Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-08-31

Entering the cabin at last, we were startled
by sounds Of strife, evident struggling, fierce
growls, and Q storm of curses. For the first
time Jennie's courage gave way; yet even then
she seemed more hurt than afraid, as she lea ned
against me, sobbing, "Oh, Heaven! he's in my
room"
And % indeed Ii was Crouched down In
one corner-a pitiable sight indeed-lay Capt.
Darcy with Lotus teeth in his throat. He
still clutched the leather belt which contained
Jennie's little fortune, and In a sailors bag at
bis feet found everything else Of the least
value which she possessed in the world-even
the letters to her friends.
Lotus must have seen indignation and hor-
TOR in my face, for he Immediately renewed
his attack With the utmost ferocity, and 1t was
only by Jennie's best efforts he was prevented
from killing the wretch on the instant-he
wouldn't listen to me at all. As it was, Capt.
Darcy had to be carried ashore when we ar
rived, and 1 remember they used the very same
cot that was brought aboard in. During the
fever which followed he was delirious part Of
the time, and 1 had gathered from his wild
talk that he had hoped, by reducing Jennie TO
utter poverty, he could make her dependent
upon him and submissive to his will
Thanks to LOTUS, the robber was caught in
the act, and half envied the dog his reward
of fond gratitude. He accompanied her to
Brooklyn when her friends came for her, and
after that he used to run over there every day
or two. As the captains duties fell to nv
hands was unable to leave the ship for more
than week, but as soon as could get off
made visit TO Jennie in her new home. A
very nice place it was, away ont on Clinton
avenue, and found her delighted with it. as
well she might be. Her friends, too, were lust
the pleasantest sort Of people, and received me
very kindly. But somehow felt disappointed
and uncomfortable, though I couldn't tell why
for the life Of me. Jennie's manner Was the
same to me it had always been, except little
embarrassment at first. She was very friendly
and conhding as ever; yet felt that in Clin-
ton avenue she was very far away from me and
from the life We had lived together. Then
there was a good-looking young chap at the
house who played on the piano and sang with
Jennie, and who had all those pleasant little
accomplishments which show cultivation and
good breeding. Well, liked him-I hadn't
any spite at all-but couldn't help thinking
that 'longside his fine gentleman's graces nv
plain sailor ways appeared to small advantage
so did not enjoy my visit as I had anticipa-
ted, but went away as early as possible, vexed
else.
Captain Darcy got an idea into his unsettled
mind that Jennie and 1 were going to proceed
against him for piracy on the high seas and
though 1iassured him that neither of us ihad
any such intention, he became frightened,
and suddenly disappeared from his hotel be-
fore believed him able to 90 about. have
never seen him or heard of him from that day
to this. When I reported his fight to Stirling
Field, eur owners, they seemed rather glad
than otherwise, and much to my surr rise i'm
medistely offered the command of the Make
wake to me.
During the long days Of oonvalescenoe, when
I could do but little else, had dreamed again
and again of the time when should be captain
n md ho IN
Jennie Archer a home as well as a heart.
These had been visions of happiness to me; but
now, when they might be realized, their bright
ness faded fast-it seemed highly improbable
that / should ever make Jennie an offer of
anything at all, and being captain of a liner
didn't amount to much any way. However,
accepted the proposition gladly enough, and
therefore staid By the ship more closely than
ever.
Lotus still continued his visits to Clifton
Avenue, being over there, indeed, at least half
the time, though he always came home at
night. My first experience there had not been
OF sort to encourage my going agsin-so,
when the Makewake was nearly ready for sea,
sent by Lotus a note to Jennie, apologisine
for not calling and saying goodbye. Of course
l half hoped he would bring some little reply
from her-and so he did. She wished partic-
ularly to see me, and begged would come to
her before I sailed Well, was delighted! T
spread all the light canvas could carry, and
bowled over there-gay as q lark. The very
first thing I saw was Jennie walking around
the grounds with that good looking young
fello"-talking 80 earnestly and gazing up to
his face in such q charming way-it lust took
me fat aback wished myself aboard ship
again and outside the Hook. I don't know but
l might have run away, only Lotus attracted
the children's attention, and then twas too
late.
1 had not been in the house ten minutes
when noticed an understanding of some sort
between Jennie and the handsome young gen.
tleman. They had consultations and side
glances, and looks towards meas thought
and, fnally, it ended in his presenting to me,
on behalf Of Miss Jennie Archer, a very fine
gold chronometer and chain. He delivered it
with littl speech Of which hardly heard
world was 30 confused. Passengers aboard
ship often met in the cabin on coming into port
and gave the officers something or other 10
remember the voyage by, and 1 had certain
phrases which were always used on such occa-
sions. / got them of now as well as could,
and sat down in corner to think the matter
over.
1 don't like people who are over sensitive.
easily grieved, and perpetually feeling hurt
I think it generally shows q mean disposi ton;
but do suppose that was about my state of
mind. This, thought I, is what she wanted
all demands against her; and she didn't want
me, even while going to Liverpool and back,
to have an idea that she was under any obIi.
cations to me. A valuable gift settles the old
accounts, and leaves her free to open new
books. What o fool have been, But I'll
not be any mors-I'll never trouble her again,
that's certain
Such bitter, gloomy reveries as these kept
coming all the afternoon. Meantime hard
ly knew what to do with the watch. carried
It about In my hand . long time, and finally
shut up the velvet case containing 1t, and
stuck 1t into my coat pocket. thanked Jen.
ME IN an awkward, cold way, and felt an ugly
Satisfaction in noticing how surprised and
grieved she looked. do not think, however.
that any one else perceived my spiteful tenn.
per. never had better success among young
folks than that afternoon. L determined 10
show that didn't care for any one partic
ularly, and tried my best to be entertaining
and agreeable TO all the girls in the house.
succeeding, as said, better than ever before.
But my heart-the whole time-was filing
more and more with sad, troubled emotions.
Gradually pride and vexation gave way to the
old tenderness for Jennie, and as thought of
the long, weary hours I had to pass, without
nope OF her, in the very place where We had