Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1904-08-13
En-
Route
BY
Nellie
CrdOeY
Gilmore

Copyright, 1901, by J. B. Mitchell

Sanford lifted his hat with one HAND
and simultaneously held out the other.
"Im afraid you don't quite remem-
Der me, Miss Kensington," he began.
Remember you? Remember you,
Billy? Why, it's only three years since
-~oh, do say that you have but just
come out; that you did not really see"-
Certainly not" returned he prompt
~. after the rain the deck is fear
fully slippery. AS matter of fact,
have just succeeded in picking myself
up from it."
Dolly laughed softly and plunged five
rose tipped fingers through a tumbled
heap Of sun blond hair.
"You haven't changed at ALL" she re-
marked, slipping deftly into the most
convenient chair.
Sanford regarded her closely for the
space Of half minute, light that
was not unfamiliar there leaping swift
~ to his eyes.
NO." he said, quite grave; mot the
least bit-not in any respect"
Dolly's lashes, long, blue black, flick
cred momentarily over the smoke col
ored eyes. mot really" she questioned
in musing tone.
"And you, Dolly" he pursued, alert,
tentative-"you have not changed Ell
Their, presumed? He took the camp
stool opposite her.
A minutes pause, broken only by the
rush and swirl of water against the
sides Of the ship.
Presently Dolly glanced up. 81 have
not changed, Billy" she replied. Her
voice was low, sweet, easy. Her gaze
slipped dreamily out to the limitless
expanse Of quivering, jeweled water.
For some time both were silent,
studying the truculent breakers with
retrospective eyes.
"And by that I am to infer that you
will never
'l'm afraid never SHALL" responded
she.
Sanford smiled, trife enigmatically,
and looked down at his strong, sea
tanned hands.
"Still in the quest of the ideal, / see,'
he observed after little, his keen gray
eyes shifting transiently along the deck
rail.
$50 to speak," acquiesced Dolly, fol-
lowing his gaze.
"One might just as well chase rain
bows" grumbled Sanford, digging
clumsily into his pocket for cigar.
MAY IT. he inquired politely.
Dolly nodded, catching her full lower
lip under curved row Of milk colored
teeth. ITO judge by your remark" she
commented, with sudden infection Of
ire, lone would think that l was-am
-a-that'-
mot at ALL" corrected he emphatic
ally. Every brilliant persons frequently
foster illusions. 1t is an infallible sign
of theosophic mind, though common
ly speaking He broke off lamely.
"Ye-esY'
"Well mistake, should say"
"People learn by mistakes"
"But scarcely ever profit by them.
Experience generally comes too late
for-the train"
II have somewhat modified my
IDEAS" conceded Dolly after a pause.
"As to-
ideals, Of course"
"And may ask-you would not mind
telling me whether you are any nearer
the-whether you have really He
looked at her helplessly, shadow of
dwindling hope across his face.
"Not an iota nearer" she cut in, with
some abruptness.
Sanford smoked cOmplacently for sew
eral seconds. The sun dropped steadily
in the west, casting a weird copper
glow over the thin, keen, expressive
face. Dolly watched him furtively for
a little, her gaze gradually shifting to
the great plunging emerald columns Of
sea water, scattering sheets Of opal
spray and filling the air with salt fra
GRANGE.
what takes you to New York, VII
liamY she asked after awhile, with
sudden assumption Of casual interest.
Sanford did not at once reply. A
queer little smile developed about the
corners Of his mouth as he looked at
her half averted profile.
A long silence ensued. When Dolly
looked toward him again, there were
tear traces in her eyes. She held out
her hand.
"Let me congratulate you, won't
your" Her voice was studiedly low to
hide its meaning. "Who is the-the
lucky girl, BillyY"
1.-THE woman I love-" he replied SEN
tentiously, drawing her fingers into
both his hands and holding them close.
Dolly flushed, snatching them away
sharply.
"Don'ty' she cried "It's-its mean
of your
"By the way, Dolly" asked Sanford,
what are you going to New York
forY'
She regarded him narrowly for an
instant through contracted lids.
"Why, I'm going to be married, too"
she returned, with a wee laugh. 'And