Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-10-16
By FRANCIS A. COREY.

7 never loved but once. Then it was with
wild. mad love. l was young, handsome
wealthy then, and might have had my choice Of
| the young ladies of my circle. But could n0l
| find one among them all that could love. II
was this that found me at the age OF twenty
five still single. For two years dweit beneath
the sunny skies OF Italy, and, then with heart,
whose greatest longing was for being to revere
and love sought my native land. One month
/ spent among my city friends, and then, during
the hot month of July, | went to the seaside,
where | found quiet home with an old Usher
man and his wife, in their simple cot.
One day was sailing alone on the bay near
the fsherman's cot. 1t was calm, bright day,
and after sailing near the shore, | ventured out
into the open sea- went on, and On, IN my
little boat, impelied by some singular desire, un-
til was far out in the sea and the shore lay
like vast bank upon the blue waters in the
distance. had hardly noticed the gathering
clouds until loud, long peal Of thunder burst
overhead. l suddenly sprang to my feet and
gazed around. Overhead and before me, as far
as the eye could reach, great masses OF lnky
clouds lay piled up, one above another, While
the sun still shone brightly as ever. The sea-
was calm as | turned the head OF my boat to-
ward the shore, and scarce ripple disturbed its
CLASSY smoothness. But ere | had proceed ed
r..
roaring and saw the mighty waves coming up
behind me like ravng monsters eager Tor their
prev. With an almost hopeless glance toward
the shore, bent my hands once more to the
oars. and the boat cleft the waves bravely.
It was in vain! The mighty waters were
coming swiftly towards me. As felt mon
strous wave dashing against the boat, threw
down the oars in despair and chung to the seat.
Another. still another, passed me, as if to mock
INV fears but esch, thank God, bearing me near
er to shore. At last the storm burst more fu-
riously. The wind shrieked, the rain tell in
torrents. and the wet spray dashed. had
grasped with the tenacious hope OF despair !.
At last there was lull in the storm, when
loosed my hold and raised my head to look a.
round. At that moment giant wave burst
over the boat, and a strange feeling came over
me. 1t seemed as though was lifted by invis-
ible hands and borne up, | knew not how tar,
and then dropped into seething abyss below.
This ia all remember! / knew no more.
When I awoke to a knowledge OF life and
passing events was in a large room, furnished
with an elegance which only person of means
conld afford / knew was near the sea for
could hear it beating against the rocks under my
very windows.
had scarcely glanced at the elegant furniture
when heard the door softly unclose and lady
entered. She was attired in a morning robe OF
pink satin, with collar of pointed lace cIasped
by single diamond around her neck. Her hair
was parted smoothly above her fair, white brow,
and allowed to fall in careless curls over her
neck and shoulders, and there was proud light
in her great eyes, and queenly grace in her
every movement, as she advanced softly towards
the bed.
"Do YOU feel any better now, sr2'' she asked
when she saw l was awake and watching ker.
much! Have been very i'll z"
"Oh yes, sir! Very i'll indeed! You have
been near to death, but now with proper care
you are safe"
"And if | recover, shall feel that owe it all
to you'll" said, grasping her hand and pressing
it between both my own.
She withdrew it coldly.
81 do not wish you to think so" she said
"If have done you a service it was because
thought it my duty, and | would have done the
same to any one. Do not thank me, but zoo
am only an instrument in his hands,"
II do thank Him sincerely for placing me
where he did |" | said, impulsively.
"Do you wish me to leave you!" she asked
instantly.
'Oh mol" cried. 'sBut how long have
be en- here?"
"This is the fifth day."
$50 long9 1t has seemed scarcely as many
minutes to me-"
ut is because your mind has wandered"
"But how came l under your roofs 1t is q
mystery to me. Pray explain it.'
'My servants found you, just five days ago,
lying insensible upon the beach, and brought
you here That is all | can inform you. fyou
wish to know more you must question them.
II think understand it all now"
'Then will leave you awhile to yourself
You must try and sleep some.n