Iron County record. [volume] (Cedar City, Utah) 1893-1982, 1919-10-31
A vAGABOND LOVE
BY MILDRED WHITE.

then she would seek him Honestly,
to herself. the girl admitted IT,
When one could find, by just walk
ing down Ia The bridge, all the 10y
Of pcnt up dreams. why not dare n
little. for that compensating pleasure?
There was much To endure in her
ruled. in5notonous life; compensation
was deserved.
HE" would he there ut the bridge.
The girls eyes softened in anticipation.
For u little while he would pretend
not to hear her step, or he aware of
her presence. Then, suddenly, all
eagerncss he would turn with his dear
welcoming smile.
She could see In fancy. the grace
full disorder OF his attirc--thc vel.
veteen jacket, the soft shirt with its
collar opened ut the throat where he
held so caressingly his violin.
Gloria thrilled anew. at the thought
Of the dark eyes bent upon her aS lie
swayed the bow. "a song of love to
you.' he would say. while the low mu-
sic which followed filled her with
emotion.
"A vagabond." the villagers called
him. ~ poor adventurcr living 10y his
wits"
Their ridic,Ile and mockery stung
her cruelty. He was her wOndcrnan.
whom none save herself could under
stand Some day she meant TO run
away with him. to he his wife when
he should ask her. sharing willingly
his. carcfrec life. She knew that trying
To influence Aunt Prudence or her oy'n
father TO her viewpoint. would he un.
avaiing.
How strange the girl thought
with n sad little smile. that this reck-
less romance should end her sheltered
borhoOd, however promising, had been
allowed To call.
His daughter must make no unwise
attachments" her father decreed.
Gloria happened to meet the stran-
ger one morning on the rustic bridge.
At her glance of surprise toward the
old violin which he carried. the man
motioned her silently, rs one ac-
customed To be Obeyed. To q bench on
the bridge; she had sat therein Il
sort of dream, while he played.
When She thanked the man primly for
his music, he had laughed carelcssly,
and babe her "cOmc again II she liked
IT," And GlOria the prudent, the guard
ed-went again.
Almost against her will il seemed at
first--the music lured and drew her.
4 Uts hnn In, N oil
natural thing. And one day naturally
also, II seemed. this roaming musician
spoke Of his love for her and her
heart went out ~ him in return.
Many hours OF unhappiness the girl
spent, her cheek pressed against her
wet pillow so useless was II 10 strug-
Gle against this charmed fate, So
grievous)y would il hurt those nearest
to her.
The very townspeoplc Knocked al the
mans idle irresponsihility, making
shift for himself, In an old shack by
the waters edge Crude was his furni'
ture. they said. and he must be poor
There were days together when no
failed 20 come in his worn vef>c'c"n'
to the village for supplies.
"A little cracked" these same people
considered him, lying alone in tho
marshes at night. making weird
sounds on his violin, and this was ne
man her successful father and conreh
tional aunt, must hear Of asher
husband.
Must" Gloria whispered passion
ately. For life without this one man
tenderness would be 10 her unhcnr
able.
When she found him again Mt The
bridge. ana was folded close In his
arms, Gloria sobbed out her story. Some
one had limited about their meetings
her father was sending her away--tc
visit cousin in the city. hoping thai
absence would Oblteyatc her fancy fo'
him.
The "yagabond' comiortcd her with
gentle words and careSsiUg touch.
81 will come Ia You, lr Sald III
last. and YOU shall marry NE.
So Gloria went away. She wondered
troubled, bow her lover mghr send
word to her and whore he would asR
her to meet him. Tho cousin, of course
must moi know.
Il was the suggestion ~ A1nt iru
drucp that some desirable man ht
found 10 take her niece ahout and hI
way of comparison to bring hcr r
n sense of former folly.
so with this new escort Gloria was
sent 10 ;he theatre. II was 10 be ~
evening Of music, the young iraA tol'
her, With "notables' participating
Trayn0r with his speaking violin. Ma
alone worth hearing, his Imitation oi
bird calls being wonderful.
His companions was llslless sor'
of girl--lho escort thought. Nhel
TrnNnnr cam" on the stag" with MS
violin, his opinion quickly changed
I:realhlcsS, her eyes shining, Glorn
leaned forward. At The end Of the per
Torrance, The obliging nnd perpleXeo
Young man was abruptly dismissed
while no less u person than The celeb
rity nnsSesSIVpIy took his place.