Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1916-06-07
one One MANS Hobby HODDY
By SUSAN e. CLAGETT.
Copyright, 1916, by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate)


Elizabeth Yeaton laughed as she
walked around the beech tree and ex
amined the markings on its trunk
two hearts pierced by an arrow and
encircled by the legend, "Pansies fol
thoughts, rosemary for remembrance,
Were we ever so foolish as that?'
she asked herself. Then the laugh
died in a sigh as she walked on, push
ing her way through the tangle OF
ragweed that obstructed her path. Be
low her, Cabin branch rippled with
soft murmur. Everywhere were mem
cries and mingling with them a soft
clear whistle, once so familiar a
sound it occasioned no surprise when
she reached the farm gate to see a
| man stretching out hand to open IT
81 thoaght you would come" he said
quietly. "The years have made nc
change in you. You are not one day
older. Your eyes are sparkling and
your mouth has the same adoTaoie
kinl at the corners that"
He came through the gate and stood
beside her. "You received my let
ter?"-
"No. Did you writer"
Then owe my good luck to Provi'
dence. l asked you to meet me here
But had hoped for different resp
ton. Elizabeth, won't you give me a
word of welcome?"
81 have first to forget years of ab'
sence and silence" she said slowly.
She smiled at him with unconcerned
eyes. "What have you been doing all
the years you have forgotten friends
and country?"
Working hard. I wanted a home
When l needed recreation I cultivat'
ed flowers. You should see my gar
den."
THAT would indeed be pleasant
And your wife?" she asked courte'
ously.
"You are still an adept at fencing
Elizabeth" he interrupted Are we
to continue the same old gamer"
81 do not understand. We are too
old to play pussy wants corner and
hide and seek Those are the only
games l remember. Perhaps will
recall others later on" she said.
cit will be pleasant to rummsge
among old memories" he laughed
shortly, "but at present am interest
ed in knowing when you received my
wedding cards"
"They rever reached me. But a
home suggests a wife, doesn't it,"
"Not necessarily. The purchase
was the result Of a settled purpose.
May l trespass upon your hospital
ity? For the first time in years l can
treat myself to short vacation"
you are most welcome" she re-
piled cordially. "You have been sad.
ly missed"
.Fhhalk-yew voice thsn-neffd
its first note of friendliness. I was
beginning to feel homesick. Eliza
beth, will you let me give you lessons
in gardening during my stay?
She threw back her head and
laughed heartily. ut would be
wasted effort. Plants never thrive
for me, so I leave the borders to
Uncle Pink"
Perhaps you have never tried hard
enough. | want to talk and am
curious. Are you really as indiffer'
ent sbcut chat letter as you would
have rae believer"
81 had forgotten it,
Then, l presume, since the letter
is so easily forgotten, memory Will
be at fault in regard to several things
have been hoping you would remem
ber."
q remembered you," she replied
pleasantly. ''Ten years is long to
keep one in mind, especially"
Especially"
When one tries hard to be forgot,
ten"
She brushed the litter from her
dress. There was finality in the
movement that made him stretch out
OBTAINING hand.
Don't go. 1t is very pleasant here
even if l am disappointed in the
warmth of my greeting, and l do SO
wish to tell you OF my garden"
She shook her head even as she
paused. Il am afraid you ride an old
mans hobby. Come to the house and
tell me in the freight. The air is
getting frosty"
mo. I must tell it here" He hesi'
tated barely perceptible instant. 1T
is hobby. Dear, you should see my
beds of pansies and rosemary"
L e. -,