The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-10-19


stupefied to heed nv words i tried to
swim with my burden but could accom-
! piished nothing against The strong tide
We were drifting rapidly out to sea, and
the darkness was gathering around us.
| Edith, realizing the peril, became agi-
tated again, and her struggles exhausted
my remaining strength, and l felt that wc
must both perish. TT this moment |
discovered fishing bont approaching the
shore. l hailed it, and my heart leaped
when saw it bearing down upon US
Assuring Edith of her safety she became
calm again and in few moments, we
were safely on board the boat.
was completely used up and when we
landed I WAS carried to my boarding
house. Edith recovered soon, and grasp
ing both my hands, she poured forth her
gratitude in strains so eloquent that |
shall never forget her looks or her words,
was placed on my bed and the
physician called. lie prescribed for me,
but it was fortnight before could get
up. The doctor had scarcely gono be-
fore Edith presented herself, attended BY
her father, and both of them blessed me
over AGAIN for the service | had render
Oh.
Early the next morning, Edith came
again, and this time alone. She sat by
me all the forenoon and nursed me with
adj on worthy mother. In the al
C IA she came and staid till late in the
evening, and then insisted upon watching
with me all night. l could only divert
her from her purpose by repeated assur-
ance that needed no watcher.
Day after day for week she attended
me with the same assiduity. She always
came alone or with her father, and never
with Fred Gordon. | was curious TO
know what had happened to him, and
after some hesitation, | ventured to ask
her what had become of her friend.
He is not my friend. | despise him?
ste replied, earnestly.
'Where is he!
'Gone.'
Indeed =
He went yesterday. I have refused to
sec him since that evening, and | never
will speak to him again
you are severe
Severe but just. I acknowledge no
friend who will stand by and see ne per-
ish.'
Perhaps he could not SWIM
He Is good swimmer, bat coward.
Excuse me # request YOU never to allude
to him again. He prosecuted me till
Yesterday with notes, apologizing, saying
he'd lose his life for me, now that do not
need it. wish him well, but | cannot
respect so great a coward. No more if
you please
4 will not speak of him again l re-
piled.
Thank YOU
Another week of close attendance at
nv bed side revealed to me the fact that
humble as was my lot, the beautiful heiress
loved me. The discovery panied me-
She spoke no word, but l had been stu
pid if failed to soc 1t. Ny pride was
fiattered, but l co Id not take advantage
of the circumstance, if my heart had
dictated such q course. She told me one
day that she should consecrste the life l
had saved to me-a very pretty and poet
ic thought, though she did not say in what
sense she meant.
A few days later her fathers business
affairs unexpectedly called him away, and
Edith babe me farewell for time, she
said, and they left the beach. My TO
mantle readers will accuse me of being
very stupid when I say that I had told
her father how the case stood, and he had
invented the excuse for his abrupt depart
ure. / was thus spared the pain of vir-
tually rejecting her loveP
why didn't you marry here"
| Because, reader, my faith was plight
ed to another, less beautiful, but not less
true and faithful. Her father told her
was engaged and in five years after, she
married better man, l hope.
A driver of coach, stopping to get