Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1922-11-18

but the stars Of our destinles lead US
In different paths. Goodnight"
Quite right quite right Good
night" said Ralph.
The summer days sped on. Ralph
threw himself nvldly into all the gay
cities afforded by the hotel life, and
was one of all coaching parties, auto
parties and yachting parties ON the
river. Mary confined herself 10 the
society of her chaperon-an impecunl-
Gus relative furnished by Uncle Alex
ander-and TO that of such of the
guests as she suspected OF being lin
telectual" and SERIOUS" She and
Ralph saw each other every day. some
times several times day. but there
were no more moonlight conferences
The belle OF the hotel was very
young widow, with lots Of money and
soulful eyes-an alluring combination.
Ralph, being seen now and then IN her
company, people began to talk and
Mary expressed her satisfaction that
her dear friend had so soon found his
soulmate Yet she felt IL her duty now
and then to drop him the warning
"Ralph. remember be true TO your
ideals"
Among the "intelligentia" AT the ho-
tel whose society Mary affected was Il
Professor Chase-professor from one
of the smaller coleges-forty, single
slightly bald and exceedingly erudite
Everybody said Professor Chase was
just the man for Mary.
Marys duenna was discreet old
lady, who never openly interfered or
advised. But she Kept Uncle AleNan-
der informed by almost daily letters
how matters stood with his wards. At
first I he old man flew into rage
but on second thought quoted down
and said Young fools Well let EN-
20 it," He was shrcwd person Ralph
now almost snubbed the widow, sought
tie society of other men. and INDUCED
in long, meditative walks In the woods
The widow did not seem to mind 1t.
Mary began TO fear that the pro
fcssor had sad, worldly ana mer-
cenary strain in him. She was sure
Of II when she saw him so often now
by the side Of Ralph's neglected widow
though what the two could find 10
talk about in common for her part she
could not imagine. II was evident that
both she and Ralph had yet long
search before them before they should
| find their complementary souls" And
now the season drew 10 its close. Al
ready the guests were beginning To
leave the hotel, and the leaves upon
| the naples were turning To red and
gold and bronze The time had come
when by orders of Uncle Alexander
they were To leave the hotel and pay
visit TO that estimable relative at his
home
Upon the occasion OF that visit the
young people had arranged they were
To announce 10 the venerable AleXan
der the fact OF their emancipation and
the dissolution of an his plans for the
future ON the evening before they
were to leave Ralph and Mary met by
appointment to formulate their pro
nunciamentO To Uncle Acknowledgement
IN that same secluded nook of the ho
tel piazza where had taken place the
great star of destiny conference. "lt's
beautiful night said Ralph.
Beautiful" replied Mary, How
sweet the moonlight sleeps upon yon
bank"
Don't itf' said Ralph. Mary. Mary.
have you found that-what did you
call lt-that other llfe-yet:"
NO, Ralph, not yet. One must some
times seek through all the world for
that-and you-have you found-how
did you phrase it-'that other girl
yet?'
oh, Mary" said Ralph. there's
only one girl In all the world for me
and You know IT,"
Mary gaSped and then. after mo-
mcnt's silence. laid her hand gently
upon Ralphs arm ana said, in a low
voice: well, Ralph. perhaps Uncle
Alexander knows best after ALL"
With a cry of delight Ralph-but
Why proceed: The moon itself hid be-
hind Il cloud Just then.