Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-04-07

kdlKb yOu. Gdh OhiN say that
shall build the lodge and II you wish
to live In 1t you viii be welcome to
do So"
Not long after this Alexander, aided
by John, was stalking out the lines for
the foundations of the lodge. The
grounds near the gate were covered
with trees, and Anne, approaching
paused in the shadow and watched
them for moment and then, advane-
Ing, asked what they were doing.
"I'm going to build lodge here"
said Mr.. Alexander. John will live
In II. l have suggested his taking
wife to keep him company"
John, who was driving stake, did
not look up and failed to see glance
that his employer gave the girl. Anne
turned away and walked toward the
house. Alexander Joined her. and
John, having driven the stake, looked
after them An idea seemed to have
entered his brain or. rather. his heart,
for an idea win enter through the
heart that will not gain admittance
through the brain. Suppose Alexander
wanted Anne himself?
The thought brought with it infinite
terrors Although Alexander was near
ly double the girls age, that was no
reason why she should not marry him.
He had inherited her with the place.
She was indebted to him for her living.
AS his wife she would live life of
luxury Could there be stronger rea-
sons why she should marry him il he
wanted her?
The foundations for the lodge were
dug and the structure was nearly COM
pleted when one day Anne met John
making preparations for little garden
in its rear Anne, who had been out
gathering wild flowers, came In at the
gate and began TO talk to him.
whats that Mr. Alexander was say
ing to you about being married and liv-
ing in the LODGE"
HE wants some one ut the gate;
what for don't know. There has
never been any gatekeeper since the
place was built"
"Who Is it you're thinking Of marry
mgr
John looked up, surprised. Hes
been talking to you" he said.
Anne neither affirmed nor denied the
truth of the statement
Did he tell you that she was not
born lady. but was brought up onef'
asked John.
Still there was no reply.
"She wouldn't live in a lodge" con-
tinued John.
How do you know"
Perhaps she might do better. She
might be mistress Of country place OF
her own"
"She might not wish to be-"
But you don't deny that she might
! be If she chose"
Anne was looking into vacancy.
What she was thinking John did not
know. She knew of what she was
| thinking, but 1t is questionable IL she
knew herself just what she thought.
At any rate, she was not controlling
her thoughts. They were controlling
her. There was a step ON the gravel
| walk, and Alexander, approaching, saw
| the girl standing near his gardener,
John looking wistfully into her face.
A frown denoted that an idea had en-
tered Alexander's brain similar to the
one that had struck John when Anne
and Alexander had walked away from
him on the day the foundation line of
the lodge was being staked out~-It
was succeeded by a smile, and Alex
ander said jocularly:
We'll, John. the lodge Is nearly ready
for you How about the girl who Is to
occupy it with you? Has she consent
ed to live IN SO humble dwelling?"
Il fear not" replied John Where
had one doubt on the day gave'you
my confidence have a dozen today"
How Is that, John?
''That would be to discuss matters
which have no right to discuss,
| Alexander colored slightly under the
implied reproof. then. turning to Anne,
asked her II she would walk to the
conservatory with him since he wished
to show her something there. Anne
| accepted, but before turning from
John gave him look. What it meant
he did not know. 1t was merely a
| look.
When the lodge was finished its own
| er ordered a supper TO be served there
and invited every one on the place TO
gather in the evening to celebrate the
buildings completion. When all had
come and We're standing about the Ia
bic preparatory to helping themselves
to the viands Alexander. who stood at
the head of the table, filed a wine
| glass, raised it and said:
''Let US drink to John ricketts,, the
occupant Of the lodge. including his
future wife, who will occupy it with
him, for, as the good book says, 1T
is not good for man to be alone"
All drank. looking at John. The
! toast had evidently stirred In him soiue
strong emotion.
II shall occupy the lodge alone" he