Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-01-30
Where the
Heart Is.
BY GRANT OWEN.
Copyrighted. 1893. by Associated
Literary PreSs.
BY GRANT OWEN.
,pyrighted. 1893. by Al
Literary PreSs.
t0Folt0s i0q@n0e Q s0e0t0

SroqeneSeaepee eSqeaeaeeS
The hanson rolled slowly up the
avenue through the mellow sunshine
Of the Indian summer afternoon. Its
sole occupant. n very broad shouldered
young man. leaned back on the cush-
ions and smoked contemplatiye ciga-
half closed eyes the stream Of traffic
whirling past.
He was good uatured. indolent
looking young man. one OF the kind
who very evidently enjoyed being at
ease. Yet In the dark eyes was Il GER
tain light Of determination. certain
hint OF latent power that made one
quite inclined to forgive his apparent
laziness.
Suddenly the young man sat erect.
He leaned far forward, peering intent
ly at figure ON the crowded side
walk. lie watched II steadfastly for
moment. while his Incidence fell
from him like useless cloak. and his
eyes opened wider and wider.
Impatiently he licked the cigarette
to the pavement and stood up to open
the trap above his head.
"EIi.' he called 10 the cabby. Il
say. there. pun up to the curb aud set
me down. will you? And be quick
about it,
The hanson swerved sharply and
drew up ut the curb. The young man
scrambled out. quite forgetfnl Of his
usual slow dignity In his haste. He
thrust up bill to the cabby. and with
out waiting for his change he went
briskly up Tie avenue in pursuit ~ the
figure he had just seen.
lie elbowed his way along. now side
stepping some group which blocked
his headlong progress. now all but
breaking into run In his eagerness.
Ahead OF him he caught feetlng
glimpses Of large hat with a blue
feather that seemed to serve as nee
essary incentive TO his hurrying steps.
When he had almost reached II the
blue feather turned corner into II
quiet side street. and the young man
In hot pursuit followed after.
Here the sidewalks. being less crowd
ed, gave him better opportunity for
speed In moment he had overtaken
the blue feather and touched Its wear
err lightly on the arm.
She turned and her eyes rested on
him with sudden eager light In them
Ted cried the girl happily. Ted.
OF all the people In the world.'
You have led me frightful chase.
Patty" he painted. with mock severity
~? she laughed. How"
81 was In hanson on the avenue.
and l saw you passing" he explained.
Il pulled up and gave chase afoot."
What are you doing here?" she de-
manded. although her eyes told plainly
that she knew very well the answer TO
| her question. And why are you here.
anyway: Surely you are not up here
! with horses this time of year. didn't
suppose there was any power on earth
that could drag n Northcroft from yir-
ginla nj this season"
"a little clipping from morning pa
per early in the week is responsible for
my appearance" said he. II. stated
that you and your mother had just
returned from abroad"
"Oh. really" she Knocked. Il suppose
I should feel vastly hattered to be able
to bring you up here Think OF It.!
The wild turkey shooting must be
something wonderful now. to say moth
| ing Of the Redfields hunt. They're rid
ing just now. Of course"
Yes. they're riding" said he. but
somehow it's pretty tame sport when
you're not along, Patty"
She looked at him suddenly. and a
faint red crept into her cheeks. "oh.
pshaww she laughed "You Virginians
certainly know how TO pay compll-
ments. don't your
She said II lightly enough. but her
voice was not altogether steady. The
young mans sudden and unlocked for
appearance seemed to have discon-
certed her somewhat.
we Nlrginlans, ne repeater thousnt'
fully "Then you don't count yourself
one OF US any longer. Patty?"
well, | fear I'm bit weaned from
the old place" she confessed. You
see. since father died and we came
back here 20 live with my mothers
people I've been made to feel that /.
or a part OF Inc at least, belongs up
here. Father was the virginian. you
know"
The young man stiffened. You've
changed. Patty" he said fiatly and
with something like disappointment In
his voice. You used to say that you
were yirginian to the backbone-that
there was no place on earth like IT,"
THAT was before had seen the
other places" said she.
81 see" said lie. with certain odd
constralnt, "of course"
Bit by bit he drew out of her an nc
| count Of her travels and experiences