Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-08-30
A GOLDEN
LIN X
By A. N. Davies osden
Copyright, Isol, by 7. C. Mcclure

| Follow this path, ma'am, and you
will find the house." explained the
coachman as he drew up before the
stately stone gates of Ellesmere Abbey
Carriages are not permitted inside the
grounds. but visitors on foot can walk
through and view the lake and ter
races"
The path. leaving the driveway, LED
between sturdy oaks, through whose
branches the fiickering sunlight fell In
golden shadows-Oaks that had stood
for generations. the pride Of the county.
Mrs. Lincoln and her daughter walked
slowly forward, exclaiming in delight
ut the grand old trees, until sudden
fork in the path caused them to halt
in some perplexity.
although, as the caterpillar said, II
you don't care where you are going. II
cannot matter much which way you
GO" laughed Ethel Lincoln. And both
look attractive" she added. AS they
hesitated a young man, clad In knicker-
bockers and carrying gun, came down
one of the paths. Mrs. Lincoln looked
relieved.
Here is gamekeeper, or poacher, or
something" she said. HE can prob
ably tell us which is the best way to
60"
The man. who had stopped on seeing
the two ladies. now came toward them,
lifting his battered cap.
Can l be Of any service" he in
Quired His voice was prepossessing,
and Mrs. Lincoln assented.
I'VE are anxious to see the house and
the lake" she said. Gould you direct
us how to reach them?'
"The right hand path will take you
directly to the house." he answered
civilly. "And the lake-the lake is q
bit out OF the way" He paused mo-
ment. then went on, Il belong here,
and If you would care to have me show
you about
Mrs. Lincoln smiled kindly.
IF you would be so good"
Ethel Lincoln. wandering somewhat
behind the others, was enchanted with
the place. The lovely mere, laden with
heavy white lilies, the brilliant hued
parterres, the cool green terraces, all
evoked deep breaths Of admiration.
1T is like page from a novel," she
declared. Il never imagined anything
10 romantic. It's-it's perfect" aban-
doning vain search for suitable ad5ec-
tives. The gamekeeper looked pleased.
1T is indeed fine place. miss" he
said. But Mrs. Lincoln glanced long
ingly ut the house.
How l would like to see the inte-
rior." she said lis 1t quite impossibieE'
The man considered.
1t is not usually allowed" he an
swered. But | will ask this gardener
The gardener, when appealed to,
looked up in surprise.
'Why-I don't know" he declared
doubtfully. You
Don't you think they might make
an exception this once?" interposed the
gamekeeper hastily. The gardener, a
faint twinkle, creeping into his eye,
nodded.
Mrs. Lincoln turned away.
If 1t is against the rules. of course
we would prefer not to enter she SAID
quietly. Thank you just as much
Only | happened to know Lady Eilers-
lie well many years ago and should
have been glad to see her home"
Indeed" said the gamekeeper re-
spectfully. You might have chance
next week then. Lady Eilersiie's son
is giving ii garden party Oh Thursday
and If YOU send card to Lord Ellers-
lie | have 10 doubt that he would be
clad TO have an invitation sent you.
Thank you. perhaps we may do SO,
said Mrs. Lincoln. will you he good
enough to call my carriage now:
As he turned and beckoned the
coachman Ethel Lincoln sighed.
How beautiful it all is she e4'
claimed. Really, could marry Ell
lerslie Just to live here" The game
keeper, his faced unmoved, stepped
forward.
MAY help you In, madam! he
asked decorOusly.
Mrs. Lincoln. slipping her fingers In
to the tiny gold purse swinging at her
wrist, pulled forth coin and, with
out looking at 1t, held 1t toward the
man. To her surprise, he flushed and
drew back. But ut sight Of the look
of unconscious dismay on the girls
face his half uttered protest died and
he quietly accepted the money.
As they drove homeward Mrs. LIN
coin laughed.
"No wonder that man stared" she
said. "These English coins are 90
much alike in size that instead Of a
shilling l gave him sovereign. bu'
how abnormal for any foreigner to
hesitate at tip. Shall we send FL
lerslie a card, Kitten? l suppose he
would hardly remember us, and 1t Is
many years since his mother died. Dc
YOU think it would be worth while|
81 suppose not" agreed Ethel, not
however. without secret twinge Of
disappointment.
But the next day, on returning from
their drive, the innkeeper met them
In his hand was letter and card.
His lordship was here this after
noon" he said. land asked il you were
the lady who had lost this locket,'
producing n small gold ornament. I'll
you were. was to give you this let
ter
"Why. l must have dropped 1t yes
terday." exclaimed Mrs. Lincoln in sur
prise. tearing open the envelope. Il
contained Il card Of invitation and
few lines on crested sheet Of paper.
Nv Dear Mrs. Lincoln-From the nam'
engraved on the locket which was rouhs
\ In the grounds yesterday l judge yol
must be the old friend whom my mothe
40 loved. VIII not you and your daughte
do me the honor OF coming TO the Baraen
party am giving next Thursday ana ie.
| me have the pleasure OF renewing an oio
acquaintance? Faithfully yours,
ELLERSLIE
When on Thursday afternoon Mrs
Lincoln and Ethel drove under the
| porte cochere of Ellerslie Abbey al.
ready the lawns and terraces were dot
| Ted with bright frocks and parasols
| while from gay marquee came the
strains Of a military. band. Ethers