Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-04
THE TALL STRANGER.

1t was the end OF beautiful Sab
~ drawing down her shades for the
long sleep of the night; the birds were
Aging around hurriedly getting their
little ones ready for the night and in
the pasture the cows were patiently
waiting for their owner to como for
them. Along the dusty road which ran
through q lovely lane of pines and
oaks. girl of about eighteen was
slowly vending her way. and silently
watching the beauties of the evening,
stopping every few minutes 10 2!u:k n
flower which was, In her sight conSid-
cred precious treasure. S!c at last
reached the end OF this lane which she
had thought to be one without an end
ing. She went to the rock whore she
always sat down to rest. bu-. 10! thure
was tall. but handsome figure OF the
male sex sitting. dreaming and sigh
ing in the soft still air. Now she stood
SRelihoun6, rot word could she utter
A. last the :ull figure broke the silence
by asking. who arc you, and what arc
You doing in this lonely placer"
she stood silent for minute and then
answered. II was only out for n little
walk; then she asked him the same
question. and, afer q few minutes he
tOid his story of how he had come 10
hfr home town as All artist. hut had
no success: now this reflected a SHADOW
over her beautiful faco. for she had a
tender heart and could easily sympa-
thlZe with anyone. AS dark was draw
inc very near. Marion started home
ward and her newly made friend
started with her: they had not gotten
very far when Marion asked the
stranger what his name was. and he
mo proper noun. Gray Henderson,:
this name thrilled her mind as she
thought Of II. At last they reached
Marion's home, and she babe her cuast
goodnight, with hopes to see him
again on the morrow
If.
IL was Saturday morning the sun
was shining bright, and all signs ware
In favor OF beautiful day. The time
passed swiftly as Marion hastily did
Eer usual work. II was late in the
afternoon when she finished her task.
and every one was enjoying himself
IN the wide. clean yard under tho love-
- shade tree. which had stood there
Ter years. AS night was drawing near
Marion went into the neat little parlor
which was very ella borately furnished.
ana, whiie sitting there her thoughts
wandering here and there she heard
footsteps on tho porch She was up
IN moment and at the door. for she
was sure II was Gray. Her heart
throbhed within her rs she opened tho
door. and. TO he. great joy, IL wa,
the one che had been wishing for. The
hours passed swiftly as they talked of
what would happen in the future.
When the little clock on the mantel
licked the hour of 10, the pleasant
converse ton was broken up. and Gray
very quietly started on his Journey
\.
~ safety as the town clock announced
The hour of u
1t was several days before Mr. Hem
'i"rson called again at the iilrs homo.
eu.t at last he decided to go and to ask
Marion an Important question, no mat
Ter what his fate might he. 1t was
Wednesday. He came in from his work
very tired. but nevertheless, he must
go. He could not wait any longer to
see this lovely maiden. for he thought
81 her in the day and dreamed OF her
III night. AS he loitered down tho
lovely lane his head dropped. lie was
sure his heart would fail him. lie
could not ask that question. AZ last
he reached the house and found Marion
waiting for him He remained there
until 10 o'clock, hut could not ask his
question for his heart failed him AZ
last he started home, promising to
call again soon. When he reached
home he was very sad, for he had fail
cd Ia win the Girl he loved. An
other week passed before he went back
Lut his trip this time was in his favor
hc had won her and they were going
to he married next week. He could
hardly wait Tor the time, but /, finally
came, aud everything passed off beauti-
fully. Marion laughs with delight now
AS she tells her friends of her after
noon walks (Original)
NERNA NNEArIIISRI sDRn