The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1908-05-14
VERA'S NOTE.

IlC Ildu W WIOll UIc lIOCC was ttu-
dressed, laughing grimly, read, re-read
and pondered it as though it's writing
covered pages, and the small sheet with
those few words on it was a state docu-
mont on which depended the fate of
empires.
In this progressive era OF searchlight
and unwholesome curiosity, when every
ones comings and goings, doings and in
tcntions, are chronicled, it stood to rea-
son that nc mystery could surround the
whereabouts of that charming society
luminary; that conspicuous figure in the
pageantry of certain exclusive circles,
Vera.
So Pendleton had arrogantly believed
six months ago.
But time had disabused him of his
error, for the date at the foot of the
lines he held and ruminated upon this
soft, bright afternoon had been written
six months before. This was early in
June.
A very pleasant evening, with a light
breeze sweeping over the city from the
river, and light clouds drifting across the
setting sun, produced the effect of fit
full smile on Natures unsympathetic
face, while the air was saturated with
the perfume of flowers and the bloom of
early summer.
And yet Pendleton considered it dull,
gloomy day.
THAT must be a deuced unpleasant
bill. Chuck it in the fire, old man. No
use running over the items. Never does
&c CHI md oil ro
ity," yawned Perry Folsom. with care
| less sympathy, from a comfortable arm
chair where he was reading the after
noon paper.
They were alone in the reading room
Of the club.
Dick Pendeton laughed grimly while
slowly folding and putting away in his
| inner pocket the note containing five
words-words conned and dreamed over
which meant-well, pretty much ev-
erything to him, he mad come to realize.
How bitterly he regretted having let
slip the goldenhued opportunities when
they lay at hand
"Did you ever know of anybody dis
appearing utterly?" he asked.
| Perry Folsom looked at him reflective
ly. IF l were a good-looking million
| alIe---
ooh, shut up" interjected Pendleton.
I'D be hanged if any woman could
lose me, or throw me off the scent until
| agreed to let her CO." continued Fol-
som calmly.
mo doubt you'd do wonders, Perry"
mo, not wonders. Only I'd have a
| little common sense, and would marry
her if I cared for her."
Pendleton blew ring of smoke into
the pleasant June air, and remarked aft
Ell pause: Scotch Irish. which ac-
counts for your overweening assurance
arc impudence."
''Shall tell you something you ought
| to kpow?" resumed Perry placldly
''You never would be in your present
l,redicament if you had a little OF that
same blood in your veins. And what's
more, you ought to 60 out and find her.
! By the time they sauntered to the
| front door of the club, Pendleton had
made up his mind to go for months
wandering in the Blue Ridge ranges.
IT was an intense relief tc get away
from the city and to speed away toward
the mountains. and to find himself final
IL among the peaks and crags and for
csts of the vast rolling ranges, where the
| ma 1oSI1c MOUNTAINS SlIlllc dG CHc 1lCC ttuu
heart break of humanity.
The days slipped by for Pendleton III
| his rural retreat, where life was un-
eventful. But It is mistake to suppose
| that the specter of recollection and the
| torment of unful6,led desires can be as
suaged by aloofneso from others.
PendIcon found that Vera, with her
changing moods mellow laughter and in
finite destinations, WAS much more his
/ companion when he sauntered through
the forests, sac on the porch of the pref
| w cottage he had rented, at dusk, OF
when he went at dawn tG fish in some
dark lake in the heart of the mountains
than when they Were together in gay
gatherings and il crowded drawing
rooms.
Pendleton saw Vera always and every
where, at dawn and at nightfall.
That explained why he watched will
startled pleasure and strange thrill g
tall, graceful young woman who occu
pied with an elderly relative a cottage
a short distance away as she passed
leisurely down her little garden patti
and out in the winding public road, go
ing evidently for tramp, a book in one
hand, her face completely hidden by
sunshade.
"Who rents the cottage over the way
Sam?'' Pendleton asked at breakfast
the next day.
"a Miss Cullom, I hear, sir. Very
wealthy people, Pm told, sir. No, sir
l can't find out where they are from. Bi!
establishment, but they live very re
tired, sir" Sam supplemented. Gus
been here ten days"
Cullom? Pendleton knew no one O
that name. Since he had taken posses
sion of the pleasant bungalow on thu
side of the cliff he had seen no one IL
the gray stone cottage but the graceful
girl, so wonderfully like Vera in he
supple movements. The elderly lad.
must be a recluse.
The days slid one into the other, am
Pendleton grew to watch for the cir
who so reminded him of beautiful alb
sent woman. She and her companion
had handsome traps and horses, an
they often went out driving, but Pen
G,leton could never catch sight of tn
young girls face. Through Sam h
learned that his all but invisible neigh
bors were going to prolong their sta.
in the mountains.
$50 and see the owner and renew tn
rent for another month, SAM" Pendle
ton directed, as he strolled from tn
house down into the valley.
"Queer folks across the way" San
said to the bostlcr. "House full of silve
and handsome things. and the ladies jus