miss Fay. After the death of hi* wife the eotonel became very reserved and Withdrew from all association with his neighbors. The place wm steadily going t* ruin and the only occupants of th« mansion were the dignified colonel Miss Fay, now 20 years of age, and the faithful Camelia Ann. Their onlj money wm a small Income from property in Boston, left to Miss Faj by her mother. This had been Intel] decreasing and the colonel felt it hli duty to tell Camelia Ann that Bhe had better go, but she Insisted on staying with her young mistress. Shortly after this time a letter was received by Colonel Belroee from • Robert Green, whose father had charge of the Boston property, saying that he was traveling in the Smith and would be glad to call on him to talk over the advisability of making changes in the investments. A few days later he arrived with his colored vale', and was made weloome, although in a reserved and distant manner. His courteous ways soon won the heart of the colonel and a cordial and pressing invitation was extended to him to make his stop a longer one, and for the next two weeks he was at the side of Miss Fay as often as possible. He soon asked permission of the colonel to endeavor to win the love of his daughter, and this concession to the colonel's dignity won his consent With the daughter it was different as she skilfully evaded any conversation that threatened to become confidential, until Mr. Qreen felt that he would be compelled to go away without having an opportunity to express his love In words. His time at Belroee was drawing to a dose and they were sitting on the veranda in the early evening when they overheard James, Mr. Green's servant, begging Camelia Ann to marry him. To his earnest pleadings her only answer was a burst of tears. In reply to his further entreaties die sobblngly said,, "Honey, ah does lob yer, but ah can’t le&be Miss Fay.** Finding his urging of s no avail, James walked sorrowfully away, leaving the weeping Camelia at the kitchen door. Fay’s eyes were filled with tears and Robert saw that the auspicious moment had come at last Leaning tenderly over her, he said, “Fay, I have loved you ever since I first saw your sweet face, and life will be bare for me without you. Can you not return my love and let us all live together here at beautiful Belrose?" As her soft band fluttered tenderly In his he felt that his cause was won, and he ventured to add, "It will make Camelia Ann happy." “Is that all?" he pleadingly beg ged, and a soft voice whispered, “And for my own happiness." James was still standing under th* trees when he heard the call oi “James.” “Tas, sir. Coming, sir,” and In ■ moment “he was standing in front oi the couple. “James," continued Mr. Green. “Miss Fay has promised to marry mq and we are going to remodel Belroes and make our home here. If yo« would like to live here I could keel you as my valet We chanced to overhear your talk with Camelia Ann, and If you wish you can go and tell het that If she will look after you I will undertake to take care of Miss Fay." The look of Joy on James’ face was unmistakable and he hastily turned and strode towards the sorrowful form at the kitchen door, and as he walked away there floated back through the dusk the happy words, "Tas, sir, I*s a going, star."—EMMA LIB BEY.