The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1908-09-03
THE ROAD
TO A MANS
HEART.
Copyrighted. 1908, by Associated
Literary Press.
BY JENNIE LEE


G~~<><><>@~<>~>~<
Elizabeth Hardcastle Yorke of Rich
mond, Va, has moved to the exclusive
town of Vaudeville. She was widow
of twenty-seyen and was a descendant
of the first families of Virginia, and
never for a minute did she let you for
get the deep blue of her blood, the de-
votion of her late lamented husband
nor the amount of money she once had
Middlevile turned up its nose tigura-
lively when she settled in its midst,
while the inhabitants did the same
thing literally. Elizabeth's manner
was too imperious for their northern
independence; she laughed too much
for a widow bowed in grief, and the
fact that her old colored nanny called
her Miss Llzbeth' made them almost
doubt whether a Mr. Yorke had ever
existed
The only thing which could be said
In her favor was that she attended
church regularly and contributed lib
orally to all the festivals Such was
the tolerant situation when the Rev.
DR.. Botcher called to make his paro-
chial visit.
I'm so glad you came to see me-
Elizabeth was saying. Il always did
love ministers They're so old fash
Toned and queer"
The Rev. Or. Botcher had been twirl-
ing his cane as an inspiration to start
ing an agreeable bit of conversation.
At this speech he stopped twirling 1t
and grasped its handle somewhat
firmly.
"Really, do your" was the sum to-
tai of his answer.
Supper is just this minute ready,
DOCTOR" continued Elizabeth. Lay
down that foolish old cane and come
In and have some of mammy's blue
berry cakes. They'll just make you
wish you never had to go home.'
The man made some weak comment
about not expecting to stay, but he was
swept into the cool dining room and
was eating cake and slipping iced tea
before he could demonstrate.
az really came to see about those
flowers planted along the line of your
lawn" began the doctor.
Aren't they just too lovely?" chimed
in Elizabeth. MY husband used to
say had most artistic eye for col
or
Eyes. they are pretty; but, you see,
they are planted on the lawn that be-
longs to Mrs. Murray-over your line,
you see"
Eyes, l believe she has been saying
something to that effect said the
charming widow. But | thought 1t
was awfully nice of me to fix up her
place so prettlly even il 1t was en-
croachment. Don't your
"Well, l hadn't looked at 1t that
way" agreed her divine company
But really | must be going home, as
we have prayer meeting tonight"
Mrs. Yorke babe her visitor good night
and urged him to drop in again any
time he was hungry for cakes. Eliza
beth was smiling to herself with some
thing of satisfaction when she heard
footsteps on her porch. She went to
the open door and met Mr.. Murray,
husband, and evidently the much lesser
half of Mrs. Murray. her next door
neighbor.
How perfectly lovely of you to call,
Mr.. Murray exclaimed Elizabeth rs
she extended her hand to add To her
cordial welcome.
EE-yes-that is, l came over about
that row of dahlias you planted over
here on our
ooh, that's all right" interrupted
Elizabeth. you're quite welcome to
hem. You see, ] have SO many, and
want my neighbors to enjoy some of
them. But dear me do sit down and
I'll call nanny 10 give us something
10 eat" And she disappeared, to re-
urn in n few minutes.
At her heels came the dear old nam
my laden with a tray of raspberry
shrub and a huge eocoanut cake that
ooked like a ball of snow.
Mr.. Murray found himself seated be
fore an old hickory table in an arm
chair eating cake and drinking the
shrub. Finding himself may seem
IN inadequate explanation Of how he
got there, but that is what he told
Mrs Murray on his return home.
Mrs. Murray was watching the cou-
pie from the corner of her own veran-
Ia. and when Mr. Murray returned
'macking his lips and Mrs. Murray no.
iced a flake Of cocoanut on his vest
the called him to account for his fruit
ess call
Saturday noon found Elizabeth dig
Eng among her flowers. Her sweet
roIce was humming "Way Down In
Carolina" and as she fitted from one
'osebush to another she looked almost
ike some white spirit among the gar