Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-02-15
A LADY OF
LONG AGO



T HE sudden shying of his spirite
mare almost threw Dudley int
The road, but in an Instant he had con
troll Of the plunging animal. hos
movements had TO be confined to
strictly up and down course. as the mar
row grass grown road was bordered o.
either side by a thieket of tropica
growth of assorted shrubbery, oyerhunl
by trailing wild grape vines.
When Dudley and the mare were quite
normal the former looked about for the
cause Of the unexpected maneuvers. Tho
cause stood in some bushes al the RICH.
Of the road, and as Dudley gazed al tn
fantastic figure he instantly eXonerateJ
his horse
THE Lady of Long Ago, who stood by
the roadside lookes as if she might have
been cut from the pages of an 1880 maya
zine. A multi-rufled voluminous sill
skirt certainly worn over hoops. blacl
lace mantilla. a poke straw bonnet GOV.
cred with flowers, a white lace veil, sill
gloves, with reticule comprised the at
tire OF the quaint figure. Her snow white
hair was parted in the middle and fell
over each ear in symmetrical ringlets.
oh, | pray you pardon me, " she SAID
in thin little voice. Il fear | startled
your steed. | tried to withdraw fromtho
road when [ heard you coming. but the
5hrubbery is impenetrable.
Dudley lifted his hat courteousIy and
assured her that it was of no moment
while his mare turned her head in NOR.
titication on beholding the harmlesness
of the little piece of antiquity.
rs this your road?" asked Dudley. 80
should be pleased to drive you to YOU
destination. My horse is quite manage
able-you need not be alarmed"
The Lady of Long Ago. as Dudley
termed her in his thoughts. came for
ward, raised a tiny foot to the step ant
sprang lightly in.
Thank you kindly. sir. am on m,
way hilher to the home of Squire Lang.
ley, two miles this road. then to the cas-
one mile"
This road does not seem to have beer
much travelled, remarked Dudley. Il
should think the road commissioner
would get in here and NOW out all this
stuff"
The lady gave little shrek.
Oh. sir! it would be vandalism The |
road is thing Of beauty as it is. NJ,
nephew would not allow it to be cut
down. You have never Travelled this way |
oefore?"
No, am not quite sure Of my road |
now"
Are you stranger in this vicinity |
hen?"
Entirely; though | hope not to be |
ons. am in search of friend Of m,
ather's
Indeed! May | inquire the name?
i'm familiar with all the goodly folk
Ibout here.
His name is Henry Hartley"
She gave little start and looked al
aim keenly through her veil.
That, sir, is my nephew's name"
She removed her gloves. opened her
.eticule and hastily fumbled among lis
ontents.
i find that have failed to bring
ara she said, In shocked tones ..A5v
anne is Lavinia Hartley"
E And my name" he responded sis
dudley Johns. That is also my fathers
anne"
And quite household word with ps
assure YOU My nephew frequently
'eaks Of your father. feel as though
ought TO accompany you. but am on
" way TO a tea party. OF course. Won
'ili be at the house on my return mis-
gening Ny nephew will insist upou
sit from you
certainly hope 10 meet sou again
ld often, said Dudley. earnestly. "buf
ID YOU know my father? Il seems as ii
had heard him speak your name"
She tumbled nervously at the reticule
pardon me. sir. but my memory i.
Try deficient I cannot tell you. This
the turn you must take. our home il
mile away. a large colonial house On
e right 4"
OF course. he said, I shall take Won
Squire Langley's
During the rest Of the drive Dudley lis
ned. fascinated to the quaint speecb
The Lady OF Long Ago. They passa1
2v.ag wcchine and again Dudley ~ {