The Somerset reporter., 1904-08-04
A GOLDEN
LIN K
BY A. NJ. Davies Ogden
Copyright, 1901, by T. C. Mcclure

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
goldGA shadows-oaks that had stood
for generations the pride of the county.
Mrs. Lincoln and her daughter walked
slowly forward, exelaiming in delight
at the grand old trees. until sudden
fork in the path caused them to halt
in some perplexity.
although, as the caterpillar said, If
you don't care where you are going, it
cannot matter much which way you
GO" laughed Ethel Lincoln. and both
look attractive" she added. As they
hesltated 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
GO
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 prepossesslng,
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 a
bit out of the way" lie paused a mo-
ment, then went on, II 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 novel;" she
declared. Il never imagined anything
so romantic lists perfect" aban-
doning a vain search for suitable adjec
tiyes. The gamekeeper looked pleased.
ut is indeed fine place, miss" he
said. But Mrs. Lincoln glanced long
ingly at the house.
How l would like to see the int
rior," she said. rs 1t quite impossibleT
The man considered.
at is not usually allowed" he an
swered. but | Will ask this gardener"
The gardener. when appealed to,
looked up In surprise.
"Nhy-I don't KNOW" he declared
doubtfully. YOU
Don't you think they might make
an exception this onceY 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 Ellers-
lie we'll many years ago and should
have been glad to see her home"
Indeed" said the gamekeeper re-
specially. You might have chance
next week then. Lady Elerslle's son
is giving a garden party on Thursday,
and if you send Il card to Lord Ellers-
lie | have no doubt that he would be
glad to have an invitation sent YOU
THANK you perhaps we may do So
a,,I
enough to call my carriage nowT
As he turned and beckoned the
coachman Ethel Lincoln sighed.
How beautiful 1t all is." she ex-
claimed. Really, | could marry FL
lerslie just to live here" The game
keeper, his faced unmoyed, stepped
forward.
MAY l help you In, madam he
asked decorously.
Mrs Lincoln, slipping her fingers in
to the tiny gold purse swinging at her
wrist, pulled forth a coin and, with
out looking at It, held 1t 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
he quietly accepted the money.
AS they drove homeward Mrs Lin
coin laughed
NO wonder that man stared she
said. These English coins are so
much alike in size that instead Of
shilling | gave him a sovereign But
how abnormal for any foreigner to
hesitate Mt tip. Shall we send Ell
lerslie a card, Kitten? | suppose he
would hardly remember us, and 1t Is
many years since his mother died DO
you think 1t would be worth whileY'
Il suppose not" agreed Ethel, not.
however, without a secret twlnge OF
disappointment
But the next day, on returning from
their drive, the innkeeper met them.
In his hand WIS a letter and a card.
His lordship was here this after
noon." he said, land asked If you were
the lady who Ind lost this locket,"
producing a small gold ornament. If
you were, was to give you this let
ter"
why. | must have dropped 1t yes
terday," exclaimed Mrs. Lincoln In sur.
prise, tearing open the envelope. 1t
contained a card OF invitation and a
Few lines on q crested sheet OF paper.
My Dear Mrs. Lincoln-From the name
engraved on the locket which was found
In the grounds yesterday | judge you
must be the old friend whom my mother
30 loved. VIII not you and your daughter
do me the honor OF coming 10 the garden
marty | am giving next Thursday and let