Dreamy Hollow: A Long Island Romance

lcome, for, at the time of which we write, the master of this magnificent acreage was a man of square jaw, protruding forehead, and very punctilious. He also

side could it be seen at all. When it was learned that the great concrete walls topped by heavy iron pickets admitted of no ent

pening upon the motor parkway, and his fellow guardsmen in charge of the estate far in behind the trees and bushes,-out of sight. It was built by a trust company, and whoever might be the owner, he came by sea at rare intervals and sailed away at nig

. Gathered about him were men who had carried his message all over the world and had sold it for cash. Never had they known a human specimen of such overwhelming energy of body and mind. Although strong in themselves, individually, and as a group, they knew they were merely "spokes in the wheel" of a giant intellect. They had carried h

always dominated now halted, ill at ease. For once in his life he exhibited a diffidence of speech in the presence of his directors. They would most likely think his reasons silly-perhaps they would think him crazy! Above all else he wanted, as he well deserved, their lasting good will. Under no circumstances would he forfeit that; but there were certain men in the org

t from what you have, nor will I retard your progress in pursuit of your goal. I have enough-more than I ever wanted-more than is good for

wall where he stood as one at bay until the silence became awkward. Th

have done this, when at that t

ns asked this questi

ing my future home at Dreamy Hollow. I felt that I should need one as I was on the point of marr

his face: "She died-but I went ahead and built a home for her just the same. It has taken years to make it into a place she would have lo

more than one member of the board, and by each man's sobered face was shown a deep sympathy. He looked upon them

e the 'System Sam' of the concern, and I won't desert you by any means. Make me Chairman of the Board, if you think best, and I'll come to the annual meeting, or any time you really want me, but I trust that you will find my presence unnecessary. There need be no outside talk. Just say that I am playing with my new home, but am still in the ring. Go on with the business, boys

arkins arose from his seat and, walking forward, grasped the hand of the retiring president. A look into each other's eyes told of their mutual trust and esteem; and then one by one, the directors passed in review, several of whom put an arm about Villard's broad shoulders and

is indefatigable specimen of the strenuous life could so easily adjust himself to the new order of things. The usual servants, male and female, amply vouched for by expert agencies, had entered quickly and at onc

of leisure. To accomplish this he must discard by degrees all superfluous endeavor. Every habit of haste and impatience must be thrown overboard. Tranquillity of mind and body must be transplanted in their stead. He had a vague notion that his loneliness would soon vanish and that certain s

was a reason for everything and consequently no need of haste in forming "half-baked" conclusions. He had been helped along by a process yet to be fathomed-most probably the will to do. His great homestead, a marvel of exquisite taste, also performed its part

seemingly for a long time. The room was noiseless but for the deep moaning of the waters of Great S

at the calm within him, and with glad voice shouted back:

-and then a stillness fell upon the room, so intense that through a heav

along his private beach and breathe the salt air of the evening tide, thus to tranquilize his mind? There was nothing to brood about-that was his thought. He had witnessed a certain phenomenon, the secret of which time must disclose to him. He would wait, "

spoken, had called his name,-had fulfilled

hen must I strive with all my soul to meet her in the great beyond! But I must not brood over this matter. I feel the need of fellowship

m Parkins when a "long distance" call from the Maste

wait for friends to invite themselves, so I'm going to start in from my end. You're

ow. I'm most happy to have the oppo

e after noon on Friday, and will land you back at the sa

y bully! Let's see-your estate joi

hedgerow is the divi

stone by stealing away Friday afternoon and motoring over to my fishing hut at Patchogue-wonderful flounders down there! I have my own

could b

s. Bye, sir," concluded Parkin

h great impatience. Speed the

Parkins' acceptance his great frame took on a certain vigor that called for action. He must hurry the time away that intervened before

t. He held a great secret in his bosom, a precious secret, and even with so good a friend as Parkins he would be chary of sharing it. For the present, pending the arrival of his visitor, he had much in mind with which to occupy himself. Parkins must find an im

He could hear the heavy intonation of the milling tide as it broke upon the sands, long before he reached his destination. Its deep muffled roar was not unlike the reveille of a drum corps in a far-away

lower tone, almost a whisper, he repeated-"t

t seemed to say-"Life never dies!"-as clear as ever a human tongue could bear a message. It was the same sweet voice as of old, but all-pervading, seeming to completely encompass the eager man on all sides-and from below, and from above. His ey

whispered hoarsely, while at

he voice once more. "The body dies when th

my loved on

universal-it permeates, and through constant vibration animates all living things,

ifred? Tell me all that

soul is the mentor of your brain, and the master of your conscience. By virtue of its quality will its destiny be gov

again, Winifred?-an

you. I'll be waiti

if a silken kerchief had fluttered forth upon the breezes. At once the air seemingly regain

t. He had experienced an extraordinary visitation, but it had left no uncanny feeling within his bosom. His real anxiety, if any, was the fear that the spirit of his loved one had revealed too much-such was her love for him-and that future visitations might

ly mansion-all quiet, serene, and beautiful to look upon-a great wave of r