The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1919-01-08
CHAPTER II.
IN LILAC TIME.

IN LILAC TIME.
About midafternoon of the still
April day following the graduation
and close of the school term, Mer-
lin and Samantha strolled leisurely
down the long lane that FED to Hans
ford Place, the home OF the MUIR
rays. 1t was ne Of those quiet even
ings such as come only in the early
spring; when all nature seems to
stir, yet stir so airily that it is all
but imperceptible. The air was
fragrant with that nameless breath
that commingled scent of wood
smoke, balsamac aromas and the
spices of earliest flowers-which
mortals are allowed to inhale but
once a year. The trees waved their
naked branches airily over the two
as they strolled down the pathway
in silence. Those oaken boughs, on
which the tiny twigs were already
appearing, sang softly as the gentle
south breezes swept through them.
Soon the curtaining leaves would
form for other lovers a cool shade
while they crooned soft songs be-
meath them. Birds would make nest
among the treetops and the hooks
would tfrii with their vocal Minis
trelsy. The earth was at last awak-
ening from its winter lethargy; 1t
was time of rebirth of hope and of
spirit.
Scarcely a word did they utter as
they wandered down the lane. Gen.
tie and hopeful silence seemed to
possess Samantha and as she did not
seem disposed to speak, Merlin felt
constrained 70 do &C.. -----.... -------..
Samantha, don't you think this
is the most beautiful lane in the
world?" was his artless question.
II have always considered it as
SUCH" she answered.
"Why so?"
"Oh, because / have been here so
much, / suppose. You know'I have
travelled back and forth to school
along this path every since father
bought the Hansford Place, nearly
five years ago. And then, Merlin,
you have most always been with me.
That makes it Seem more dear"
"But shall not be with you any
more for long time, Samantha"
"Why, Merlin?" she asked quicy-
ly.
Because I am going away to-
morrow. You know what l told
you the other day at school? Well.
I am going to carry out my plans as
I told you there"
ooh, Merlin, l didn't know you
really meant it. I thought you
were only Joking" she said with
emotion.
81 don't Joke about the serious
affairs of 7my life," he answered dis
family.
Samantha looked away across the
hazy fields nor did she turn toward
him lest he should see the tears in
her eyes. She was silent the re-
mainder of the way to her home.
They entered the old garden and
walked down the path until they
came to great lilac bush that grew
diiapidated paling fence. Here
they halted. Around them lowered
the pensive quietness of an April |
evening. Just beyond stood the
former home of the Hansfords, en-
powered in the budding branches
and luxurious blossoms of the peach |
and cherry trees. Merlin quietly |
laid his hand on the vine-matted pal
ings and leaned against the fence.
Samantha carelessly pulled twig
from the towering bush and threw
1t down.
AREN'T they beautiful" she ask
ed, pointing to the great purple
clusters that covered the bush in
wild profusion.
Every beautiful but not half so
lovely as you, Samantha" he ans
wered tenderly.
There was a silence and neither
spoke. The dreamy springtime sun
shine fell in golden showers about
them; nesting robin twittered from
a nearby leafless treetop: and the
breeze brought softly to their ears
the distant peals of the village
church bells.
"Samantha-darling." he began
faltering. for, for the drst time in
his life he was speaking words of