The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1919-06-12

Gardner Lane was busy Win the de-
lIghtfnl task Of painting Amy Roland's
portrait. II you had seen Amy you
would have really enyied him, for
she was truly lovely,
ON this particular day Amy left the
studio somewhat later than usual for
the picture was just al an interesting
stage and Gardner could not bear 10
stop work TIL the last biz Of daylight
had vanished. Mrs. Roland. who al
ways came with her daughter, had left
early TO keep an. appointment and
Amy had promised 10 meet her al
five.
Gardner had kept her till the last
possible moment and she was hurry.
Ing toward the front door, when she
ran directly into n young man who
was coming In the opposite direction.
II beg pardon exclaimed Amy, as
she bounced back in surprise. "Why,
Billy Lane" she added, as She recog-
nized him. "Where in the world did
you come from? haven't laid eyes
| on Won for over two years.
Just got here, Amy. I've been out
In Colorado working hard. But even
an obscure farmer has a right TO a
vacation now and then, so I'm taking
two weeks this time. Maybe II isn't
| good to see you again--you haven't
changed much except TO grow up more.
suppose you'd forgotten all about me,
| though"
Amy blushed slightly, but II was too
dark 10 see.
81 hadn't. really; but Of course two
years is long time. In another one
| might forget whether your hair was
red or brown. It's hard TO remember
much when you're kept pretty busy"
Billy laughed ruefully.
Amy held out her hand with a frank
and engaging smile. In another mo-
ment she was gone.
For heavens sake" cried Gardner,
spying his brother from the floor
above. "When did you get here? Well,
maybe It isn't good to see YOU again,
too! Is this pleasure trip?"
Not exactly. The truth of the mat
ter is I'm enlisting in about two weeks
and ] wanted TO see flle old town be-
fore went over"
"Great Scott you don't say sol !
would myself but I'm beyond the draft
age and | nate to leave my work
I'm really needed here. Could they
spare you all right?"
"Well, you see, I'm my own boss, so
| Just sold out and came along !
couldn't stay out of it any longer and
I'd nothing to hold me back. either"
I'm single, too, but ] may not be
long-that's one reason why i don't |
want to enlist"
'Who is it-LOuise?"
Gardner laughed. IL should say
not. I've had dozen since Louise. |
It's Amy this time. haven't told her
yet. but I'm going to marry her"
Two days later Amy went for an
other sitting for her portrait and again
she found Billy In the hall on her way
home.
Hello, Mr.. Hermit" she scoffed.
you're not wasting time on your old
friends this trip, are your
Most Of them seem to be pretty
busy themselves"
'Well, I'm not for one, and 10 prove
It I'll invite you TO 90 for walk with
me now.
isn't It lovely out today" cried
Amy enthusiastically.
YES, but you'd never call this beau
tiful IL you could see II out where l
live. Mountains and hills and valleys
everywhere you look. And the sun
sets--youd love those sunsets, Amy.
They Just make the whole world a
blaze OF glory and put peace into your
soul. can't explain how II Ii out
tbere--lt's too big for that. But can
tell you II impresses one. Maybe I'm
daffy on the subject, but It's simply
life out there to me. ] feel like our
poet friend who said: I want to go
back, and-I willv You'd love II ont
uete, hms.
"Oh, would love ~" she agreed,
and almost surprised herself BY her
own fervor.
"Wlll you visit me some day then
you and your busbsndr'
"We'lI be deiighfed--provided have
one by that time"
IN the meantime will you consider
an invitation to dine with me this eve =
ningy"
I'm sorry. Billy. but I'm going to
dinner st the Sestons' with Gardner
they asked me ages ngo. But I've had
q lovely walk with you"
so have l, too. Good night"
Billy"
what can I do for you?"
Don't you ever want to wAlh home
with me sgaIni Ihave three more sit.
tingk"
"Of course ] want to. But q man
doesn't do al the things be wants to-
WORM luck III see you before long,
though. Good-by."
II think you're the limit. and You
make me cross" hared Amy. and re-
fused TO notice bis proHered hand.
wb<reupcn Billy pondered long 90