Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-02-03

her. Her memory can never die out oil my
heart"
Ralph looked at him thoughtfully. "And
you will WOO and win her again? p
"No she hates me, and she is prouder than
Lucifer. l may make the attempt, but of what
use will it be-"
"There is the eni of my romance, at any
rate laughed Ralph.
Il don't know. If you can get over that
old story, the field is as clear to me-"
You need not lay it up against me p
"No. Why should | am too wretched to
be jealous, besides the game will be an open
cne
When Bertrand went down to breakfast the
next morning lansuid, a d heavy-cyed, he saw
Ralph and Miss Manning comming up the
beach road together A thrill of pain went
through him. He waited in the hall where
the two would be compelled to pass in coming
in. Miss Manning gave percepitible start,
but said good morning placidly enough. 1t
I was eNiutul uGi iOlc ~ tiNAb hitH INV -" ~
dinary acquaintance. 1t was so much gained
if she would speak to him at all.
Breakfast was not pleasant meal for Ber-
trand. He could hear Ralph aud Miss Man
ming chatting briskly at the other end Of the
table without thought, apparently, OF him.
This was too much for even his eqhiuimity.
Later in the day, he met his divinity, in one
of the deserted corridors Of tie hotel. The
meeting was wholly accidental Miss Man
ming did not attempt flight, but came, steadily
towards him, her eyes burning like two stars
He held out his arm to detain her. Homo
ria he said, with pleading lock, isyour ha-
tired of me unconquerable?
"Itis unconquerable," she answered ieily.
al am sorry. But / shall not stand in your
way, since have 10 legal claim. Ifyou love
Ralph Dean"
His voice broke down in spite Of himself
With swift gesture, he took her in bis arms,
raining hot kisses on lips and cheeks. For a
moment she remained passive: then she at
tempted TO struggle clear of him.
"I.et me go" she said, family.
He released her Forgive me, Honoria. 1t
NAV be for the last time, and"
She had fled, aud his words were being spo-
ken to empty air.
And so the farce went on Miss Manning
was unusually brilliant during the days that
followed she kept up the Irritation with
Ralph Dean in Jealous way that was sur
prise even to herself. OF course they were
written "engagcd by the knowing ones
among the Beach House guests.
Still, it was not pleasant experience for
Bertrand. But he bore crosses Of life brave
Iy. He tried to forget that be had ever seen
Miss Manning until that meeting on the beach,
Gladly would he have blotted on all the past,
had that been possible, and so have become
the intent lover once again. AS it was, be pa
tiently bore rebuffs that would have discour-
aged any other man, and was more persistent
than ever in bis wooing.
A change came. They were all on the
beach, one morning. Ralph had joined the
bathers, and swan out to sea. Miss Manning
sat on the rotting keel Of boat, entertaining
circle of admirers, as usual. Philip Bertrand
stood a little behind her party, having eyes
nor ears for anybody save the woman who had
been his wife.
Suddenly cry was made Miss Manning
started to her feet, pale and distressed. Her
gaze swept the bright waters Of the bay.
Something is wrong" she exclaimed
" Mr.. Deane was swimming near that long line
of foam a moment since. lie has disappeared.
Quick, Quick for Gods sake, go to bis rescue,
some of YOU"
She turned her wild, frightened eyes on the
scented gslants around her. Nobody stirred.
A groan of despair escaped her lips. Just
then somebody shot past like an arrow, on the
way to the beach, 1t was Bertrand
A boat lay bottom upward on the sand
He swung it into the water with the help Of a
fisherman who was standing near. The two
men scrambled in together.
"PulI, Pull !" Bertrand shouted, We may
be in time Deane has got the cramp, think.
Pull hard, my man"
They bent to their oars with will. The
little craft danced over the water like thing
Of life, leaving foam fecked wake behind it.
On aud on they few, faster and faster pulling
steadily towards the yellow line where Ralph
had last been seen.
GOOD heavens, cried Bertrand, "ho is un-
der again p
But they were near him, now, almost upon
him. Philip saw the mans face as it rose
slowly to the surface Moments were precious
it was the last struggle lie leaped from
the boat, dashing like mad through the water
that seemed to be sitting him with every
stroke be made lie reached that helpless
figure and held it in bis arms until the fisher
man could guide the boat little nearer. lie
remembered helping to push tho in;ensible
fellow over the side and crawling in himself.
Afterwards, everything was blank until lie
reached the shore Ralph was in his bathing
dress, and, therefore not very presenisble.-
But nobody, thought Of that. The moment
the keel grated on the sand everybody hurried
down to meet them.