Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-06-21

pl eos
AIRY heri Why you-you proposed to me
Yes but you refused. told you then Won
would never have another chAnes.'
Becky was silent again. II is a matter of some
doubt whether had Fred at that moment sit-
ting sstride that cottonwood log, with his feet
in the water and his arm around her waist pro-
posed to her . second time, she would have ao-
cepted him or not To be sure a marvellous
change had come over Becky's feelings since
her tumble into the river. She felt lust then
that one strong arm like that which supported
her was worth q Thousand old and decrepid
planters and she recognized the fact that a
man who could talk so cody and unconcernedly
In situation OF such extreme peril was of no
ordinary courage. But she WAS not quite pre-
pared to give up her golden dreams The dress
was not quite washed out OF her soul, and she
did not know how much she loved Fred Ecker
son. Besides she did not half believe him.
Tho clumsy vePsel foated on, now root fast
sideways, and now half submerged by the boil
ing current. Their preoarious hold became more
uncertain as their frames became chilled by the
cold water and every plunge of the log threat
ened 10 cast them once more into the river. In
vain Fred endeavored to attract the attention OF
some one on the shore The cottonwood re-
tained q course nearly in the middle Of the
stream, toO far from either bank to render their
outcries OF much avail. As it grew dark, their
situation seemed more and more helpless, and
/ to Becky there appeared to be no escape from
certain death, either by drowning in the dark
ness or by exhaustion before dsybreak. ~
Yet to die in mans arms seemed not wholly
terror. She could hardly think IL death nmust
come, of any way in which she would rather
meet it. Was II possible she loved him. and
must needs be brought within tho valley OF the
| shadow before she could know her heart Had
| she loved him all along? While she was think
| ing about it, chilled by the exposure, and the
| night air, she fell asleep. When she awoke, the
stars we're out. but she warm and comforta-
| BILE. Raisng her head she found herself envel-
| oped in Fred's coat.
Erred 7"
"Well?"
"You have robbed yourself to keep me warm.
You are freezing"
mo l amt; took it of because it was 80
awful hot /" and taking out his handkerchief
with his disengaged hand, he made pretence of
| wiping the perspiration from his brow.
- How long have been asleep?"
"ADont three hours. We are drifting in shore
now
''Sball we be saved ?"
"Idont know. Put your arms around my
neck, for am going to take mine away"
Becky did this time as sbe was bid She not
only threw her arms around his neck but she
laid her head upon his breast without the slight
est hesitation. In the darkness Fred did not
know that she imprinted 3 kiss upon his shirt
BOSOM
"Hold fast now" he cried. "Hold on, for
your dear life
The log had been gradually nearing the shore
q large sycamore tree which overhung its
branches in the brown flood. Quick rs thought
Fred seized the limb above his head, and pulled
with all his might.
The headlong course of the cottonwood Was
| checked it plunged heavily and partly turned
over, its top became entangled in the sycamore,
and terrible crash ensued. With sudden
spring Fred gained the Eprojectihg branch TAX
ing his clinging burden with him. In another
instant the cottonwood had broken away and
continued it's voyage down the river, while the
bent sycamore regained it's shape with such
quick rebound that the two travellers were near
ly precipitated into the stream again. Fred half
| supporting, half dragging Becky, worked his
way to the sh unk by series Of gymnastics that
would have been no discredit TO Blondin, and in
| a moment more both had reached the ground in
| safety.
THAT'S business we are well out Of" he
said. when he had regAined his breath. Nov
where are wey
He looked about A light was glimmering
| from habitstion behind them, short distance
from where they stood. Becky could not walk
without great pain and Fred lifted her lightly
| iu his arms and started for the house. Itproved
| to be the dwelling OF email planter, who was
not lacking in hospitality. Here their wants
| were quickly attended to- and under the cheer
/ ing influence OF warmth and shelter Becky was
| soon herself again.
| They drove home the following day, Fred hav-
| ing procured the loan OF the planters horse and
| chaise for that purpose, promislnS TO return
| them by Mr. NoWtonB servant tEo uhy aiteI.
| The morning was bright and clear and the fra
/ GRANGE of the orange groves was in all the air
| Becky, who had maintained almost utter silence
| since their escaped from the cottonwood, was no
| less silent now. Fred himself did not appear
| particularly communicative. and many miles OF
the long ride were taken without remark from
| either 1t was Becky who spoke hrst
| Fred" she said.
What ?"
You have saved my life, have you not :"
Happy to do it any day" he remarked, not
| knowing what to say.
a. thank you very much"
| "Quite welcome, I'm sure,
There was another long silence, broken only
| by the sound OF the horses hoof upon the road
| Fred himself seemed to have lost some OF his
hGbitual ease, for he kept his whip in constant
motion, aud held the reins nervously
| :" Fred J"
| What ?"
Are you going to write to that young lady
In New Orleans ?"
Hadn't you-better- you
before you write Z"
He turned his eyes full upon her and opened
them wide.
"Try again! Try what ?"
i've been thinking throxgh the night, said
Becky. bending low to hide her face, aud care
fully separating the fringe OF her mantilia,
that-perhaps- You had asked me again the
queetion-that you did yesterday morning.
might answer little different.
Becky's head went against Fred's shoulder
and her face became Immediately lost to view
"You darling T. ho exclaimed II never IN
tended to do otherwise, The young lady IN NeV
Orleans was wholly myth. But when, may
| ask did you change your mind
| Il have mover changed it," she murmnred
II have loved you all the time, butt never Knew
| it until last night"
And so TO this day, when Mrs. Becky Eckerso
ia asked where she fell IN love with her hnsbane
: l ,n., I.nay