Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1891-09-19
LIN THE BRIDLE-PATH.
BY EMMA !. OpPER.


ton; ST., an onlooker might have con
sldercd was the Young lady riding slowly
along the bride path just where it en-
tered the park-the pretty girl in a dark
grey habit and silk hat, who sat her
horse we'll and held her reins aud whip
with neat correctness
Il was carly as yet Ida Edison and
her 4room-somc rods behind her-were
almost the first riders, though the leafy,
breezy place was charmingIy inviting
just now
When canternS horse was pulled up
lcsde her, therefore, and hat was
lifted high, Ida raised her handsome
eyes in pleased inquiry.
Mr.. CRANKY" She smiled
Mr.. CRANKY. heartily, and went on beside
her at her more moderate pace
i" was putting a little being a
rather short AMI stout gentleman,
some years beyond his early man
hood
He had a pleasant and intelligent, if
some what tlord face, and cordial man
ner. He was rich aud considerably
sought after.
Ida Edison liked him for himself, aud
| no. her fine ace-Which had been
distinctly serious-all but Saa-bright
| ened
81, Also she returned. 'I've been
feeling Il little lonesome One wants
companionship on such a day, to dis
cuss the lovely weather if nothing
| else
She spoke carelessly, her whip handle
touching her smiling lips, but Mr.. Gran
by looked at her sharply
He was i good friend Of her fathers,
and took much interest in the bright and
handsome girl. And Ida Edison affairs
were no. more of secret than those OF
pretty and popular girls are usually.
Mr. Graz by regarded her keenly.
ssIt is decidedly ,tsagreeabe being
lonesome,," he answered, with apparent
heedlessness
But Ida flushed little, and thought
best to change the subject.
s'Do YOU mind my opening up the
great topic Mr. Granby?' she said coyly.
"No, YOU must De hardened by this time.
| wart to congratulate you. Mrs. Camp
bell is lovel,-Smply lovely! We ere
all 50 glad you are going to marry her
papa and all Of U.S., she avowed, with
girliSh warmth
Mr.. CRANKY bowed aud smiled.
& thank you, my dear Miss Edison!
congratulate myself every day. | am 6
happy man since the affair has been
firmly settled. >
He looked it.
Ida rather wanted to continue the
agreeable subject, but gentle shynes
forbade her. And possibly Mr.. Granb!
was shy.
The topic changed to the general news
the last new play, the prospect of the
city being socially empty in week o
so
Mr. CRANKY chatted with an entertain
mo liyeliness, for which he was noted
But he seemed oddly preoccupied-
scarcely attentive, after all, to thei
skimming small talk. Now and agal'
he glanced at Ida scrutinlzingly; ono
or twice he smiled rather peculiarly
And from silence of some length b
8 emerged OF a sudden with sigh Of sen
> timtntal proportions.
Il don't know he declared, 'whs
makes me think SO strongly of that case
Can't seem to get it out of my head
Perhaps my recent happiness has mad
me Sentimental-I don't know, Woul
you care TO hear it. a mere everyda
tory il IS, but
You know am dying to-" b
pretty companion answered
Mr. CRANKY set his hat on more firm
and cleared his throat
"a mere everyday story" he reitel
sted, gazing Up at the leaves abcy
them. .We have read such hundre
times. Yet, when such things CON
within eur experience, I've"
His manner was curiously hesitatin,