The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-07-07
FenIoW's Folly.
BIZ JAMES n. MERRILL

/
that solemn old building, standinl
monument to the folly Of one man VIII
imagined he was to revolutionize tn
world. or that part of 1t at least, tina
revolved around Tidewind a. Q center
so that is Fenlow's Folly" salt
Paul Hildreth. as he stood beside tn
beautiful Alma Dane and passed dow
into the deep shadows Of the gulcl
where the immense stone building
stood over the little stream. and seemet
a part of the gloomy picture will
which nature had invested that lont
spot.
Trees lining the hillsides shadowet
the place, save for brief bit at noon
day. when the sun in his diurnal round
peeped for short time into the solemn
gulch.
THAT is Fenlow's Folly" answered
the girl, her solemn, gray eyes shad.
owed with the gloom of the scene. 81
have often wondered what was inside
those walls, but you see, haven't YET
gained courage to make the explora-
ton. Perhaps you would 60 with
me-"
mot for the world" he answered
with a laugh. "'Tis haunted. they
say and / have no notion of shocking
my nerves by visit to the old ruin.
Did you tell me why it was builtp"
For a factory of some sort, but the
protector died before it was completed,
and no one cared to finish the work
since Fenlow left no property"
Indeed"
There was a puzzling look in the
eyes of handsome Paul Hildreth. as he
plucked at his moustache and regarded
the sombre ruin thoughtfully.
Folly, indeed" he muttered. by
the way Cousin Alma, do you hear
from our mutual friend, Gerard Man.
nngP / suppose you and he would
have joined Ives and fortunes before
now"
81 hear nothing
And yet the gloom deepened in the
gray eyes, and touch of pallor shot
into Alma Danes cheeks. Why had
this reference to Manning so affected
| her?
The man at her side understood. and
bit his lip as he offered his arm, and
the twain walked slowly down the
country road. The walk extended half
a mile, ending at the comfortable resi-
dence of old Squire Dane, whose broad
acres were counted by the thousan DIS,
and who had laughingly promised his
only child Alma good fat duck on
her wedding day.
Once in her own room Alma gave
vent TO her feeling in dry sob as she
sank low in the willow rocker and gaz-
ed hard at the floor. Why did Gerard
Manning not Gomez This was the
burden of her grief At length she
came to her feet. and from drawer
in the bureau near extracted letter.
She opened it and read for the dozenth
time:
My DARLING ALMA:-I shall be with you
on the 9th OF June If live, and then the
world shall know of our betrothaL have
prospered and expect to satisfy the ex actions
even Of so exacting desire as yours Many
kisses and goodbye. GERARD.
A precious missive that For the
dozenth time Alma pressed it to her
lips, then, with shudder, flung it from
her, and sank once more to the low
chair.
1t was now the 22nd, and Gerard
Manning ia led to appear. IF l am
alive W II BIZ with you on the 20th,"
he had written. Could it be that he
was deadp Alma felt a smothering
sensation at the thought But no. if
anything had gone wrong with Gerard
the telegraph would have quickly in
formed her of it.
For two days her handsome cousin.
Paul Hildreth, had invested the squirrels
home with his presence. and he had
been very attentive to his pretty cousin,
who had. on former occasion, refus-
ed him for tho sake Of the love
Gerard Manning had kindled in her
heart.
Paul was more than ever attentive
during his present visit.
Il thought / must come before sit
ting out for Europe" he exclaimed.
Il mean 10 be a enon. and drown my
sorrow in foreign land"
THIS had reference to his hopeless
love for Alma. She pitied him as she
regarded the handsome solemnity of
his face, pitied, and waited in vain the
coming of Gerard Manning.
You have met Edith Walton doubt.
less" said Paul. carelessly. on the
third day of his visit. II saw her
riding with Manning on the morn
ing of the goth, as l boarded the
train"
Il never met her." was Alma's
solemn answer. III don't think Mr..
Manning ever mentioned her name in
my hearing"
"The sly dog. l suppose he want
ed 10 keep it secret but the gossips do
say that Miss Walton is an heiress,
and Gerard is desperately smitten. I
might have tried there myself, only.
you see l could not marry for mere
gold. it isn't my nature. believe 1
am not constituted as other people. I
shall never marry"
He sighed deeply.
Unconsciously they walked to the
bluff overlooking Fenlow's Folly. and
paused only when the gray building
doomed up dark and rugged. before
their eyes.
"The Folly again." uttered he ''Do
you know. Alma the sight of that old
ruin reminds me of my own life 1t
might have been bright and full of
living enjoyment but for the folly that
turned my heart toward one object. l