Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-12-29

pecially cordial to visitors. Tney say
an Englishman's house y his castle.
and he seems TO live up to the tradf
ton"
"The gardens are lovely" remarked
Mrs. Matson.
Lora was very silent. She was the
first to leave the table, and her par
ents watched her as she disappeared
through the glass doors that led on to
a side porch.
By one accord they jumped up and
went to tie doors.
MY DEAR" breathed Mrs. Matson.
clutching her husbands sleeve, "she Is
actually going down the syringa path
and It leads through the wicket gate
into the Bannerman place."
Mr.. Matson chuckled. Il knew II.
Lora Is an explorer. Before she re-
turns she will probably discover why
Bannerman is woman hater."
The naughty child" sighed Mrs.
Matson, but there was smile on her
| lips as she returned to her unfinished
breakfast.
Lora, charming in pale pink linen
| frock, with her black hair pulled on
top Of her small, shapely head, went
slowly down the syringa path to the
wicket gate in the tall evergreen hedge
which divided the two estates.
1T Is odd that he did not build a
wall here-at least, he may have lock-
ed the gate unused Lora.
But no; the little gate swung cash
~ ON well oiled hinges, and she passed
through into the wonderland Of beauti-
full gardens.
1t was a perfect reproduction Of an
old English garden. and Lora wonder
ed how Mr.. Bannerman had accom-
plished so much In such short time.
He must be a man of taste. she decid-
ed as she wandered enchanted through
rose gardens and finally lost herself In
the intricacfes OF well planned maze.
How shall 1 ever get outY' she
thought in dismay as she tried first
one and then another path. only to
find that 1t led her back to the same
starting point
Suddenly great Persian cat walked
majesticalIy past her, gravely intent
on the progress Of a tiny grasshopper.
THE cat must know the way outr
cried Iyora. Il will follow her.
The white cat caught the grasshop
per, swallowed 1t with some difficulty
and resumed its promenade. Lora
walked beside him. and the two made
lovely picture. The Persian appeared
to know the windfngs of the maze. Tor
he turned here and there and finally
pierced the heart of the maze--a circle
Of gravel where there was a small
rustic summer house. In which were a
table, some chairs and evidence OF re-
cent occupation.
On the table was q mans soft felt
hat, meerschanm pipe and a morn
ing newspaper. There was also gold
matchbox with an intricate monogram
picked out In tiny sapphires.
The white cat jumped upon the table
and curled Into furry ball. and Lora
sat down In deep wicker chair and
closed her eyes for moment.
1t was all very peaceful and quiet
there Birds were singing In the trees
outside the maze; somewhere thrush
was making marvellous melody. Bees
hummed in and ont Of the trumpet
vines that covered the summer house.
and the summer sunshine was warm
and pleasant.
Presently fora silent
And the white cat slept and did not
awake until mans step sounded on
the path Then the Persian lifted its
head ana Enclosed its green eyes and
yawned. showing coral red mouth
and tongue to the man; then II curled
into another nap.
The man stood there for some time
looking at the pretty girl asleep In the
deep wicker chair. The thick fringe
OF jetty lashes lay upcurled on her
pink cheek, and her perfect lips were
slightly parted.
Suddenly Lora's eyes Enclosed. and
she looked straight into the mans
face.
The color deepened In her cheeks and
there was strange expression in her
soft black eys. She arose immediate
~ with charming air Of confusion.
Mr. Zimmerman" she said hastily.
II must apologize for this intrusion-l
wandered into the maze and became
lost-I am waiting for the cat to lead
the way out. l am your next door
neighbor, Lora Matson"
Mr.. Zimmerman bowed courteously.
said he was honored at LOra's early
morning call and suggested that he
might escort her outside the maze and
let the white cat anish its slumber.
1T Is pity to trouble you." said
Lora glancing at the pipe and news
paper.
Trouble Is pleasure; one can read
and smoke any time" was his answer.
Lora flushed deeper, and a little
frown came between her brows.
She glanced up at Lionel Banner
man. One could ind no fault with