The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1907-11-20

came into sight the car rang with
cheers. in which Sugden's voice was
by no means the least vociferous
1t was pleasant to meet the reception
committee with their pompous formal
ity of welcoming speeches. which were
followed by the more genuine hand
clasps. 1t was still more pleasant to
make his way up the street and get a
welcome on every hand. but through
it all Sugden was conscious of one lack
| the absence of one person who alone
could make old home week a success
to him. For the first time he realized
that the week meant to him Elizabeth
Grantley, and it was to see her that he
had come.
AS he crossed the foaming little rfy-
er that cut the town in two he remem-
bered the last time that he stood on
the span. He and Elizabeth had lean
ed against the rail, watching the swirl
ing waters in the uncertain moonlight,
while gently she had put from her the
hopes that had risen in her breast and
had sent him on his way unfettered by
want me you will come back for me
without promise" she had whisper
ed. 81 could not bear to think that
was holding you back in your career.
Billy" He had protested and argued,
but the girl had steadfastly held to her
point She would not marry him-she
would not even consider an engage
ment If he was to fight his way in
the world he must be left free.
He had failed then to perceive her
point of view. He had wanted her to
marry him and go with him in search
Of a career. When she had refused he
had flung himself away. and he had
not written. Now he knew that she
had been right. and he longed to tell
her So There was a bureau of infor-
nation through which visitors might
locate their old friends, but the sweet
faced girl in charge of the registry
list shook her head regretfuliy. We
them with an announcement" she ex-
planned. "but they appear to have drop
ped from sight completely. ! will
make note of your address in case
we do locate them" Sugden thanked
her and went out feeling as though
after all his coming had been mis-
take. He slipped into the opera house
to listen for awhile to the formal exer-
cises for the opening day. but he found
the prosy oratory tiresome and soon
sought the open air. Bridge and Court
streets were brought out brilliantly by
arches of incandescent lights. and in
the Indian summer warmth pushing.
perspiring crowd made their way up
and down the streets and jostled each
other into the gutter, while the COP
fetti was scattered about and the
feather ticklers were everywhere in
evidence.
With a gesture of disgust. Sugden
turned from the crowd. His mood was
not atune to merrymaking, and he
sought the more quiet parts of the
town Almost unconsciously he took
the familiar paths that led to the little
cottage where the Grantleys had made
their home, and presently he found
himself leaning against the fence that
inclosed the well kept garden. Here
he lighted a cigar, and with the soft
gloom of the tree shaded yard for his
screen he projected from his fancy
| scenes wherein he and Elizabeth had
figured. He could see the gay ham
mock swung between the apple tree
and the horse chestnut. He could pic
ture the dainty figure in filmy white
and could almost hear her hail of I'm
out here, Billy, in the hammock" as
the gate clicked behind him.
Then his mind conjured the vision
| of the wistful faced girl leaning upon
the railing of the bridge and pleading
! with him to keep his freedom that he