The Lost Road
During the Spanish-American War, a young volunteer named Colton Lee dedicates himself to military life, vowing to avoid romantic entanglements. His resolve is tested when he meets Frances Gardner at Agawamsett, where he is recuperating before deployment to the Philippines. Frances, a charming and skilled equestrian, captivates Lee, challenging his commitment to solitude. Despite his initial determination, Lee finds himself deeply in love with her, and they share a special bond, symbolized by a long-forgotten road they discover together. As Lee prepares to leave for the Philippines, he proposes to Frances, but she hesitates, unsure of her feelings. Their time together culminates in a tennis tournament victory, further solidifying their connection. However, Lee departs without a clear commitment from Frances, leaving him heartbroken. While stationed in the Philippines, he receives a telegram announcing Frances's engagement to Arthur Stedman, an artist. This news devastates Lee, who struggles to reconcile his feelings for her with the reality of her marriage. Frances's life with Stedman quickly deteriorates. He blames her for his failures, leading to a tumultuous relationship that ends with his departure for Europe. Frances, now alone and impoverished, takes a job in a millinery shop, while Lee, still in love with her, attempts to help from afar. He learns of her struggles and tries to provide support without her knowledge. After enduring a harrowing battle, Lee is injured and recuperates in a hospital. He receives news that Frances is in New York, prompting him to seek her out. However, upon arriving, he discovers she has vanished again. In a twist of fate, he finds their silver loving cup in a pawn shop, a symbol of their past connection. Determined to find her, he learns that she has been working at a home for working girls, a charity established by her wealthy aunt. When Lee finally reunites with Frances, their love is rekindled. She explains her actions, revealing that she tested his love by pawning the cup to see if he would seek her out. Their reunion is filled with joy and understanding, as they realize their love has endured despite the trials they faced. Lee proposes again, and they plan a future together, ready to embrace the life they had once dreamed of.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1910 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 7,585 words
First lines
During the war with Spain, Colton Lee came into the service as a volunteer. For a young man, he always had taken life almost too seriously, and when, after the campaign in Cuba, he elected to make soldiering his profession, the seriousness with which he attacked his new work surprised no one. Finding they had lost him forever, his former intimates were bored, but his colonel was enthusiastic, and the men of his troop not only loved, but respected him.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost Road is listed on Textopian as a short story by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 7,585 words
- Structure: 1 section, 98 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lost Road by Richard Harding Davis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Lost Road?
- How does this short story by Richard Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Colton Lee and Frances Gardner, exploring themes of love, longing, and emotional connection.
- Historical Fiction — Set during the Spanish-American War, the story incorporates historical events and military life, providing a backdrop that influences the characters' experiences.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey includes elements of adventure, particularly in the context of military service and exploration of new environments.
- Drama — The narrative contains dramatic elements, focusing on the emotional struggles and conflicts faced by the characters, particularly regarding love and duty.
Tags
Adventure · Fantasy · Historical Fiction · Mystery · Romance · Travelogue · Classic · Literary Fiction · Philosophical · Psychological · Symbolic · Allegorical