The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-02-14


hands with him warmly enough, and they
sat down together very amicably.
The weather was discussed, also other
ordinary topics, md then young Melton,
who was ono Of that order Of cxquisites
who cannot speak without as many gasps
ss ars emitted by dying dolphin, began to
hint at the subject under consideration.
elias Miss Lizzie-ah-lnentionod-
ject Of. Ia fact, of this call-ah-" n
'I've heerd that you arc anxious to be
spliced as soon n possible, my lad" said
the captain, @and I've just told Li,,ie, tina,
As things stand to-day, don't caro- how
soon the affair Is settled. I've got to leave
her under some ones care"
And the captain groaned.
"Ah!-your heal,h-life Is vcry-ah!-
uncertain :" said Melton Melton. Esq, will,
a thought Of the reports OF the captains
will q, his heart. "a scafaring life-ah,-
ather-ah. n,hcr dangerous!
"My health Is perfect" said the captain,
and your jack is rs safe at sea rs on land,
for that matter. I've sprung aleak In a
gale. and wreck has come Of It. To tell
the truth, plain enough for marine to nn.
derstand il I've been specializing without
knowing what was about, and lv'e lost
every penny I possessed. I am as poor
to-day as Jobs turkey, and naturally I'm
glad to see Lizzie settled. For lsha'n't
have a cent to give her, and ! am not
young enough to make another fortune
Hero the captain arose.
"Settle the day between ye," no said.
"I'il leave you together" and lo rushed
out OF the room.
Lizzie sank upon sofa and burst into
tears. Melton Melton, ESQ., stood near
her with a peculiar expression upon his
face.
Ats very distressing" "'Pon my word
I sympa,hile with you, l ami believe
delcacy requires me to do-depart-au 70.
voir?"
And Melton Melton had vanished.
Tho captain heard Of this with slight
chuckle, and Lizzie waited his return quite
in vain.
In a week the captain and his daughter
had gone back to the old second floor in
the river.ward street, and there with the
painted furniture, the bunch Of white coral
and other belongings which had been tho
pride of,he late Mrs. Jackets heart, began
a new lie. And thithcr, despite Lirzie's
hopes, Melton Melton did not como to offer
his hand and fortune to the impoverished
heiress.
Lizzie waited for a long time, and then
plucScd mp pride enough to enclose Mel
tons ring in very contcmptuous note, and
after that, Instead Of pinirs away, she took
hear, Of grace, and resolved to despise
those butterflies Of fashion, who had court,
cd her society in the elegant mansion over
which she had once presided, and who
never found their way to tho riverward
street.
But thi,hcr once again, Tom lladaway
came often. Coming in after those long
voyages with his curious gifts from foreign
lands, showing always that kindness and
gallan,ry which tr,e sailor always shows
to women who are worthy OF il, and show
ing moro ,hnn this. a true and constant love
which il might have been any woman's
pride to win.
They were married very quietly in the
morning. and in the evening Capt. tlncket
proposed "a walk and some Ice cream"
and the young couple usscnted. The cap.
tain seemed in mood, and full Of some
important secret. lie rudsed ahead
through one Of those riverwarl streets to
those elegant quarters OF the city which il
had once been Lizzie's lot to inhnbit, and
finally stopped before the very house which
had once been theirs. II was brilliantly
lighted from roof to cellar.
They're bavin' party il seems," says
the captain, "Ah, now, if we only lived
here. eh' Oh. Lord love yc, it's enough
to make man envious !"
"No matter, papa" aaid Lizzie; "we
arc very happy now. I don't care to
change for one. Where are you going"
For the captain was ascending the steps.
"in" said the captain, 1comc along"
LiIsie and Tom stood confounded. II
entered Toms mind that, having something
to drink the future prosperity to tho young
couple In. tho old gentleman might have
taken glass too much.
"l beg you to consider, eap,ain," hs be.
gan.
But tho captain roared-
.'Yoa lubbsr' don't dsobey orders.-
We arc expected here
Aud at that moment the hall door opened
and in the hall wero ranged oil tho old ser.
wants, smiling and eurcsyins welcome.
sWhat does Il n'ean!" cried Lizzie.