Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1902-12-10
lis REASON WHY


emerged into the rain from the little
railway station in one Of the small
towns in Holland. II wish we had re-
manned with the others at Middleburg
Instead of coming OH this goose chase
a most fitting place for such di-
version" replied Meredith. who saw
her eyes belied her words Don't you
recolect the conductor calling the town
'GOoseT"
"Then the feet of the natives must
be webbed," decided Mrs. Travers,
smiling at the thought.
Don't be fippant, my dear. The
goose is historical bird. AS children
ON curls Strengthened and our eyes pro-
truded as we learned how they saved
Rome"
"Yes, but in after years, when sholn
of our ringlets, how many OF our
swans have been geesew she said, with
a sigh.
at would be preferable to be a
gander than not to have been at all"
The artist was very happy that the
others in their party had refused to
visit the little town of Goes. 1t meant
long day with Mrs. Travers.
While trudging in the heavy mist
through the quiet, quaint old streets
Meredith felt the small hand on his
arm tremble. and drops not all rain
fell upon the wet pink check. A pc
culiar, tender smile played about the
firm mouth of the young man as he
learned, in spite Of all contradictions,
that Gertrude Travers had a heart.
All the long summer he had hopelessly
striven to find it, but was obliged to
be content with friendship.
Mrs. Travers glanced doubtfully at
her companion, but he appeared I'M
conscious of her emotion. Even then
she would not acknowledge to herself
how dear to her heart, in spite OF the
depressing weather. was the walk
alone with him. Their disappointment
over the ruins of the castle OF the
Countess Jacquelne, which Meredith
had come to SKETCH did not stu the
pleasure of being together.
"As the old chateau has deteriorated
into a hosiery, the question is wheth-
er to invade or evade," said the artist.
"Well." said Mrs. Travers inpatient
ly few moments later as she held the
umbrella In q partly sheltered spot,
"why don't you sketchY
| on,u,n,ol Mopo5jfb lONly.
ing quizzically into the dark eyes, I've
dreamed a dream, and"-
"Why spoil today for an unknown
tomorrow interrupted Mrs. Travers.
mo longer can | trace a line" con
tinued the artist. taking no notice OF
the interruption. without seeing q
small bright face and hearing a voice
whisper
"That marriage Is failure" broke
in the lady who would forfeit $4,000
according to her late husbands will
the day she married.
81 cannot keep my thoughts where
she Is not, waking or sleeping'-
"Don't think. 1t Is a pernicious hab
It. But, tell me, who was JacquelineY
"The Countess of Bavaria. And may
you, unkind fairy. be imbued with hel
spirltw said Meredith CURLY, opening
his sketchbook.
"a spirit for what" she inquired
her curiosity aroused.
marrying" he replied solemnly
sharpening his pencil on a piece OF
sandpaper.
"How many times did her ladyshiI
wear the marriage yoke?'
"Three times for state reasons ant
once for love, butt
(Which caused her the greatest tur
moilY interposed Mrs. Travers iron
ically.
ct was Francis Van Borselen's I'm
firing devotion and deep affection TO
the beautiful princess that won he
love and esteem" said Meredith, ap
parently unaware of the last remarl
and sketching with vengeance.
"Was there no monetary considera
tionY" asked the worldly widow, witt
suspicion of twinkle in her eye.
EYES," he answered bitterly, "bu
there are no Jacquelines today. Sh
abdicated and renOunced all rights ant
estates for the man she loved"
"And she was not adjudged a luna
tic? inquired the lady anxiously.
At that moment the chimes in thu
old cathedral Of Mary Magdalen
pealed the hour Meredith did no
deign to answer; but, gathering up hi
paraphernalia. he said in hurt voice
"We have ten minutes to catch thu
train"
A short silence followed; then Mrs
Travers said softly. looking the arts
over critically, Il believe there ar
still some foolish women who woul'
do that for the men they love-"
Would you?" Mereditb's breatl
came quick and fast His lips touched
her hair as he bent to hear her reply.
"Well. yes" coyly answered the lad.
who had fought bravely for man,
months to keep her legacy. but onl.
for a man like you"
The next instant one little hand wa
held fast in his, and under the umbrel
Ia he kissed the lips so near his own.
AS they hurried through the deserte'
streets Meredith looked into the nov
thoughtful face and said tenderly
"You are not sorry that you came t
the little Goose CityY"
mo; but. considering my dear expe
rience think it appropriated
named" replied Mrs. Travers mis-
chievously
That evening Meredith's sister sal
In tones OF disgust while looking owe
his sketchbOok:
"Robert. will you tell me why 70