Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-08-27
A GOLDEN
LIN X
By A. NJ. Davies Ogden


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 Pickering 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 a 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. 1t
cannot matter much which way you
co." laughed Ethel Lincoln. "And both
look attractive" she added. AS they
hesitated Il 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
CO."
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?"
'"rhe 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 a mo-
mcnt. then went on. Il belong here.
and II 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, oil
evoked deep breaths of admiration.
1T is like page from a novel," she
declared. Il never imagined anything
so romantic lists perfect" aban-
doning vain search for suitable adjec-
tives. The gamekeeper looked pleased.
1T is indeed a fine place, MISS" he
said. But Mrs Lincoln glanced long
ingly ut the house.
How would like to see the inte-
rior." she said. rs 1t quite impossibleT
The man considered.
cit is not usually allowed" he an
swered But l 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 onceT' interposed the
gamekeeper hastily. The gardener, a
faint twinkle creeping into his eye.
nodded.
Mrs. Lincoln turned away.
"If II Is against the rules, Of course
we would prefer not to enter" she said
quietly. Thank you just as much.
Only l happened to know Lady Ellers-
lie well many years ago and should
have been glad TO see her home"
Indeed said the gamekceper re-
spectfully. You might have chance
next week then. Lady Ellerslie's son
is giving q garden party on Thursday.
and IL you send card to Lord Ellers-
lie / have no doubt that he would be
glad to have an invitation sent YOU"
''rhank you. perhaps we may do So"
said Mrs. Lincoln. will you be good
enough to call my carriage now"
AS he turned and beckoned the
coachman Ethel Lincoln sighed.
"How beautiful ii all is" she ex-
claimed. Really. could marry FL
lerslie just To live here" The game
keeper, his faced unmovcd. stepped
forward.
MAY help you in. madam" he
asked dccorously.
Mrs. Lincoln, slipping her fingers in
to the tiny gold purse swinging ut her
wrist. pulled forth n coin and. with
out looking nj II, held II toward the
man. To her surprise. he flushed and
drew back. But AT sight of the look
Of unconscious dismay on the girls
face his half uttered protest died and
be quietly accepted the money.
AS they drove homcward Mrs. Lin
coin laughed.
No wonder that man stared" she
said. These English coins are 50
much alike in SIZE that instead of u
shilling gave him sovereign. But
how abnormal for any foreigner to
hesitate ut tip. Shall we send Ell
lerslie card. Kitten: | suppose he
would hardly remember us. and il is
many years since Ills mother died. DO
you think il wo;,id br worth while!"
Il suppose not" agreed Ethel. not,
however. without n secret twinge Of
disappointment.
But the next day. on returning from
their drive. the innkccper met them.
In his hand was II letter and Il card.
Ills lorlship WIS here this after
noon." he said. and ASKED If you We're
the lady who had lest this lockct."
producing II small gold ornament. If
\ II, fo%