The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1898-01-28

A VACATION vAGARY.

VACATION vAGARY.
"Whatever brought you to Tregar-
then, Mr.. Ringbrand? 1t seems to me
to be the last place in the world where
an author could hope to find material"
"Who has been accusing me of any
such intention, Mrs. Ludlow"
why, an accusation isn't necessary;
everyone knows that when an author
can be induced to exchange the literary
atmosphere of his respected Boston, or
his beloved New York, for the prosaic
surroundings of dingy little coal
mining village in the Tennessee noun
tains, there must be stronger motive
than mere sightseer's curiosity
Perhaps you are right. And yet 1
think you are little severe; if one were
seeking inspiration, what could be
more uplifting than that ?"-waving his
hand with comprehensive gesture to-
ward the moonlit picture of valley and
mountain framed by the pillars of the
yeranda. But l assure you, as | said
moment ago, l couldn't give SEN
sible reason for coming here-inasmuch
as l did not know that you were hiber-
mating in Tregarthen. I'm not sure
which was the more surprised when
we met this morning, Ludlow or my
self. had lost track of you years ago."
"But we hadn't of you-thanks to the
magazines. And that brings me back;
what can you find worth studying
here?"
Ringbrand laughed. "You positive
ly refuse to be diverted, don't you? Per-
haps | couldn't find anything, but from
the little I've seen of place and people
I should say there was perfect mine
of storytelling material if one would
take the trouble to develop it,"
II can't see where you would find it."
That's because you live here; you're
unable to get the perspective of un-
familiarity on the quaintness of the
people or the beauty of the scenery
The things that are curious and inter-
esting to newcomer are commonplace
to you, because you see them every day."
I'm sure it's very nice of you to put
it in that way: one likes to be told that
one comes short of genius only in-un-
familiarity But you haven't told me
yet why you came to Tregarthen."
| Mrs. Ludlow. you're positively in
corrigible. assure you 1 left New
York week ago with only one clearly
defined idea; that was that was over
worked and weary and needed a vaca-
ton. Everybody goes to Europe and
to the resorts in summer, and wanted
to get away from the crowd; if you
please. you may call that reason for
my coming south. My ticket ran out
at Nashville. but the quiet of your
beautiful capital city didn't compensate
for the unspeakable heat, so took to
the road again, with Asheville for des-
tination."
That's all beautifully clear and
reasonable up to certain point, Mr..
Ringbrand. Now, if you will only tell
me what possessed you to leave your
comfortable parlor car to come away
up here on coal train, I'll be satisfied" !"
The shadow on the veranda prevent
ed the lady from seeing the look of en-
barrassment that fitted across the face
of her visitor, and his hesitation in res
plying was fortunately covered by the
tilbIiHGc VI HIS nOSl. OIL uOWH mere,
Ludlow" he said; Mrs. Ludlow has
had me in the confessional for the last
half hour, and l was just upon the
point of connecting pure fabrication
to account for my being in Tregarthen.
Can't you explain to her that man
may sometimes do unaccountable
things?"
"One would think an explanation
wouldn't be necessary" replied Ludlow.
cynically, tossing his hat into the hall
and drawing up chair. Lets see,
how long have we been married, Helen ?''
Long enough to make me very Gu
rious and inquisitive. as Mr.. Ringbrand
is just finding out. He confesses that
! he didn't know we were here, and he
can't give any plausible reason for Civ
I ing up his trip to Asheville."
I'm not surprised; if the Tregar-
then Coal & Iran company could get
along without superintendent for q
month or such matter. | believe I'd GO
off and do something unaccountable
myself; it's part of my creed that a
man should be totally irresponsible on
a vacation. But see here, Ringbrand
5 ii you're going to stay in Tregarthen
5 you've got to come to us; I'm not going
!; to have you put up at that miserable
b. excuse for hotel down in the village
You'll die of dyspepsia in a week."
. "lou are Good Snmaritans," replied
Ring laughing; ''I've got it al
acknowledgements, ! mean. Why, Mrs
Ludlow, you've no conception of what
. they've been making me eatdown there!
! For breakfast had salt bacon. biscuits
D and potatoes; for dinner there were
2 potatoes. biscuits and salt bacon; and
5 for supper they varied the bill of fare
; by leaving out the potatoes. And the
) biScutS-upon my soul, you never saw
anything like the4n in your lfe!"
: "Oh, yes, have" responded the lady
/ cheerfully; "let me describe them:
: they were about half an inch thick, and
5 when you took one between your
. thumb and finger, so. you could press
' the grease out of the edge. But didn't
y They give you any coffee?"
" II think not; ! certainly had some
thing to drink, but I'm quite positive