Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-10-13

seat, and sat there in full view of thf
magnificent line of breakers that dashed
up the rocky strand. fairly reveled in
the wild prospect. My spirit went out
over the stormy width Of water, seeking
for its kindred, and hearing their voices
in the screaming of the gull, and the
unearthly cry of the ployer as bis swift
wings cut the air over my head.
Suddenly a wave leaped up higher
than all its fellows, and the spray swept
my feet but the next one fell far short
and l put away the thought Of danger.
The next moment something dark and
cold as ice rushed over me; | was lift.
ed up TO a breathIess height tossed for
ward and then back ward, and amid all
the ringing in my ears, and the horrible
sensation in my throat of suffocation, |
became conscious that / had been washed
off the rock. The sea claimed still an
other victim. ....
wonder what, in that moment Of ex-
treme peril, made me think of Archibald
Hunter ?
He seemed TO rise up before me bodi-
ly, and simultaneously heard hoarse
cry rise high above the roar Of the wind
and waters,- - .
BE calm. l am near YOU
knew the voice: / had heard its ac,
cents once in the body, and many time
in the spirit. 1t calmed me instantly, -
1t made me trust in Heaven.
l felt myself lifted up by his strength
and borne steadily onward and / beard
him say, with his lips close to my ear
Hester, we have met again
When next was conscious of existence
| lay in his arms on the shore, and be
was chatting my hands and forehead.
l lifted myself and looked at him.
You recognise me?' he asked.
could not help asking him.
Where are my clothes that you wore
away p
Safe with my baggage at the hotel
Did you think would ever part with
them' They helped me through dan.
ger that was imaginary; but | feel none
the less grateful towards them. You
know that St. George did not die 2
yes: know
Pardon me for keeping you here in
the cold and wet. We will 60 up TO the
house
He put bis arm round me as We walk
ed on together. Why did i not resent
ii? Any other man would have won
my everlasting displeasure by such an act
of freedom.
! suppose l owe my life 10 you /
said just as we reached the door DO
you expect me to thank you for it ?
Yes; some time do
After that saw Mr.. Hunter frequenS
ly, bat neither of US ever alluded to that
night ride.
His mother was with him, sojourning
there for her health and think he must
have told her something of our acquain-
tance, for she was very gentle and tender
to me from the first.
Raynor Grant, an old lover of mine.
followed me to the Shoals; and, two DAYS
before coming of Mr.. Hunter. be had of
iered me his hand. Mr.. Grant was a
very eligible match, my friends said and
| should do well TO accept him | rec>
ognised the truth of What they said but,
when he came TO me one night upon the
cliffs for his answer, refused him. And
he left me. f ..s..
But he was hardly out Of sight in the
gathering gloom before Archibald Hunt
er took the place he had vacated by my
side. te..
The last CLEAN of red sunset fell
athwart the radiant face he turned to
wards me. felt my own color rising
before the inexplicable expression of bis
eyes a's yH4n7ea -..
Hester he said, do you believe ip
fate p
y do not know
And ] am sure that I do. Shall / |
tell you why 2 aa
'lf you like Ht
He took my hand, aud drew closer 10
my side. .tt. ~
Il believe in it for this 1t sent me TO
find true woman that dreary night in
that out-oftheway region penetrated on
Iy by stage coaches; and it sent me here
Just in time to save that same true heart |
from death. And to night it compels me
to say to you, Hester, l love-
'And what does it compel me to an
swerY si af- al .f' tA
aLet your heart decide
2 Iput my hands up to bis face with a
sweet feeling Of rest and peace had ne.
yer known before.
% Archiel Ibave wanted you so long,
but did not know it,
His arms were around me he was
near enough TO me then. And !, who
had sbrank always from all passionate
lovers, did not shrink from him.
And are you sure, Hester, that you