Ripley County democrat. (Doniphan, Mo.) 1905-1920, 1914-01-09
FROM THE old HOME
BY L. o. HUME.

There is no more lonely experience
rhan being among strangers in q
large city, uRpn holiday; 80 thought
Lydia Hargraye, as ahe started out for
the matinee one Thanksgiving after
noon, In q brave effort to enjoy the
day. IN spite Of her lonely condition
Lydia belonged 10 an old cultivated
family OF Hartford. but, like 30 many
of our old eastern families, the
strength Of the Hargravea had been
given to the accumulation OF culture
rather than the accumulation Of dol
lars, and Lydia had accepted a posi-
ton In a young ladies' boarding school
IN Buffalo.
Mr.. Joshus Wheeler. middleaged.
wel!-todo and a merchant OF Hartford,
found himself held in Buffalo over
this same Thanksgiving day. He did
not know that Lydia was in Buffalo
indeed, he had not seen nor thought
Of her since she was q child.
Lydia, as she turned down Genesee
street. headed for the Star theater.
was delighted TO see some one from
her old home. and approached Mr.
Wheeler with happy confidence. As
she came near enough to speak to him,
she saw plainly that he did not recog-
nixe her. She hesitated, and filled with
embarrassment and indignation, hur-
ried on. She had not gone far. when
she heard rapid footsteps behind her,
and turning Immediately, discovered
Mr.. Wheeler. In his most suave man
ner Mr.. Wheeler raised his hat and
inquired II she was going to the matt
nea.
Yes" said Lydia, tentatively.
May Join you" murmured Mr.
Wheeler.
II should be most pleased to have
you," she replied.
Lydia had been rowing her own boat
for over six years and had learned toI
steer.
Mr.. Wheeler secured their seats anj
they were comfortably settled with
some minutes to chat before the cur
tain went up. Lydia could not feel
certain that Mr.. Wheeler did not know
her, and In order to test the point.
said:
Nov you must tell me who yOul
are"
Mr.. Wheeler hesitated. then with
emphasis that was slightly oVerdoae,
said:
"Calhoun-Calhoun; haven't a cardI
with me, but I'm Calhoun-Williaml
Calhoun"
"And where are you from, Mr.. Cal
houn?" sweetly murmured Lydia
I'm from New York" !
New York cltyF'
yes, from the metropolis. And
now you must tell me your name"
Lydia could not think OF any high.
sounding, romantic name, SO she chok-
ingly murmured: Zones, Mary Jones'"
20. come now,. your name isn't
Jones; tell me what it-reslly is."
But II 10 Jones, and It is unkind OF
you to doubt It, 1t is bad enough to
have to 60 through life with such q
piebeian name without having people
make personal remarks about It,"
Here the curtain went up and their
conversation was interrupted. Just be-
fore the last act her escort said;
I'm going to take you home"
mo" said Lydia. trying to fence.
1T is so far out to my house that you
would get lost. aud perhaps never got
back"
I'm going to take you home. You
have led me to believe that ! might.
and don't intend to lei you go alone"
Put your Interpretation is wrong"
What other Interpretation Is
there?"
This. had every right to speak to
you--every right to let you 20 to the
matinee with me. for have enjoyed
your acquaintance, and the acquaint-
ance OF your wife and daughters, for
many years. MIR. Joshua Wheeler, Of
Hartford"
Lydia donnsd her wraps, and still
smiling broadly. extended her hand.
II thank you for the Iolliest after
noon Of my life. Now will you take
me TO my cart"
"In heavens name, who are youy'
calculated Joshua.
Mary Jones. Of Buffalo," smiled
Lydia. "Will you take me to my
cart"