The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-01-04
LETTER THAT CROSSED IN THE
 MAIL.
BY LA ToUCHE HANcocKl 1ane kxr -laf Gfnru pfIl

New York, Feb. 1, 1906. Dear Reggie: I hear that you are taking an enforced holiday on account of too much hard work, or some equal ly absurd excuse. l envy you, my boy. It isn't every one, who can fool the doctors, but you seem to be past master at the art, for this IS the sec- ond time in two years that you have declared yourself hors de combat. &c., riously speaking. hope that you are you not let me know and I would have recommended a little spot, which I am sure would have put the roses in your cheeks again. l get this news about you on hearsay. so am sending my letter to your address in Boston. suppose it will be forwarded.
 Now about this place I had in my mind. which, I am sure. would have recuperated you. It is awfully quiet, but that's what you want I should think. The spot I refer to is on the Erie line. and is called Buzzville. It is only ten miles, or whereabouts, from the railway station, but it is fully worth the Journey. 1T you are run down.
 took my vacation there last year. An old aunt, from whom I have ex- pectations, recommended me to go there. sol had to take her advice, will ly-nflly. AnywaJ I want you to take
 
 story attached to a big farm house in that neighborhood and young wo- man of the name of Lucy is the hero- inc Listen.
 Twas staying at some lodging not far off this farm house, and one day happened .o stray !nto the fields, which lay around my temporary res- idence. Suddenly I heard some one | singing. I listened. The voice was swee., though uncultivated. Being primed for an adventure. walked in the direction of the singing. and sur mounting a slight eminence looked down straight on rustic Patti. She was a fair damsef with more or less golden hair, dressed in country style, with her locks waving in the wind. She didn't see me at first, so I kept silent, but watched and listened. Presently the song grew into a kind of croon. Then all of sudden 1t ceased altogether, and then the maiden burst into tears. We'll, q woman fin distress always apepals to me, so leap ing down the little hill I stood before my charmer.
 She didn't see me at first. as her face was hidden in her hands. It was only when I ventured Whats the matter little one?" that she raised her eyes to mine. Her eyes settled me all in a lump! Never mind what they were like. They took my breath away. She sat. looking at me, half in sur prise, and, as it seemed, half in amuse- ment, and then she answered in a low tone: Nothing, sir. Only old memo ries, or perhaps"
 'What?" continued l.
 Ger memories I would like to have" This was ambiguous, so I left 1t where 1t was, and went on
 Are you the daughter of the farm er?'
 She was He and his wife had gone to market, or some such place for the | day. That was all right, so I de- termined to have a little tete-a-tete with my newly found siren.
 I found out that she was entirely unsophisticated; had never, so she said, been above a mile or two away from her birthplace, which was the farm, and knew absolutely nothing of the world. Here was a field to work on, not cruelty, but in a way that would convince her that I was truth full exponent of what went on outside of her rustic domain, who had never | been out of one field. I told her of the joys of Broadway. I talked of | the beauties of the Hudson, and I ended up by describing the delights of an automobile ride until her beautiful eyes were fastened on me. hungry | for more.
 By this time my susceptible nature began to assert itself. I drew closer to my fair Lucy-she had told me her name was Lucy-and I even essayed This did not daunt me, Reggie, I am sorry to say. I tried to kiss heri She flinched at this, and rising said to me, Are you a married man?" Of course, I assured her was not, though I was somewhat taken back at the quired Then came this astonishing reply: Well if you were a married man, perhaps I might not mind. be- cause" Because whatT I ventured rather aghast at this new interpreta- tion of social laws. Because" she blushed, "a married man has wife, and, of course, he loves her, therefore there is no harm in his kissing am other womanr'
 This so startled me that I could hardly believe the innocence, which was so suddenly forced upon me. She, so let the matter rest.
 l The rumble of wheels, too, in the distance cut our conversation off, for she jumped up, saying, "Ohl here comes father and mother!" I followed her example, and jumped up on the little hill, and waving my hand to her. called out, Goodbye. little one, good bye" threw a kiss towards her. | thought I heard a quiet laugh, and | plodded my way across the fields. As I went, again did I hear that weird song, so I suppose she must have re- lapsed into the dumps once more | Now, Reggie, go to Buzzville, hunt up Lucy, and let me know what you think of her. It will take your mind off yourself Write me full particu- lars. I won't be a bit jealous. You may be able to draw her out better than l could in the short time l had with her. She's an interesting study, and has left quite an impression on me. Hope to hear good news of you
 Yours ever,
 Charlie. (From Reginald Yorke to Charlie Car
 man.)
 Buzzville, Erie Co..
 Dear Charlie:-Here I am! You'u probably ask: "Where?" l can only refer you to the address above, as be- yond that I hardly know myself. All l do know is that the doctors ordered me to go away somewhere for rest and quiet, and one of the most idiotic of them suggested this place. We'll, I came. l saw, and I-conquered. Con quered?' l hear you query. Yes, con quered. You've seen me, when I've had Cupid plugging arrows at me till my wishbone looked like a pin cushion, but this time she is IT with capitals. met here in a farmyard one day singing a grooming song She wept at the end of it, and then confided to me that she was wretched But first of all for her description
 She Is one of those blondie blond little things, sort of second cousin to a Charlotte Russo, not a bit like your typical country girl. She wore white, and had the appearance of an animated lady finger. At first she