The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-09-07

VI NS" SiIcai'S, "hitueT lie ana MS 1all
daughter Kate had been spending few
days among their relatives.
One other person there was on the
steamers deck that we cannot pass by
unnoticed, inasmdch as he is destined to
take CONSPICUOUS position among the few
characters in our tale. This was fine
noble young man, attired in the gard of q
common seaman. His garments, though
of coarse material, were scrupulously neat,
and admirably became his well turned and
athletic figure. He wore dark blue
jacket, ornamentcd with double rows OF
naval buttons, and cap of the same col
oi, tn It partially concealed a profusion OF
auburn curs, that fell in rich luxuriancc
around his finely formed head. while his
small feet, encased in wcll-polished slip
Pcrs, were scarcely discern able beneath
the ample folds of his white duck trow-
scrs. lie seemed IN truth fine specimen
OF the gallant American t;r. A critical
observer would not have failed to perceive,
however, that his hands were soft and
nearly as white as Il woman's-somewha
belicing his garb and had their notice
extended further, embracing the noble
contour of the face, the firm expression OF
the mouth, and, indeed, the whole bear
ing Of the youth, they would Mt once ar
rive at the conclusion that he was one
more accustomed to order than obey, and
whose place on slIip-board was the quar-
ter-deck rather than the forecastlo
Whatever lie might be, he stood apart
from all others, leaning negligeutly against
one of the awning posts, seemingly en-
gagged in watching the constantly chang
ing scenery on shore, but in reality listen
ing with IN all absorbing attention TO the
rich strains Of melody proceeding fro IL
the beautiful singer before menti0nel.-
And that voice he thought the sweetest he
bad ever heard. Its tones fell with soft
aud bewitching effect upon his senses,
stealing gently through the chambers of
lis heart. He turned to gaze upon the
maiden, AMI the hot blood mounted not
quicker to her brow than to his, as he met
the glance Of those glorious eyes, beaming
full upon him with something very like
admiration in their depths. They were
vei!ed in an instant beneath their jctty
lashes, but alas not soon enough to pre-
vent doing deal Of mischief to the young
sailors peace Of mind.
"IIow beautiful !" he inwardly murmur-
ed, land so like the glorious ideal of my
drcams!" and up from the past came the
:nemory of fairy form that used to haunt
his midnight visions, when, lullcd by the
hillows' music, he slumbered in his storm
l,aN r.. al, 4. I
sea.
The song died away in its mellow rich
ness, and the gold and crimson of the
skies gradually mingled with the grey
twilight. Anon the stars came out, and
soon, along the eastern stcepes Of heaven,
the full-orbed moon, resplendcnt in her
cold and stately beauty, swept proudly
up.
AS night came on, many sought their
berths or state-rooms, while a few still lin.
gercd on deck, charmed with the splendor
Of the moonlight scene.
"Come, Kate, let us 90 below; YOU
looked fatigued, and need rest" said Mr..
Stanley.
"foa was never more deceived in your
life, father, il you imagine me to be weary.
One could never tire of gazing at this
charming prospect" she replied, sweeping
her eyes over the broa expanse of water,
bordered with its verdant shores.
But the night air is bad, darling, es-
pecially on those Southern streams"
We'll lie it as you will, father, but I
much prefer this still moonlight and soft
evening breeze to the confinement Of q
cabin" and rising, she gracefully gather
ed the folds of her slken mantle around
her, and taking the arm of her sire, pre-
pared to accompany him below. Unno-
ticed by her, in rising, she had dropped
her handkerchief but the quick eye Of the
young sailor had noted the fact, and dart
ing forward, raised Il, and lifting his cap
with an easy grace, presented it to the
maiden.
"Your handkerchief, that you dropped
moment since, lady," lie said, courte-
ously.
The smile that parted her rosy lips, re-
vealing teeth pure and white as pearls,
would have been sufficient reward 10 the
youth for his trifling act Of gallantry, had
she not expressed her thanks in tones
which, though very low, were strangely
soft and musical, falling upon the ear o!
the entranced youth like fiute-notes borne
by gentle zephyrs DER the moon';t bosom
Of n summer lake, in the still hush Of even
tide. A moment more, and she was hid
den from his view.
One by one the occupants Of the deck
descended. until the young sailor was the
only person that remained; and there he
sat for hours, musing upon the beauty o!
earth, sky, and--Kate Stanley.
II was near the hour Of midnight. 81.
ience reigned throughout the vessel, save
the continuous clang Of machinery, that
toiled away with unwsaied energy. "A
few faint clouds, that At nightfall had
rested on the western horizon, had ipcreas.
ed in magnitude, and as the hours wansd
gradually spread themselves over The
whole expanss Of heaven, shutting out ths