The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1910-07-02
AN ATTIC
Me MORY
Bv JEANETTE WALDEN

society, prospective bride OF the
wealthy and prominent Gaylord Leigh
ton, was spending the day in the attic
of the Parker home. A large, bright,
roomy attic it was, smooth-fnished
with deep cedar chests, emanating
elusive perfumes when they were
opened, and filled with wonderful old
things. We're had been glad to escape
from the chaos below stairs. where
every inch of space and all the mem
bers of Her devoted family were given
up to preparation for the approaching
wedding.
She still sat on the floor, near the
west window, where the reddentng
sun of an autumn afternoon struck
across the golden brown Of her bowed
head and glinted down upon the pho
tograph she held in her hand. Her
profile was perfect with a full fore
head almost hidden by thick waves Of
hair and a straight, delicate nose and
clear cut chin. Yet scarcely more at
tractive was she than the boyish face
that looked up at her from the photo
graph. 1t was a manly, positive face,
and handsome. We're had returned to
the chest all her girlhood keepsakes
but the small, worn portfolio which
held this photograph and a few old
letters. The picture had been a part
ing gift of Hampton Collins, when
Vere's father had forbidden him to
see her The letters had been writ
ten in the days of their boy and girl
! friendship. before a ban had been
placed upon their association. They
Z
ly a hint of love. But the scene
with Vere's father had brought Hamp-
ton to a realization of his own state
of mind.
Your father thinks can't be near
you without loving you, We're; it is
true" he declared. passionately. ST
love you now-love you so much
shall go away. and make myself
worthy of you. gain such great wealth
and distinction that the alliance will
not disgrace even your fathers prince
/ ly fortune"
That was ali He had never writ
ten. To write he would have consid-
cred dishonorable. But that could not
be so many years ago, for We're was
only 20 now. 1t was three years-a
crate means to make a fortune. And
! -yes-a short time for a girl to for
get. But so many things are crowded
into the three years preceding 20,
when girl is a society belle-pleas-
J ures and triumphs. homage and offers
OF marriage. But what were they all
compared with the real happiness of
those days when she and Hampton
had been chums? At first she had
thought she would wait for him. Then
had come a gay winter in Washing
ton and the inevitable engagement
Everyone had been in favor of Gay
Leighton, fine, aristocratic and
wealthy; and We're had believed her
self happy. But the memories ava
kened within her by this afternoons
experience had changed her perspec.
tive. She was suddenly looking back
upon life. instead of forward to It.
With paroxysm Of regret, she wished
for what had been.
Sitting thus, in the sunlight, with
the picture in her hand. she was un
mindful of the light, dignified ster
that came up the stairs and crossed
the floor; and she did not feel the
presence Of Gaylord Leighton, stand
ing aloof and behind her, until he
spoke.
Pardon me-" said her fiance, quiet
ly. Il did not mean to surprise you
There was a growing constraint In hi.
voice. They were all so busy below
stairs that l undertook to find you
We're rose to her feet slowly. Their,
was something strange in his manne
to her, and she uncons ciously checked
her natural demonstrativeness. Tn,
picture she still held in her hand.
Gaylord Leighton was several year,
older than We're. Her affection 70
him had arisen out of her admiration
for his remarkable self-control-that
the approval of her friends-if sh
had only realized it. But now. her
; was something new; he looked al
most savagely from the photograph t
the little packet of old letters on tn
floor.
She followed his glance
, do you know himT" she asked. IN
nocently-so innocently that Their
could be no discrimination on his par
We're" he said. sternIy, 81 mus
have your assurance that there is n
; other attachment in your-your expt
, rience: no shadow OF an attachment
You are young" he continued, NOR
gently. land. perhaps. have not know
e your own mind"
g AS We're faced the unyielding loo
= of her finance. she suddenly felt like
l. very young. forlorn and misunderstood
IL
@ cruel-this thing that had happene,
: We're turned away from her flame
laid the picture on one of the higl
cedar chests. bowed her head upon 1
and sobbed.
.
A. Town Has More Dogs Than PeopI