The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-06-21

i'll surprise. and wondered what had
changed shy, modest Phebe Hanson so sud-
denly into something like a brilliant, dash
ing belle.
only once Gilbert asked her to Dance
She felt as if she had hardly strength sufi-
cleht to do it, bnt there were so many eyes
upon heE, and it would look SO strange TO
refuse! 1t was waltz and at the first
notes OF the band Phebe remembered the
music. They had danced to it before she
and Gilbert, on the night when they had
llIst met, in that very hall. Gilbert look
ed her steadily in the eyes at those first
notes.
"1ou have heard that music before,' he
said.
''Have l? l do not remember she
answered, carelessly, blushing scarlet the
next moment at the falsehood that she had
told.
Some people forget very easily" said
Gilbert bitterly. And after that he said
nothing.
captain Matthews was quite a favorite.
especially among the young ladies, yet Gil
bert Drew, watching him furtively saw that
1t was Phebe whom his eyes followed and
it was at her side that he fingered longest
And Gilbert fairly ground his teeth with an
ger. Not even for Gerald Bayne had he so
great dislike as for this gallant vouno
captain; for he could not help fancying him
III some way the cause of Phebe's faithless-
ness. Captain Matthews was evidently de-
sirous of'being friendly with hin, but his
replies to all his advances had been SO curt
that he had at last given up the vain at
tempt But as the gay company separated
that night he followed Gilbert down the
street.
'Good bye, Captain" he said. heartily,
holding out his hand. ''Our tracks divide
again tomorrow; you will go in the morning
suppose, and / shall not be ready till in
the afternoon, but unexpected things are
always happening in this world-which is
a queer craft to sail in any way-and may
be i'll some port or other, we two'n meet
again"
81 hope not, sir!'' said Gilbert Drew sharp
ly, and strobe on disregarding the proffered
hand.
1t was very rude certainly, and it was
very unlike the brave young sailor who was
wont to have kind courteous word for ev-
erybody. But Just before he had left the
nall he had witnessed scene, the remem-
brance Of which was ranking in his mind
at this moment. Captain Matthews was
saying goodbye to Phebe; they were alone
in the little ante-room, and Gilbert Drew
pressing by the door, had seen his arm
round her waist, her head resting on his
shoulder, while her tears were dropping
ike rain over her face; and he saw captain
Matthews bend his head and press his lips
warmly to hers. Who could blame him
for not feeling disposed to be friendly with
him
A flush mounted to the Captains brow
as he watched him striding off in the dark
ness.
"a queer fellow, that" he said to him
self. None too amiable. guess Phebe is
well rid of him. wish she would tell me
why she threw him over.''
Early the next morning the Lapwing,
with favoring wind and the sunshine plir-
terlng on her sails, was leaving Rockport
far behind her; could he ever get so far
away that the echo of Phebe's weddino-
bells could not reach him? Gilbert Drew
wondered. And Phebe, in a sea-ward win
dow, was strainng her eyes to catch gleam
OF those sails which were bearing her heart
away
Six months have passed, and this mornino
there is no sunshine glittering on the Lap
wings sails. A darkness like night banos
over the sea, fierce gale is blowing, and
thunderbolts crashing about the brave little
ship as she struggles brayely in the black,
raging waves. She bears herself gallantly,
though her masts have snapped like strings
and at every gust she strains, and grinds,