The Monticellonian. [volume] (Monticello, Ark.) 1870-1920, 1916-11-30
THE ESCAPE
BY ANITA REYBURN.

Of the terrace passed tall foWerfilled
urns, fountain and statues glisten-
ing white in the moonlight. At the
top of the broad steps that led down
to the river, she paused under
spreading tree.
She hesitated, then started down
the steps, cautiously keeping in the
shadow Of the high stone rail.
At the foot of the flight, boat
house Struggled against the slope and
beside it lay a yacht pointing seward
like great white bird ready for flight.
She remembered with relief that the
captain and crew We're in the house,
having Il share in the festivities OF the
wedding rehearsal.
The groom was to arrive that eve
ming aud the bridal party was assem-
bled and guests were invited to re-
ceive the wonderful person OF title
who was to wed the family fortune in
exchange for Il coronet.
She passed on, spurning launches
and motor boats Of various kinds. and
chose Il roNboat rocking gently on the
easy swell of the river
Gathering her skirts close. she got
in and pulled Il long, easy stroke up
the river. Two miles away was Il
fayorite haunt of hers, u flat, grassy
dell, where willows hung over a clear
little stream that lost its identity here
with the big river.
The little boat swung into the
haven as she rested one oar, and slid
in under the willows. Moonlight Ill
tering through the tiny leaves made a
wonderful lacework of shadow ON the
water.
"It is fairyland' breathed the girl
softly, and the place caught the echo
and sent it back to her.
1T is heaven" said the echo and,
10, the voice was masculine.
She looked around surprised, and
not displeased, for the voice had
thrilled her.
Better than heaven! It's here and
heaven Is yet to come" she answered.
Fairyland then, and you are III
taniao
Yes, l am Titania And who are
you, mysterious stranger?'
"Oberonl Didn't you guessE.
Stupid of me, good king of the
fairies | don't think l shall call
you Oberon, either He WAS mis-
chief maker, and led Titania Il ter
rible life. Remember how he put the
ass head on the clown and caused
her to fall in love with him."
tsfIb1t isn't f1iI,N frait rs very
human. Many people love as they are
told-and marry Also
An odd look crossed her face. Come
out. kind stranger. Be you Oberon,
Puck or the donkey-headed clown,
should ike to see you, she coaxed.
And then the branches rustled and
a canoe Slid cut o. the willows quite
close to her The girl saw how erect
he SIT and his strong, clear features.
Susceptible To his smile and voice,
she felt her heart beating strangely.
Her answer was irrelevant. Isn't
this u truly wonderful night?"
1T is-because you are here -
And aren't people foolish to stay
indoors?"
They are-when you are outside -
And why dc people have stupid
Weddings?'
because two people are in love-"
No Not always Do you know,
I've just run away from d wedding, or
rather the preliminaries. The real
wedding is tomorrow.
He was instantly interested. You
don't say SOL Apd who, pray, is the
bride?"
She told him.
All And you?" he asked. what
have you to do with it ALP
Il" she said, Il am in the bridal
party
Il am going to confess, too" he
added. Il am in the bridal party Also"
What! You!"
YES. And drawn by the beauty of
the night l ran off just as you did.
We're both in the same boat
She laughed delightfully."-. My sin
is less heinous now" She said, "since
have company"
And we are not in the same boat,
either, are WEI" he broke in. But l
would like TO be if you allow. We
could have little journey of our own
up this wonderful river
I'D love it she said. And Eli
show you how substantial l am when
1t tits" She stood up and held out
her hand, and as he took il She sprang
lightly from one rocking boat to the
other and settled herself in the low
seat facing him.
where tor he asked.
Lets 90 out ON the river and"
Never come back?" he said impet-
uously.
Never come back - she breathed
A spell was over her-strong. real. en-
during She wanted to drift on any
where, forever and always with this
stranger who had taken her heart by
storm.
Il love YOU !" he said softly.
And | love you" She breathed
lie nodded toward the shore. There
IS village and a parson. viii you
marry me now, dear, tonight?'
"YeS Eut first | must tell you that
l who ran away was to be the bride"
"And - he cried ecstatieally, draw
ing her to him Us the boat touched
shore, was 10 be the bridegroom.
The gods are kind indeed"
Copyright 1916. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndcate0
Accomplished Apes.