Tracy D. Mygatt

“ Martin.
[Imperturbably to Richard.] It’s merely her age, sir——! Sixty-three she is, but——
Richard.
Good God! It’s impossible! It’s unnatural!
Martin.
[Watching Lydia narrowly.] She took a great fancy to Bird’s Nest the day Mr. Sanford brought her over! It makes them both feel quite young again, so they say!
Lydia.
[Under her breath.] Young! Sixty-three——! I’m not eighteen——!
Martin.
[Watching her as before.] Haven’t old people a right to happiness, Madam?
Lydia.
[Irrelevantly, a passionate ring in her voice.] The folks about here say Bird’s Nest was built for lovers! ”

“ It hasn’t struck since I took the cottage!
Martin.
[Turning and regarding him significantly.] But it is striking, sir, isn’t it? Striking midnight?
Sanford.
[Abruptly.] So you have heard the story?
[Without looking at him, Martin steps further into the garden where white moonlight now floods gravel-path and steps. Then, a note of repressed triumph in his voice.
Martin.
Yes, sir——! Ten—eleven—twelve——! [Then to himself, on a low note of joy.] Ah——!
[Pg 10]
Sanford.
Built for lovers——! Well, why not? Why not? Ain’t love the strongest thing in the world?—Stronger than death? ”

“ Religion is just for poor sick dead people, but——
Richard.
What, Lydia?
Lydia.
Well, on Sunday, would you send a messenger to the Rev. Mr. Heathcote and have him offer that—that [Pg 15] thanksgiving in the prayer-book about a safe return? [With a desperate little sob.] Oh, Richard, I—I couldn’t bear to have been hurt in the runaway—Not to be here, alive and happy, in Bird’s Nest——
[She stops, panting, and he gathers her into safe, protecting arms.
Richard.
But we are in Bird’s Nest, my dearest! We are! We are!
Lydia.
[Looking up from his breast in frightened appeal.] Of course we are! ”

“ Lydia.
[To Sanford, dosing on the bench.] We don’t want to hurt you, sir. Say it with me, Richard——
Lydia and Richard.
[Repeating together.] But Bird’s Nest is our very own! Will you go away? You don’t love your bride! And you know—— [With low intensity.] Bird’s Nest was built for lovers! ”

“ Afraid the visitors mightn’t approve. Visitors—ha-ha! Bear in mind, Martin—Bird’s Nest was built for lovers. [As Sanford begins to laugh again, Martin regards him with a curious look. He is still laughing when [Pg 9] the grandfather clock in the parlor begins to strike midnight. Sanford, himself again, starts violently, takes a step toward Martin, then, as if rooted to the spot, stands listening. The face of Martin, too, has changed. Pallor, first, then, as the clock strikes on, light, reflected as from some deep centre within, covers his face. He casts one anxious glance at his master ”

“ Mamma thought it meant my marriage! She consulted the Vicar, but he was too [Pg 16] highly educated to believe in such “nonsense,” he called it! And I was always so happy—in spite of sister Eliza’s being so much prettier than me—don’t you think so, Richard?
Richard.
[Indignantly.] Eliza! Flibbertigibbets! Why, you’re the prettiest girl in the world! [Turning her to the tall mirror at the side of the room.] There! See for yourself——!
Lydia.
[Smiling.] How on earth can you think so? [Then she goes close and examines the cut for herself.] Lucky my hair curls, isn’t it? ”

“ Lydia.
But he’s here! And do you know, Richard, in spite of what Mamma has always taught me, I hardly think men are a bit braver than women!
Richard.
Oh, Lydia, you really think not!
Lydia.
[Teasing him.] Really, really, dear Richard! But, oh, look at that moon! Isn’t it a shame to worry about anything with that over our heads? Oh, Richard, I want to dance. If there were only music!
Richard.
[Falling into her mood.] Why not make it yourself? The spinnet is there— [Pointing within.] your papa’s wedding present—he thought you would like it [Pg 27] the first night! ”

“ There is, indeed, sir! [Resuming, practically.] But I have often heard Mr. Sanford say, sir, that all Mrs. McCormorant’s gowns are in the height of fashion!
Lydia.
[Prettily nettled.] I trust you don’t mean to imply——
[Pg 20]
Martin.
[Courteously.] I imply nothing to your disfavor, Madam——!
Lydia.
[Restlessly.] Of course her frock is of no consequence—nor her being married—but—why should her portrait be here— [A sudden break in her voice.] here in Bird’s Nest?
Richard.
[With a note of authority.] Yes, that’s what we don’t care for! Why should her portrait be here, in our parlor? ”

“ That any person who wilfully and for profit shall infringe any Copyright secured by this Act, or who shall knowingly and wilfully aid or abet such infringement, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment for not exceeding one year or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, or both, at the discretion of the court. ”

“ MEN’S WIGS
State Color Wanted on Hair Goods.
LADIES’ WIGS
State Color Wanted on Hair Goods.
In ordering Wigs give Size of Hat. State Color Wanted on Hair Goods. Wigs not rented but made to order. Usually goods can be sent by return mail, but it is best to allow a margin of two or three days.
C. O. D. orders must be accompanied by twenty-five per cent of price. Do not send orders by telegraph on a few hours’ notice.
All hair and make-up goods sent by mail or express prepaid, unless otherwise stated. Prices on hair goods subject to change without notice. ”