The Press., 1915-09-15
GOOD
 INTENTIONS Fate Tnrned Them Away. Bv DWIGHT NORWOoD
Fate Tnrned Them Away.
By DWIGHT NoRwooD

z By DWIGHT NoRwOoD
 x>%%@@%%@@%%@e@@se%%@%%%~*
 What a difference between that
 which Is behind and that before us! We move on from day to day in grooves that it would seem will be everlasting. Then suddenly we make q sharp turn. There is a saying, Ut fs the unexpected that happens" The reason for the adage is that now and again the unexpected does happen and is noticeable.
 The unexpected happened with me one summer, and it was the most i'm portant event for me between birth and death. 1t was not only unexpect- ed. but unintentional. It was not only unintentional, but contrary to my de termination. Fate, ignoring my reso- lutions, led me into a trap. and be- fore I was aware of it. presto, change! I was not the same man had been before.
 In the first place, did not wish to 20 for a summer outing. I was much interested In business scheme, and 1t required not only doctor. but my mother, to drive me away from It. In the second place, had repeatedly told my mother that my home would be with her and her alone so long as she lived No third person, especially woman, should come into the house to usurp her place as its manager. In the third place, if must go away for q rest I proposed to get a rest and would go where no one would inter fere with my quiet Now, mark you how these intentions went awry!
 I chose a summer hotel in the noun tains in which understood there were to be a medium number of guests. did not wish too small a number, for a few nersons under one roof are lia- ble to wra.--ae. did not wish too large a number >>cause in that case one cannot be quieS l was driven from the station to the Chuchihoochee inn, alighted from the cab on to the steps leading up to the porch, handed a small satchel to a hotel attendant, paid the cabman and turned to go up on to the porch.
 A pair of feminine arms was thrown around my neck. and a pair of lips pressed to mine.
 Taken by surprise, I acted as nature prompted. My embracer was too close to me for me to determine whether she was beautiful, but the impulse of her act indicated that she was young. The lips, too, were not within my vision, and their. sweetness might have been due to imagination But what mattered the cause since they were sweet? Nor did I mediate upon what person the lady might be, whether cousin or intimate friend. I returned fervor with which 1t was given. That is. I began the return thus, but before 1t was concluded my own test was su- perior to that of the lady.
 'Oh, Tom," she exclaimed, what joyful meeting after so many years separationr'
 "Delightfulr' I stammered, unwill ing to seem Inexpensive till l could come to a better understanding of the matter.
 "If it hadn't been something about your figure ands the way you carry yourself I doubt if I should have known you"
 You. too, have changed; much inn proved"
 "I'm so glad you think so! I feared you would be disappointed in me-"
 This brief dialogue occurred while we were pausing up on the porch. Had 1t not been for a disinclination to dash cold water upon the girls happi- ness, to turn 1t into modification, might have told her that she must surely have mistaken me for some one else. This is the reason give for not having done so. but there was another more powerful reason that I will not put in words. Nevertheless, will say this: defy any man who has tasted pair of sweet lips of a girl who has made a mistake in his identity to turn upon her immediately and announce the fact.
 took a seat beside the young lady on the porch. but when she began to ask questions which would undoubted- ly betray me I beat a retreat, telling her that as soon as I had got some of the dust of travel off me would re- turn to her. Entering the house, I was shown to a room on the second floor overlooking the porch.
 l was performing my ablutions near a window when saw a cab enter the grounds and stop at the steps below. A young man alighted as had alight- ed few minutes before, and I wit messed a scene that chilled the very marrow in my bones. Leaning out of the window that I might extend the range of my vision, saw him ap- proach the young lady had recently left. z. Es
 Aren't you Belle LawrenceT he asked. E ## &...
 Why, yes" doubtfully. s- -.....'
 "rm Tom. Tom Underwood. Don't you know mer ..zs-- ..s
 You Tom Underwoodf"
 Certainly. You received my tele- gram. didn't your --..s.... .tal,-e
 "Your telegram? Yes, received your telegram. but ..-..e
 'But what9'
 The girl stood as if bewildered. then led the way into the house, and saw and heard no more.
 To tell the truth, I was relieved thak would not have to explain to the girl that she had made a mistake and that-well. that had not at once dis abused her of 1t. Nature Is very strong. and I confess that the ascend ant feeling In me was antagonism to the fellow who was doubtless receiv- Ing duplicate of the kiss given me- At the same time felt that I occupied an equivocal position. I did not like the idea of meeting the girl again. How would she regard mel Doubt less as an impostor. If passed her on the porch or elsewhere about the