The mountain Democrat., 1865-10-14
more things in earth and heaven. Horatio

sun. bonnet one fmoment, then q sudden |
sound Of boots rattled past on the beach,
and Philip Van Docn dashed by, side by
side with Belle Thoruton. Rodney nod
ded careieSS>y, not . tntScfe Of his face
changing, and then walked back to the |
house.
Miss Thornton came from her drive in !
q state of mind stron. ly resembling the
Sulks. She was ennuied with Van Dorm,
and, somehow, dissatisfied Where was
Guy Rodney! Yachting down the har
Dor. Bellies wide blue eyes opened.
She had not looked for open rebellion.
If she chose TO smile one moment and
frown the next, it was her mAtter:-her
subjects were in duty bound to submit
and wait in patience for her next mood
Here was an exception-a grave one.
She lay in wait for his return, cool,
! clear,eyed, dangerous, till the shadows
began to creep up the shore. The yacht
came back in good time-so did its own
er. Her FIRST knowledge OF the fact was
in finding him in the porch at his evening
cigar. quizzing Jessie Dudley by turns
and helping her with an ugly French
verb. The young girl WAS as stately as
Cleopatra, but flush like sunset. on the
dark, oval cheek, made Miss Thornton s
blue eyes glitter.
She held him captive over gay chess
board throughout the evening She sang
Hear me, Norma in the moonlight, with
sad, pale face, and her white hand lying
near his own. Philip Van Dorm rode
alone On the beach the next day and the
next.
Good intentions need vigorous nurs
ing or they are apt to bring forth no
fruit. Gay life at Long Beach was stead
ily on the increase. In the mean time,
Guy Rodney's yacht came and went in
the harbor, and the young gentleman
himself read Tennyson. and smoked ci-
gars and sketched at random on the pic
turesque shore. DID Belle Thornton de-
sire his services as cavalier, he was al
ways ready. lie rode, walked, and sailed
with her. He was never obtrusive, but
always attentive. Surely she had no.
thing to complain OF. And oil the time
Jessie Dudley went on the even tenor Of
her ways, with flushed checks and shy,
dark eyes, saying nothing.
One evening the sun went down on
Long Beach in bank Of black, threaten
ing clouds. white, binding sweep of
rain crossed the sea. The wind rose mp,
bowling like lost soul. The harbor-bar
moaned in the darkness.
John Dudley had gone across the bay
before sunset At the windows Of the
little parlor, washed now by sheets Of
dashing spray, Guy Rodney watched the
light house lamp flash suddenly out from
the tall tower, as bright and watchful as
ever, and he wondered diDly what hand
had kindled that warning beacon.
what dreadful night!' sighed the soft
voice of Belle Thornton.
His fixed gaze on that red flame never
wavered.
Yes, careless, 4 shall not be likely to
have very pleasant time for my depar'
ture.'
Your departure
Il return to town tomorrow.
Her lids drooped little. The jewsled
hand futtered against the embroidery she !
held like tremulouS bird.
Surely you did not mean to leave US SO
soon 2 she ventured.
Soon? 1t is three weeks; l ought to
have gone before
The pearly face turned suddenly and
followed the direction Of his own gaze.
Out in the stormy darkness little figure |
was struggling slowly with the lantern of
the lighthouse keeper in her hand across
the narrow bridge, protected on either
side by iron ratings, and connecting the
main beach with that point Of slippery
rock on which the tower stood.
Mine host will hardly return tonight
And the light!'
oh, that--gir takes charge Of It in his
absence.
But such a night as thiS?'
These people do not mind carelessly.
Mr.. Rodney arched his eyebrows
There was faint smile, too, underneath
the heavy rHoustache, but he said nothing.
Only in the rain and darkness of that
midnight, when Jessie Dudley came soft.
ly out, cloaked, and hooded and alone,
except for the lantern and the old house
dog, ready for her dreary mission to the
tower, there rose suddenly up from the
shadows, q tall form which confronted her
with pair of very quiet and determined
eyes
My dear child where are you going
in this stoim-at this hour =
'Ta|he lighthouse calmly opening the
door,
Not alone 2
''Oh no, Rover will go with me-
But; Jessie-waitr I imperiously. 1T
is not safe
Il am not afraid. often do it, and
you know there are three ships due at
the harbor.'
Then, Jessie, must 60 with you
She Shrank back, flushing.
oh, no; Rover takes care of ne, and
-and-and shall be back so soon.'
He drew the little, trrmulous dark hand
quietly through his arm.
Miss Jessie, you are brave girl, but
cannot have the tides wash you away TO-
night. Look at me, child4 Will you
not have me go? Will you net let me
take you into my care, now and always.
JeSsie''
'Oh, Mr.. Rodney!' like a frightened
child. The slender figure was gathered
close to his heart.
Il love your he went on passionately,
Il have learned to love you so IN such
little time! My chld-my precious little
darling, answer me -
y
The headland light streamed red across
the bar ill morning. The spray dashed
white against John Dudley's windows,
and Belle Thornton tossed restlessly in
her sleep, dreaming of the morrow and
murmuring Guy Rodney's nams. Such
a morrow as it was uSherea in, so much
of Joy and light for some. so much of
darkness AID pain for others! Poor Belief
Her dear little hook and line had lost