The Marietta journal. (Marietta, Ga.) 1918-1944, 1920-03-05
A FOOLS
PARADISE
BY OTILLIA F. PFEIFFER

DiohSOH, UIlue VI d UOulu,
warbled like bright, soaring lark and
manifested the utmost ecstacy.
Her girlhood friend, Norma Deane,
had motored down from Turtle Bay,
where she and her husband were
spending two weeks vacation. and
was wrought almost to tears as she
viewed the environment Of her de-
voted school chum and favorite.
Back at Detroit, where they had all
lived, Alden Bronson, poet, artist. as
Dorothy insisted on designating him,
had often alluded to his one property
possession, Golden Lake. His love took
the place of father and mother long
since dead, with Dorothy, and his high
strung sentimentality was part of
really superior nature. For hours he
had entranced Dorothy by telling her
or the glories of the spot. He had not
exaggerated them so far as natural
beauty was concerned, and Dorothy
was not disappointed when they set
tied down after a brief honeymoon.
The father of Alden had left his son
a bit OF wildwood comprising several
thousand acres embracing Golden lake.
There was a large, rambling, old-fash-
Toned farm house and the usual sur
roundings Of the same, and small
cottage Of more modern design. This
occupied the summit of q hill rising
grandly from the lake. From its rustic
porch Alden and Dorothy could view
the country for miles around. It was
an ideal place for dreamers and lovers
and the newly welded pair were in
complete harmony with their environ
ment.
"You see, Norma" observed Doro-
thy, there is the scenery"
you'll soon tire of that and you
can't live on it."
"And then there's Aldenv' exulted
Dorothy. "Oh! what beautiful poetic
thoughts come to him in this peaceful
solitude! His sketching, too! You
know, he is a natural artist, and
where could one find a more lovely
spot?"
Mrs. Deane shifted slightly. She
was not cruel enough to -disepchant
Dorothy as to the impracticability of
her husband, but in her set 1t was
very well known that Alden BrOnson's
prospects were decidedly precarious.
Norma expanded on the gay life and
gaudy hotel at fashionable Turtle Bay,
but she failed to daunt the bright spir-
1t of Dorothy, who with Alden drifted
along happy in the present and dream
ing hopefully Of the future. They
lived to themselves, not one whit lone
some, and really plying the friends
who pitied them. The winter came
on and their experience was some
what rigorous, but their love and con-
tentment remained undiminished. And
then the little surplus money had given
out. Alden came back from q visit
to the city one day looking serious
and thoughtful.
Dorothy, DEAR" he said, 1--WE have
got to face the realities of our situa-
ton. The firm that has given me some
desultOry work has made me an offer
that will bring in very liberal salary
for two years to come at least. They
Haunted me with wasting our time in
this fools paradise as they call it.
Here is the proposition: They have a
contract to take some views for an ex-
ploring expedition among the South
Sea islands and Australia, and will
advance enough to make you comfort
able while am away"
Dorothy mourned and cried over the
prospect of separation. Gradually she
was reconciled to it. She, however,
insisted on remaining at Golden lake,
and maiden sister of Alden's came
to keep her company.
81 have put the property In your
name, Dorothy" her husband advised
her, "and want you to sell it if you
can. This is too dull life for you to
lead alone"
Dorothy said nothing to this. She
had made up her mind what she would
| do. She missed Alden dreadfully when
he was gone, but Miss Bronson became
a priced and helpful companion. They
put their ideas together and planned
far ahead. Mrs Deane one day
dropped in at the old farm house,
whittier Dorothy had removed. She
was actually Mortified to find dainty,
soulful Dorothy, with the help of Miss
Bronson, enjoying herself with the
care of nearly five hundred chickens,
raising them for sale to the big hotels
up at Turtle Bay.
1t was over year and half when
Alden Bronson returned. He had not
made much money, but he had ac-
quired an experience that equipped
him for a more practical business flu
! ture.
1t was in the clear white moonlight
J that Dorothy drove him to Golden Lake
from the nearest railroad station. AS
they rounded the hill the cottage, en-
larged and aglow with light, greeted
him like beacon. Then he noticed