The Elbert County tribune., 1903-04-16
Loves Tangled Paths.


Just before he reached the ragged.
white-washed fence that ran around
the apple orchard. Danvers paused
aud drew from his pocket small,
oval-framed picture. For second he
smiled regretfully at the dainty. bruno
face that laughed up into his eyes.
Then with sudden petulance he thrust
the miniature into his breast and
strode rapidly toward the small re-
volving gate. through that and on
among the low-boughed autumn ap-
pies.
a seven-days' voyage. composed
chiefly of mal-de-mer and a rain-slop-
ped deck. had not served to stimulate
the tagging spirits that had com.
menced their downward course on the
day before he left Heidelberg. And
the trip from New York to Chicago
brought no recompense; nothing. in
fact. beyond clnder-Rrimed and ex-
ceedingly anxious countenance.
As he neared the familiar hedge of
wild rose. behind which reposed an
old-fashioned. vine-laced hotel his
neart sank within him. Three years
ago he had told Dolly Pemberton
goodby on its great slanting porch and
gone forth to win fame and wealth
that he might lay them at the feet of
his ladylove.
How different this to the pictured
Homecoming.
Then no piquant face with bobbing
curls rose to dim the brightness of his
sweetheart's eyes; now no throbbing
pulses hurried him on with outstretch-
ed arms as of old.
Poor little Dolly" he mused pity
ingly. 1T is but the remnant of
heart that bring back to you, but"
he chicken down a rebellious knot in
his throat-"and the girl who has
given me her trust and-and love.
must never knowwhat "a cad have
been?" He stole final look Mt the
pictured face over his heart and set
his lips to the Inevitable.
Where the path branched, he stop
ped for moment under widespread
ing russct and pulling on his hat
brushed back the thick mop of brown
hair that clung to his forehead.
On the grass at his feet few over
ripe apples cleaned gold in the dapple
sunlight.
Danvers stopped and picked up
one. biting into 1t rehectively with
his strong white teeth.
'Charley,"
He started and glanced about him;
then up at the frult-weighted limbs.
'Dolly!" he exclaimed and dropped
mis- apple.
"A quite unexpected pleasure" said
she, smiling at him through the red
dening leaves. Wont you come up?"
Il meant to surprise you" returned
he. swinging himself to an opposite
branch. ''and I'm glad you call It
pleasure. 1t is my first vacation In a
good many moons.7
When did you arrive?' asked Dol
ly. land who drove you out?"
Il reached Chicago last night and
walked out this morning"
Walked eight miles?"
'Of course-it was worth while.
don't you think so?"-he replied sig
nificantly.
You were very siily"-was hor
comment. Resides, how did you
know" She broke on a trine EN-.
phrrasseu ana toycd win ne end OF
her tie.
That you were here? oh, found
that out. be sure. However,"
''well?"
You haven't forgotten"
'.What?"
That every summer-until came
you would be-"
"of course" she broke In hurrledly.
Il am always here. nearly"
Dnnvers stared at her curiously. Did
she care very much. then?
Had I known that" he said slowly.
II should have come last night
I'm very glad you didn't" said
Dolly. ''if you mean that you would
have walked
= Love laughs at-vehicles." He put
IN Cufckly hating himeelf