Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1903-12-31
His Vacation
BY r. L..

Copyright, 1909, by w. r. Hearst)
The summer holidays had come and
Morton was packing. His fashionable
clothing had been replaced by an outfit
suitable for wear In the country.
He mad decided to spend a portion of
his vacation iii a small town In order
to acquire materials for a novel.
Arriving at his destination he selected
a boarding house, unpacked his things
and started for u stroll. CHANGING
toward the adjoining yard. Morton be-
held a girl of a type altogether differ
ent from h he had expected to find
i'll the town. She was occupied In read
ing and evidently did not notice him.
for she did not look up.
The girl was probably twenty years
old. with q sweet, earnest face, bearing
all the marks of evident refinement. She
was simply but ta%stefully dressed and
Morton wondered If she really belonged
there.
He was not long in doubt. however.
for that very evening he was introduced
to the young woman. whose name was
Ruth Adams. He learned from her
that, while this was her home. much
of her time had been spent in he city
and at college. He found her a very
agreeable companion and she seemed
much pleased with his company. From
that day they were together Il great
deal and h Mother Grundles of the
town were soon busy making predic-
tions as to the outcome of what looked
very much of a And in truth
it was, for Morton was very much in
love, almost before he knew it.
The days passed rapidly. and when
Morton found that he must take his de-
parture re decided thai he would speak
what was mis- heart.
Ruth" he said, II love you. 1 know
1t must surprise you, and probably it
is a sudden and stupid declaration to
make In this way, but / could not get
away without telling you-without ask
ing for some little encouragement for
my great ove."
The girl started and turned scarlet.
He saw the start and the little move
away from him, but he could not know
how fast her heart beat nor see the glad
light in her downcast eyes.
we have known each other only a
short time she said.
THAT is true" he replied, but my
love for you has existed from the time
81 kind Providence brought us together.
l went to sleep that first night with
there ever since. Will you be my wife.
Ruth,
She locked at him now very seriously
and very calmly.
II cannot answer today she said.
will YOU give me a word of hope
UelOTc L go.
Her face flushed again and her eyes
dropped from his.
What a l say?" she said, in a low
tone. Il have told you I cannot answer
you today. i will write"
A month passed. The word Morton
waited for did not come. At first he
was calm and hopeful, out as the days
became impatient. Finally he was
forced to the conclusion that she did
not write because she had nothing to
say to him. 1t was certainly her right,
but he did not mean to give her up SO
easily. He left his studies and hurried
back to the country.
A familiar figure was just entering
the postoffice.
He followed it.
Miss Adams!"
She was about to mail a letter, but
stopped in surprise and dropped 1t or
the floor. Morton picked it up and saw
that :. was addressed to himself.
Ruth, is 1t your answer" he ey
claimed.
The girls face was crimson. She die
not nswer.
Morton began to tear open the en-
velope eagerly.
DON'T" she cried. please give II
back"
But is it not addressed to me?" he
asked in surprise.
wei. promise me that you will MOI
open 1t until you have left me-"
Then ! may see you tonight?"
IF you care to after o have seer
what is in the letter"
"Oh. but you're a tease. Ruth. Very
we'll. goodby."
They separated. Morton going in al
opposite direction. As soon as he could
turn the corner the letter was brough
forth from his pocket. 1t was a yer!
brief note. This is what he read: