The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1909-09-07
MAReAREr SAT- spEEoH1Ess.

out on the front pOFcH anu Sedteu ucA-
self in the low rocker that was her
favorite retreat.
Presently the gate changed. Peering
excitedly through the vines, she saw
middle aged man with ruddy cheeks
coming up the path.
John Graham, of course! And all at
once she knew she had been secretly
hoping he would come.
Pausing at the steps, he asked cour-
teously, with uplifted hat:
"Does Margaret Burton live hereT
'That is my NAME" she replied and,
flushing, held out his letter. This
came a little while ago. There has
been a mistake. 1t is intended for the
Margaret Burton who lives in the big
white house on the Dixyille road. Our
letters often get mixed. Pm-I'm-
sorry"
The man looked at her squarely for
the first time, twinkle In his fine
gray eyes. He even laughed little.
81 thought strange Of it when the
hotel porter sent me here. There was
but one Margaret Burton in my day.
One would hardly expect to find two
of a name in the same village"
''This place was left to me five years
ago by my uncle, Silas Spear"
81 remember him well. used to
steal apples from that tree in the cor
ner of the fence" His smiling eyes
held hers for a moment. May sit
down, please? I've had hot, dusty
walk"
Margaret set forward chair and
brought a glass of water from the
spring. She liked his manner. 1t had
an ease and cordiality foreign to New
England. Soon, greatly to her sur
prise. she found herself talking to him
with the freedom of an old acquaint-
ance.
mot a word was said about another
Miss Burton" he presently remarked.
A cloud suddenly darkened the blue
of Margaret's sky. II am so sorry
about the mistake" she faltered.
His mellow laugh rang out. He was
evidently enjoying the situation.
''Are you? Well I've noticed that
things usually happen just about
right" A queer expression crossed his
face. "Do you believe in fate?' he
asked abruptly.
"Oh. / don't know" Her face famed
again at the strange question. She felt
guilty and ashamed, as if she had done
something wrong. But she did not re-
sent his searching look. There was
something 50 sincere, so likable, about
the man. Why had he come into her
life since he was to go so quickly out
of it? She owed it to her namesake
and to herself to speed him on his
way.
"Your Miss Burton's house is in plain
s1gnt from the gate" she said, rising
hastily "If you are rested you may
wish to go at once"
For a moment John Graham hesi-
tated. The porch was cool and invit-
ing. He followed her down the fra
grant path, so deep in thought he hard
ly heard her simple directions or noted
the house she pointed out.
A sharp exclamation as a smart car
rage turned the street corner SUDDEN
Iy recalled him to himself.
.Theres Miss Burton now" Mar
garet caught her breath. you were
asking if / believed in fate. l know
now! Yes, l do believe in it"
He shot her quizzical glance as he
slipped through the gate. The carriage
was now very near. Miss Burton's
sudden appearance on the scene was
not so surprising as one might be led
to think. A flying rumor of her old
lovers return to his native village had
come to her ears. She had set out for
the sole purpose of falling in with him.
Emotions smoldered in her heart that
could easily be famed into fame.
"John Graham! Is it possibleY' sne
exclaimed in well acted astonishment
and the carriage came to an aDrup'
halt
Crumpling into his pocket the letter
which was never to reach Its rlgntIul
destination. John strobe forward with
extended hand.
80 you have not forgotten me, Mar
garrett"
"Forgotten your" she echoed re
proachfulIy. "of course not. This Is
delightful surprise. Won't you gel
in with me?1 sweeping back the bill
lows of her shimmering gown to make
room at her side. Il want to hear al
about you"
BE climbed to the vacant place. and