Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-03-11
BONNIE
BY MILDRED WHITE.

many OF the small bridges had they
crossed since the beginning Of the
early sfternoonf Lost IN unhappy
dreamings. she must have come very
far.
Dora had determined moi to be un-
happy. So IL was that she laughed
and chatted overmuch at home with
the old couple who sheltered her. II
was In hours OF relaxation like this,
that sad realities protruded.
She did not feel the cold Of the
early winter air In the eIhilaration OF
exercise. Dora's cheeks ylowed scar
let as the winter berries peeplng from
beneath their beds Of fallen leaves.
The beautiful horse upon which the
girl was seated seemed 10 enjoy with
her the freedom and invigOratins
chase over country roads.
Dora talked to him softly as she
brought him TO . walk. Bonnie was
her safe and chosen conHdante. Bon
ME was the dearest thing 10 her the
world now contained. because Of Bon
nie's association with one other,
whose DEAFNESS persisted when IL
should I'm all self-respect be banished.
Dora went over her life ms the horse
picked his way through the wooded
path. dwelling sadly npon the last
three years. She had been an odd lit
tie atom. moved about here and there
since her orphaned childhood.
She was thrust upon relatives who did
not seek her coming vet ever mourned
her departure. And then, three years
ago. when the girls fraillty became
very evident, II was suggested by the
physician that she 20 away, out 10 the
wide spaces surrounding the home Of
the old aunt and uncle Of her dead
mother. Here il was believed that
the tonic air would restore the girls
strength and give 10 her her place In
The world. Dora had been lonely NJ
first among the rugged hills and
shadowy woods. until-he had come :;
he the one who satisfied every need
~ her hungry heart.
He had been so Interested 80 kind
and under his goodnatnred super
vision. Dora gained health and
strength. grew round and red Of cheek,
and merry.
John Hamilton. civil engineer
pressed upon the girl the use OF his
favorfte horse Bonnie. and taught
her 20 ride In the saddle. often by his
own side. through woods and fields
Al. hn n.
came enchanted hours. for love found
them both.
The old aunt and uncle smiled un.
derstandingly, glad that their beloved
girl should know happiness, even ms
they had known and kept il through
all the years.
Dora blossomed in her JOY Ike n
small being transported. Then, ore
evening she came into the cottage
home. silent IN grief which bore m
questioning. John Hamilton had coI'-
fessed to her through his love the
fact Of his owed allegiance To AT
other
He had been betrothed. he told her
brokenly Ia a girl back home. before
his contract called him 70 work
among the hills. This girl and Re
had gone to school together their VI
innate union being always an accepted
fact They became engaged before
his departure for the new field. II
was understood that they were 10 he
married nj Christmas This was M
vernher-he would have Ia go bach
he would tell Anita of Dora that re
had nor known true love until he had
met her. But This Dora forbade.
He must in all honor 90 back. she
part In the hopelessness Of their
rarting he begged Dora's acceptance
OF Bonnic-his last gift
Since John Hamilton had gone.
Dora seated upon the horses hack
had travelled many miles. with ewes
unseeing. and heart weary. NV,
upon This November day she reali rcd
suddenly. that she had lost Ter
way MS the light falling snow charged
into n bewilderinc storm with a cry
of dismay the girl bent her face TO
Bonne's white name.
you'll have to find our way hime,
hoy" she said In the cold and the
storm and the swift falling dusk, she
chung with eyes closed against her
fears as Bonnie bore her bravely on
Dora had no doubt that he would ind
his way to the warm shed behind her
uncle's cottage. II was his coaSing
neigh which brought Dora perplexed.
~ ~ an upright position 10 find her
self in a spacious barn. Bonnie was
confidently making her way toward
stall And before the stall stood
man.
Dora's pride fcrsook her at sight Of
that dearly loved figure.
"John :" she gasped, and the man
caught her close in his arms
Bonnie, satisfied in his old home
once more continued into the stall.
81 have just come hack. John Ham
llton explained hastily. Absence
works many changes dear and love
Is not love, that alters. Anita wished
me TO set her free. There was
good-looking young fellow hanging
over her at the piano when ] Ell
tered her home. think he is the
reason. so ! hurried back To you. oh.
my dear, how did hurry back"
Dora raised n radiant face.