Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1910-09-30
THORNTON'S
OLD HOME WEEK

pretty little town on the Kennebeo
In Maine.
Every absent son and daughter,
who had ever called Thornton ''home.-
was diligently hunted up, that each
one might receive cordial invitation
to renew old friendships and visit
once-familiar spots during the week
that Thornton's latchstring was out
10 all.
Judith Walker was everywhere In
her enthusiasm TO make the occasion
success. Someone had laughingly
called her "the soul of the whole en-
terprise." As one Of the committee
on invitations. she found herself, one
afternoon, busy with dozen others.
directing envelopes. It gave her a
strange thrill when she found the
name of James Mead on the list before
her.
How often, in the days Of her early
youth, she had penned that namel
Her thoughts went back to that
happy time, 70 years ago, when the
brilliant young college student and
she, the lively daughter of the judge
had been such good frIendsl How
proud she was Of his triumphs at col
lege, and although there had been no
avowed declaration, 1t was generally
believed, in their circle of acquaint,
ances, that the two were engaged.
Then had come reports of his atten-
tons to a fair Brunswick maid, and
Judith, in a fit of jealousy. had refused
to receive him when he was home on
his brief vacations.
After several futile attempts to see
her, James had written her a letter,
but she returned It unopened.
Shortly after this, Judith had gono
to visit a relative in a distant State.
and upon her return she heard that
her old lover had gone West to settle
and was soon to be married.
From time to time news had reached
Thornton of his progress in the world
outside. He won honor and glory in
the Spanish War and was adding new
laurels to his name In his chosen pro-
fession of law.
AZ these thoughts passed through
Judiths mind, she smiled scornfully
as she thought of the unlikelihood Of
his accepting the towns Invitation to
be It's guest during that week in Au-
gust Probably he had forgotten
them all. and would not deign to re-
ply even.
A fortnight later, the judge himself.
with his snow white hair and ruddy
face. was fully as eager as Judith her
self to fill their house with guests.
Several were already domiciled in the
roomy old mansion, when the Judge
drove up one forenoon with a straight
athletic looking man, who was eu-
IDENTIFY glad TO be there.
AS Judith hastened from her now.
or beds to greet the newcomer. she
felt a sudden faintness. as she saw
who It was who was coming to meet
her with outstretched hands and
beaming face.
1t was James Mead-the same win
some fellow as the boy she had loved
10 years before!
Judith" he said, but that one
word spoke volumes, as he grasped
her hands with both his own and
looked long into her clear brown eyes
During the hour that followed, Ju-
dith learned many things, as James
told her how he felt convinced in
those far of days that she did not
love him. and so had finally given up
and gone West to try and forget her
But her image was constantly before
him, and as long as she remained un.
married he had lingering hope that
some day she might be his wife As
to his ever caring for any other wom-
an-that was entirely false. for be had
always been true to his first and only
love.
AS judith listened, she felt all OF
her love for her girlhood's. lover re-
turn with the added strength OF q
woman's devotion
During all the long summer days
that followed, Thornton was full Of
guests. but none were more Joyous.
more eager to see everybody and visit
every old. familiar spot than James
Mead. But happier light shone in his
eyes. a gladder note rang in his voice
when Judith Walker was near.
1t was the last day OF Old Home
Week. On the morrow the guests
would begin TO leave the mother town
AS a closing event to the reunions OF
the past few days. the whole town
turned out to a big. old-fashioned
picnic on Sunset Hill. It was a
beautiful spot overlooking the Renne-
beo River. and the day itself an IDEAL
summer one.
Judith Walker had never looked
more charming than she did that day.
Gowned In simple white muslin, with
her brown hair curling lovingly
around her happy face, she looked as
youthful as a girl OF IS. A slight
flush mounted her brow as the old
minister, who had been her friend
since childhood. quietly took his place
near the front OF the people as they
were seated for their picnic dinner.
Dear friends" he began. Il know
you all will be glad OF this happy eli
max to our first Old Home week. for
Il has been instrumental In bringing
about this joyful reunion of old
friends. 1t Is with supreme satisfac-
ton that l am called on this after.
noon TO unite In marriage, two OF our
number. Judith Walker and James
Meadi"
Then TO the Joyful wedding nusic