Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-07-04
HER MISTAKE
BY MILDRED WHITE


ter in her hand. In fancy she was
gong over that long blisSful time
since she hao met. Robert and .he
tenor of her life had been forever
changed. Before that, ii wuS an III
eHentful routine.
But after Roberts advent. unrest
had stirred within her. and disSn,is-
faction with liie'S simple homcl.nrSs.
Robert Tabor, city business man. had
bought as an investment, the great
farm near .laney'S home, and when
the caretaker had been duly installed.
Robert Tabor came out to look the
place over. SO pleased and interested
WAS he, that he fingered for weeks.
seeking and finding hospitality in
Janpy'S home
II had never been her opportunity to
hear al first hand of remote wonder
full parts of the world, for this en-
ghGng man from the city had travelled
and learned much. 1t was II never
censing delight to ride over the farm
lands, in his swift running cur, or to
drive at his side in light carriage
through the narrower paths.
Janey'S guardian aunt was quite
willing that this should be so, she
had no wish to keep Jnney forever II.
hef side. All at once Janey had been
ashamed Of the simple cut of her
homemade f:ockS, her lack of knowl-
edge of the ways of the great outside
world
Il want to so TO the city" she con-
AZ tn hn T,.;, 4
learn to be-likc thcm."
Clothes YOU mean?" Robert Tabor
had asked, amused.
"ClotheS, manners, everything"
Janey declared.
The aunt, much persuaded, arranged
with an old friend in the city to have
Janey visit her there. and Robert-us
both now called him-continued kind
with his attentions. In his care
Janey visited restaurants, opera, then
tiers; with him she had driven through
the beautiful parks.
"Oh how love it all !" she said
Home seemed very dull afterward.
Roberts visits to his farm were the
only bright spots, and as fall drew
near and these visits threatened to
cease. Janey grew wan in apprehen-
sion.
With the harvest moon looking down
upon them, clarifying their radiant
faces-Robert had asked fancy TO
marry him and she had consented.
Robert wanted her, he longed for
her and despotic business held him
tied in the city. Would she come for
visit to his married sisters home?
Would she come?
In fever Of joyful anticipation
Janey rushed to her aunt's room TO
begin preparation. Robert was pale
and worried looking when he met her
at the station. Absently he glanced
over the modish suit and hat which
had cost her aunt q fOrbiddingly eX-
travagant price.
In the brilliant gathering which his
sister generously arranged for Janey
her fear grew. at his gloomy abstrac-
ton. This taciturn man was Il differ
ent person certainly from the joyouSly
enthusiastic master of the farm. And
Roberts sister had assured Janey
that she need have no anxiety on
the score Of adjustability.
"YOu seem to have grown up among
us dear" she said.
At the hotel dinner, smiling into
her lovers eyes across the roses heap.
ed between them, Janey saw a shadow
there.
you like all this, don't your Rob
ert asked.
$50 much" she agreed, ever eager
to please.
Futilely she asked herself each night
In what she had failed for her fiiance
seemed 10 grow more distantly alb
sorbed. Suddenly Jancy longed with
hclnesick yearning for the reStful at
lnosphere Of the country she knew for
the long walks through the silent
places where she could think serious
ly or find herself again. For Janey
realized that her life of late had been
but rrofitless effort to learn the part
she would be expected to play in the
future, and in sickness of heart she
wondered II she would be able TO car
ry that weary part through with Rob
ert always unappreciative at her side.
Frankly but with tremulous catcl,
in her voice, Janey told him one day
her problem:
81 don't seem to fit in Robert" she
said mo matter how hard try. I'm
disappointment to you, feel 1t.
Take me back TO the quiet place that
l best know, and leave me there"
Unbclieving, her lover stared into
her face.
But you used TO tell me" he said
''thnt you longed for the life Of city!
That is why, after ! had bought the
farm, intending to make 1t my head
quarters, that / returned again to the