Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1891-09-04
In THE BRIDLE-PATH.
BY EMMA A. OPPER.


sidercd, was the young lady riding slowly
along the bridle-path just where it en-
tered the park-the pretty girl in dark
grey habit and silk hat, who sat her
horse we'll and held her reins and whip
with neat correctness.
1t was early as yet. Ida Edison and
her groom-some rods behind her-were
almost the first riders, though the leafy,
breezy place was charmiugly inviting
just now.
When cantering horse was pulled up
beside her, therefore, and hat was
lifted high, Ida raised her handsome
eyes in pleased inquiry.
''Mr. Granby." she smiled.
"Delightei at this meetingl" said
Mr. CRANKY, heartily, and went on beside
her at her more moderate pace.
He was putting a little being q
rather short and stout gentleman,
some years beyond his early man
hood.
He had a pleasant and intelligent, if
somewhat dorid face, and cordial mau-
ner. He was rich and considerably
sought after.
Ida Edison liked him for himself, and
now her fine face-which had been
distinctly serious-all but sad-bright-
ened
II, also, she returned. "I'vc been
feeling little lonesome. One wants
companionship on such 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 a good friend of her fathers,
and took much interest in the bright and
handsome girl. And Ida Edson's affairs
were no more of secret than those OF
pretty and popular girls are usually.
MI GraLby regarded her kecnly.
at is decidedly disagreeable being
lonesome, he answered, with apparent
heedeSsneSs.
But Ida flushed a little, and thought
best to change the subject.
"Do YOU mind my opening up the
great topic, Mr. Granbyl' she said, coyly'
"No, YOU must be hardened by this time
wart to congratulate you. Mrs. Camp
bell is lovely-simply lovely we are
all so glad you are going to marry her
papa and all of us2' she avowed, with
girlisb warmth.
Mr.. Cranky bowed and smiled.
~ thank you, my dear Miss Edsoni
congratulate myself every day. l am a
happy man since the affair has been
firmly settled"
He losked it.
Ida rather wanted to continue the
agreeable subject, but Il gentle shyness
forbade her. And possibly Mr.. CRANKY
was shy.
The topic changed to the general news
the last new play, the prospect OF the
city being socially empty in a week or
So
NIr. CRANKY chatted with an entertain
inc liveliness, for which he was noted
But he seemed oddly preoccuPieo-
scarcely attentive, after all, TO their
skimming small talk. Now and again
he glanced at Ida scrutinizingly; once
or twice he smiled rather peculiarly.
And from a silence of some length ne
emeroed of a sudden with a sigh of SEN
timentaI proportions.
81 don't know" he declared, "what
makes me think so strongly OF that case
Can't seem to get it out of my head
Perhaps my recent happiness has made
me sentimental-I don't know. Would
vou care 10 hear it7 A mere everyday
tory it is, but
..You know am dying tof" his
pretty companion answered.
Mr. CRANKY set bis hat on more firmly
and cleared his throat.
"a mere everyday story" he reiter'
ated, gazing up at the leaves above
them. "We have read such hundred
times Yet when such things come
within our experience, I've
His manner was curiousIy hesitating,
and Ida.s bright eyes were wide open'
her face intent.
1T was "a friend of mine I've been
thinking Of" said Mr. Grauby' slowly
..And the tragedy took place twenty
years ago. call it a tragedy You
shall hear it. my dear girl, and judge Tor
yourself.
He took out his handkerchief to rub
his forehead, and his eyes still roved
the upper air. But Ada was ina''en''Vs
to all save the coming story
.He was good young fellow--every-
body said so-warm- hearted and atiec
tiorate. And he fell desperately IN
love. The girl was sweet and charm
ing one. IL saw her. She was al
that could be desired, end more sne
loved him ia return -she had cared Tor
him before he mustered courage to