Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-11-24
HER FIRST WEDDING TOUR
(By Webster Moorc.)

A white. vine clad hotel. silhouetted
against the crimson of sunset. humid
led wooded islands. dotting the placid
water of a mighty river. seems an ideal
lovers paradise. TO complete the picture,
We have an affectionate couple, Saunter-
ing among winding paths.
The air of tentative Independence OF all
things temporal. together with the new
ness Of their garments, betokened their
recent union. The groom INDUCED in
many platitudes. while the bride listened
attcntively. with sparkle in her eye
which may have betokened admiration or
may-but who can attempt to tathom the
meaning OF womans look,
AS they were returning toward the
to prevail everywhere. A man appeared
from the group walking straight to-
wards them.
Why Cedric" he exclaimed Il am
glad to see you" shaking hands with hun
at the same time. why Mis-"
This IL Mrs. I.angiy. my wife, Mr..
James said Mr.. Langly.
Il am charmed to meet you, Mrs, Lang
ly" with most gracious bow.
How does 1t happen that YOU are
spending your vacation up here" in
Quired Cedric.
Mother has always desired to visit the
Thousand Islands; this year she took the
opportunity.
After the formally of introduction.
they proceeded TO partal<e of supper on
the porch. The conversation turned to
various topics. They discussed mutual
friends with the generous license which
absence imparts. George and Mrs. Lang
ly became the best Of friends Immediately.
Indeed Cedric was pleased to observe
that his wife raised no barrier or formal
ity between herself and his old friend
George was a most demonst,stiTe fellow.
too. His conversation. pointed by gestures
OF the hand and meaning looks were di-
rected exclusively to the fair one, seem
ingIy escaped Cedric Suddenly Cedric :
wife gave little gasp. then sat stiHly up
right What IL it," inquired Cedric.
quickly. In reply she held up her left
hand; the engagement ring was missing,
oh. Cedric! live lost II. We must go
look right away; I'm sure lost it by
the river"
mo dearest. you must not go / would
not have you risk catching cold, the air
by the river is awfully damp. And he
started down the steps leaving Thorn II,
the solitude of the porch, for solitude 1t
was, since the guests had retired for the
night.
Helen. why did you marry him? Why
did you leave the stageY'
Ssh he doesn't know it! ] have kept
it from HIM. / was tred OF the stage.
and thought ! would settle down. Don t
you think ! have done very Well
George"
NOT exactly IN a SAD Tone OF voice.
but tell me, do you mean what you SAID
Oh Helen do you love him-loNc him
better than me? | know he has n fortune
and can give you every pleasure IN HE,
but stop to consider, what ii means To
me- He sank back into his chair, as II
completely overcome. Leaning forward
Helen whispered in his ear; whatever she
might have said can only he guessed.
hut one thing Is sure, IT had Il wonderful
influence over him. lie was stimulated
with excessive hope, Rising they pro
ceeded to walk in silence down the wind
ing path. soon they perceived the dark
form of Cedric. coming in the opposite
direction.
Now Is the time whispered George.
| "Ah, here it ISL exclaimed Mrs. Lang
ly. ostensiby bending over to pick mp the
ring, then kissing II ahectonateiy. just
( then they were joined by Cedric, who
seemed elated over the recovery.
| The next day Cedric received tole-
gram from the head of his firm, calling
him away for a short time. lie kissed
his wife an afrectionatc farewell ana took
his departure.
| Colonel Van Wormer created sensa
, ton at the hotel. He was tall. finely set
| up. with broad shoulders and heroic pro