Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-07-28

times but his sister always managed to
drag her away, or to wheedle him off on
some pretended errand, meanwhile filing
him with praises Of the seraph in question.
"Oh, Charlie, she's so affectionate, so
warm hearted so faithful. I really don't
think she has courage. I dou't believe
she could help much if you were very
poor. But you never will be poor. She
is very rich and [ know her enough to
say, she loves you with all her heart
She will be faithful and loving, Charlie.
and is prudent. know she laughs and
talks great deal, but she is overAowing
with spirits and happiness. 1t will kill
her to be disappointed.
"No! no!' The cavalier shook his
head. He wanted a woman, q a0onaan,
WOMAN. not goose, toy, ginger
bread wife.
Whereupon the sister inwardly resolved
he should have gingerbread wife, that is
if her bosom friend was gingerbread.
Now there happened at this particular
time fierce deluge. For three days the
sky poured out its waters and the earth
was drenched, the river swollen beyond
all precedent. No one stirred out.
Sad stories began to come in of damag-
ed crops, of inundated farms, of destruc-
ton of houses, and in one or two cases the
destruction Of lives. All were appalled,.
and the food increased with every hour.
The wind doomed down the gullies in the
mountains, the days became nights and
the nights lurid and glaring days, with
the bursts of lightning and thunder.
The ground shook. the houses trembled, /,
and our friends from their high perch up
on the mountain side. beheld huge trees
pitch headlong, saw ricks Of hay melt like
snow, and cattle struggling in the horrid
current.
All were nervous and unstrung with the
continuous uproar. Many ladies retired to
their rooms and were not to be seen, and
the men gathered in the billiard room to
talk ii over and to smoke the days away.
On the fourth day rumor ran about Of
danger to the village below, but all were
speedily assured Of the strength of the
dam above, and it passed from their
thoughts. On the evening of this day
many events occurred. Two transpired
late in the evening. The first was this !:
A note was brought to the bold analyzer
of woman's souls, reading thus:
To Mr.. Charles -
DEAR SIR Il sadly comprehend the value of
your attachment for me, whose thoughts and
wishes for happiness are so high and inviola-
BILE. Do not think to make me unhappy, for
our separation is ecstacy in comparison to what
our lives would be were we united. Let US
both free ourselves. God'bless you.
ALICE.
Thus was the gentleman forestalled.
The second event was this: A mighty
and overwhelming burst of storm which
overcapped all others and made the night
hideous. Every separate drop of water
seemed to give out its roar, and the sleep
ers started, sat upright, and covered their
ears and trembled out the fearful tumult.
The languid Charles, usually so lazy,
so passionless, was wide awake and dress
ed. He had spent the night thus far in
coming the letter from Alice. Ab, she
was such little fool, such a fy-away,
such good-for-nothing be was glad he
was rid of her. but-still he was misera-
BILE, profoundly miserable.
The storm burst upon his ears. Sud-
denly there came the recollection of the
whispered danger to the village. He
looked out. He saw the lights of the
houses far below, and his thought recur-
red to the dyke. He started into action.
tie forgot everything, even the silly little
fool. He wrapped himself up in rubber
clothing and went through the deserted
parlors to the yard. The storm was fright
full. He went to the stables and looked
for the best horse. 1t was gone! Who
in Heavens name had taken it? Then
he made up his mind to take the next best.
He saddled it and rushed forth upon the
high road which led to the dam.
It was four miles off. He was drench-
ed before he had gone dozen yards
His horse stumbled and fell. He met
huge trees which stopped him and puzzled
him, but over and around which he strug-
gled and went on. The storm grew fercer
and fiercer.. He got on two miles when
his horse stumbled and fell again. He
could not get him up. Suddenly tear
ing, plunging figure burst out from the
darkness aud almost crushed him. 1t was
a figure on horse 1t rushed by him
and was lost in second. 1t was on the
way to the village. Hardly had it passed