. The southerners, a story of the Civil War . hat -some-thing had already come between them, something thathad come to stay. 76 CHAPTER IX RIVALS YET FRIENDS S Peyton and Darrow cantered up theroad a little silence fell between them,which the older man was the first tobreak. With characteristic franknesshe asked his friend a direct , he said quietly, are youin love with Mary Annan?I am, was the prompt she in love with you? Forgiveme this question, old fellow, but wehave never had a secret between ussince we have been boys together, andI dont want to begin now. And I amas
. The southerners, a story of the Civil War . hat -some-thing had already come between them, something thathad come to stay. 76 CHAPTER IX RIVALS YET FRIENDS S Peyton and Darrow cantered up theroad a little silence fell between them,which the older man was the first tobreak. With characteristic franknesshe asked his friend a direct , he said quietly, are youin love with Mary Annan?I am, was the prompt she in love with you? Forgiveme this question, old fellow, but wehave never had a secret between ussince we have been boys together, andI dont want to begin now. And I amas ready to answer as to ask she in love with you? No, I think not—not yet, that any other man Peyton would haveresented such interrogations, but he simply could notbe angry with his friend, especially in the face of suchopen frankness. Boyd, said the other impulsively, I want you toknow that if I can holp it she never shall be. Why do you say that, Darrow? asked Peyton, ingreat surprise, yet at once divining the reason. 77. THE SOUTHERNERS I love her myself, resolutely. And does she love you?* Not yet. I repeat your words, Bob, cried Peyton, stoppinghis horse suddenly. If I can help it she never shall. Good! said Darrow, smiling infectiously at thestern face of the other man, that is as it should fair field and no favor, and may the better man win!Come, Boyd, dont look so glum about it. We bothhave an equal chance. She is promised to neither ofus. If anything, you have the advantage. But thatsall right. I mean to win her for my wife if I can, andyou for yours. What I wanted to say to you is wont let this make any difference in our friend-ship, will you? As he spoke he extended his hand to his friendfrankly and generously, almost pleadingly. After amomentary hesitation Peyton accepted the profferedclasp, and the two men shook hands warmly over thisstrange compact, a compact utterly impossible of ful-iilment. Both of them were too inexperienced to
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