The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1901-10-19

A few days later Egerton Farrant was
slowly walking from the asylum, he had
called upon DR.. jackson, but had missed
him. At little distance he paused and
looked back The brooding softness and
glamour of perfect Indian summer after
noon hung over the building. Against a
great background Of purple and golden
hills it was sharply outlined With its
Offering white dome and spires, its mas
sive proportions and architectural finish, it
might have stood for the palace of some
mighty duke or earl; only the lines upon
lines of omnibus, iron barred windows told
the tale that it was the refuge for hun
dreds of wrecked minds.
In front of the asylum were beds Of
brilliant flowers, and the sweetest scented
air echoed to the music of falling water
from a fountain that played in the centre
of the parterres. In miniature lake 4
trio of swans disported.
The emerald lawn swept away into Il
grove of shade trees, with winding walks
and rustic seats.
Numbers of the patients, guarded By
their nurses, were strolling about the walks
or sitting under the trees. farrant walked
on, carefully scrutinizing every group,
with the vague hope Of seeing the girl who
had enthroned herself true Venus vic
trix in his heart.
As he turned a curve of the path which
led to the gate, he saw women pass out
of the grounds. He was at too great
distance to recognize her positively, but
something familiar in her appearance quick
ened his steps As he gained upon her, he
saw the graceful, girlish carriage and fine
ly-poised head belonged to Edith Monroe
or Miss Howard, as he thought of her.
He was of two minds, whether to turn
back and give the alarm that she had es-
capped from the asylum, or to join her and
try to persuade her to return. He pursued
the latter course. Meantime, Edith, who
had been to the asylum to carry some
flowers to a sick friend, happened to glance
over her shoulder and saw Farrant hurry
ing after her. She knew him at once,
and was terrified.
''An escaped lunitic 7 she muttered,
as she glanced around despairingly On
one side rose steep hill, on the other
dense wood; lonely country road stretch
ed before her It was quite mile to the
village, but it was possible that she might
meet some one, so she broke into a run.
Farrant accelerated his pace. He had
much ado to catch her up.
"She's as fleet as Atalanta, poor girl
1 wish 1 had some apples to divert her. .
But Edith could not hold out any longer
against his great strides.
"Dont be frightened, = he said gently,
distressed at the fear in her face when he
came up with her.
"Why did you run after me 2 painted
Edith, hardly knowing what she was say
ing.
II wanted to beg you to return to the
asylum.
81 can t go back [ m sorry, as you wish
it, she said.
But you know in the end you will be
obliged to go back, so why not go now?''
"Why will l be obliged to go back in
the end p asked Edith wonderingly.
They were now walking forward side by
side, Edith panic having subsidized some
what.
~ hate to say this to you, but know
...,.. go ono +l - IL L,,.,.,,,t
Edith gazed at him compassionately.
"Poor fellow r she thought ~ will
not refute his idea, he might become dan
gerous.
SO they talked, playing at cross purposes.
They passed the point where another road
ran into the main one, but no one was to
be seen coming either way. Presently,
however, there was the beat of horses
boots and the ring of wheels upon the
other road Edith tried in vain to pierce
he barrier of trees and bushes between her
md possible release. She was afraid to
scream. Farrant, being taller, caught a
glimpse of the vehicle flashing by.
"Hello / Stop = he called out sudden
y ''Please wait for me here moment,
he said to Edith, as he forced his way
through the underground. She complied
With his request, having no option, as he
could easily overtake her second time
II say, jackson, its lucky recognized
you. One of the patients at the asylum
las escaped; the girl you were telling me
Howard, cried Farrant ex-
,itedly
"Good heavens r exclaimed DR.. Jack
'on Where is she z?
'sOn the other side of the hedge.
In trice the doctor had jumped from
MS buggy and was striding across the road |
n Farrant' wake Edith had sunk down
IN the side of the road, worn out, but
when she caught sight of DR.. jackson she
'prang up and came flying toward him,
lalf laughing half crying.
''Oh, Dr. jackson | am so glad to
zee you, she cried, as she caught his
land.
81 thought she loved himl" Farrant
nuttered.
The doctor looked at her amazodly.
''The escaped lunatic, she whispered
''The escaped lunaticl Yes Where
S she ?" cried the doctor, looking eagerly
lp and down the road.
"Why, Jackson, is your brain turning?'
said Farrant, stupefed.
"What on earth are you talking about?
We are losing valuable time. Were Is
Miss Howard, Farrant p
Holding your coat sleeves, saio Far
ant Beneath his breath he muttered:
He's daft, too r.
"He thinks l am crazy, said Edith in
4 low tone.