Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-06-17
5ses ,.
A VAGABOND LOVE
BY MILDRED WHITE.


emily, when Aunt Prudence was not
looking, she would fly across the lawn.
like bird released from Its cage, then
then she would seek him. Honestly,
to herself, the girl admitted 1t.
When one could find, by just walk
ing down to the bridge, all the Joy
Of pent up dreams, why not care q
little, for that compensating pleasure1
There was much to endure In her
ruled, monotonous life; compensation
was deserved.
HE" would be there at the bridge.
The girls eyes softened in anticipation.
For little while he would pretend
not to hear her step, or be aware Of
her presence. Then, suddenly. all
eagerness he would turn with his dear
welcoming SMILE
She could see in fancy, the grace
full disorder of his attire-the vel
veteen jacket, the soft shirt with its
collar opened at the throat where he
held so caressingly his violin.
Gloria thrilled anew, at the thought
of the dark eyes bent upon her, as he
swayed the bow. "a song Of love to
you," he would say, while the low lnu-
sic which followed filled her with
emotion.
"a vagabond," the villagers called
him, "a poor adventurer living by his
wits"
Their ridicule and mockery stung
her cruelty. He was her wonderman,
whom none save herself could under
stand. Some day, she meant to run
away with him, to be his wife when
he should ask her. sharing willingly
his care-free life. She knew that trying
to influence Aunt Prudence or her own
| father to her viewpoint. would be UNI
| awaiting.
| How strange the girl thought
| with sad little smile, that this reck-
less romance should end her sheltered
| girlhood. No young man of the neigh
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, as one &C.
customed to be obeyed, to bench on
the bridge; she had sat therein a
sort of dream, while he played.
When she thanked the man primly for
his music he had laughed carelessly,
and babe her come again II she liked
it," And Gloria the prudentsthe guard
i ed-went again.
Almost against her will 1t seemed at
first-the music lured and drew her
Later, the visits became an accustomed
natural thing. And one day naturally
also, 1t seemed, this roaming musician
spoke of his love for her and hel
heart went out to him in return.
Many hours of unhappiness the CIR
spent, her cheek pressed against hel
wet pillow; so useless was 1t to strug
gle against this charmed fate, 81
grievously would it hurt those neares
to her.
The very townspeople Knocked at thu
mans idle irresponsibility, making
the waters edge. Crude was his furni
ture, they said, and he must be poor
There were days together when HI
failed to come in his worn velveteen
to the village for supplies.
} "a little cracked" these same peopl
considered him, lying alone in tn
marshes at night, making weirt
sounds on his violin, and this was tn
man her successful father and conveI
tional aunt, must hear of as-he
husband.
"Must" Gloria whispered passion
ately For life without this one man
/ tenderness-would be to her unbeal
able'
When she found him again at tn
{ bridge, and was folded close in hi
arms, Gloria sobbed out her story. Som
one had limited about their meeting
her father was sending her away-t
visit cousin in the city, hoping tbs
, absence would obliterate her fancy fC
him.
, The "vagabond" comforted her wit
( gentle words and caressing touch.
So will come to you," he said 6
last, land you shall marry me-"
So Gloria went away. She wOndere'
, troubled, how her lover might sen
word to her, and where he would as
must not know.
, 1t was the suggestion of Aunt Pr
dence that some desirable man
. found to take her niece about and /
way of comparison to bring her
q sense of former folly.
a SO with this new escort Gloria W,
sent to the theatre. 1t was to be 8
evening of music. the young man to
: her, with "notables" participatin
: Traynor, with his speaking violin, WI
= alone worth hearing, his Imitation
y bird calls being wonderful.
His companion was listless so
of girl-the escort thought. WHIT
: Traynor came on the stage with h
violin, his opinion quickly changed.
Breathless, her eyes shining, Gior
y leaned forward. At the end Of the pc
a Torrance, the obliging and perplext
:. young man was abruptly dismisse
q while no less person than the cele
g rity possessivelS took his place.
q. Out in the starlight Gloria fact
ID him.
% 'You lived like tramp out there
she accused, land you never told q
u who you We're"
Trayror laughed happily.
y 81 was learning and relaxing"