Ainsley, an affluent man seeking solace from societal pressures, purchases a seemingly worthless farm, Lone Lake Farm, as a retreat and a test of friendship. He hopes to win the affection of Polly Kirkland, a woman he deeply loves but who does not reciprocate his feelings. Ainsley believes that if Polly travels to visit him at the farm, it will prove her genuine friendship. The farm, characterized by its serene lake and natural beauty, becomes a backdrop for Ainsley's introspection and longing. Despite his efforts, Ainsley struggles to express his love to Polly, who remains uncertain about her feelings. When Polly decides to travel to Egypt with friends, Ainsley is devastated, fearing that her absence will lead to the end of any hope he has for their relationship. He pleads with her to stay, but she insists on her journey, leaving him in despair. In her absence, Ainsley becomes increasingly despondent, interpreting every sign and message as a potential indication of Polly's feelings. He receives a series of false alarms, including a cablegram that turns out to be unrelated to him and a ring that he mistakenly believes is a sign from Polly. As time passes, Ainsley retreats to the solitude of his farm, where he finds solace in nature but remains haunted by his unrequited love. One weekend, while hosting friends at the farm, Ainsley witnesses a group of six mysterious white birds descending onto the lake. The sight stirs something within him, and he becomes convinced that these birds are a sign from Polly, indicating that she has sent them as a message of love. In a fit of determination, he rushes to prepare for a journey to Egypt, believing he must act quickly to claim his love. Meanwhile, Polly is in Egypt, reflecting on her feelings for Ainsley. She had intended for him to understand that true love does not require a sign but rather the courage to act. When Ainsley arrives, he finds her alone and expresses his love, believing the birds were her message. However, Polly reveals that she sent no such sign, and her intention was for him to come to her without waiting for a signal. The story culminates in a moment of realization for both characters. Ainsley learns that love requires action and understanding rather than reliance on signs. The arrival of the birds, which he thought were messengers, symbolizes the culmination of his journey toward love and the importance of taking initiative in relationships. The narrative explores themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human emotions, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding between Ainsley and Polly.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1904 · Genre: Romance, Literary Fiction, Drama