Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-27
Tales and Sketehes.
BLACK ROCK.
CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY.

AS tne mOntnS passed. on, tne cnllu grew
quite contented with the quiet life she led
Her brain was full of pretty fancies which
she brought out before these two, without
the slightest reserve. sometimes troubling
Aunt Martha" little with doubts OF her
perfect sanity. but giving unfeigned de-
light to Abram, who often found his own
tender thoughts put into words by the lit
tie prattler at his side. No one question
ed his right to keep her, and when strang-
ers attracted by her great beauty would
ask her to whom she belonged, she always
answered simply-"Uncle Abram found
me in the sea: am his
She had told them her papa called her
Alice, "but my pretty mamma called me
Blossom and Blossom she was to
Abram the name suited her delicate face,
which no sun or wind was strong enough
to darken.
Look at her eyes, Marthy, as the blue
sea when the sun Shines" Abram would
say, sometimes and Martha, who thought
much of the responsibility of her charge,
would answer curtly-"Han'some is as
handsome does, Abram." And Alice would
shake her golden curls about her face with
laugh, knowing full we'll that all she
was and did was "han some" in
"Aunt Martha's" eyes.
Three years passed, then one day Abram
come in looking troubled
81 met the Domino, Marthy, an lie sez
to me, 'Abram, what are you goin' to do
with your little girl? She'd ought to larn
somethin'' Now she amt fit to go to
school anyways round here Marthy, is she
now ?"
"If he's SO awful anxious about it, why
don't he offer to teach her himself" snap
ped Martha, relishing no interference with
their little Alice.
"Mebbe he would, now. l never
thought O. that. What a powerful hand
you allus was to think, Marthy."
She smiled grimly. not displeased with
the compliment, and so the matter of
Alice's education was settled. For two
hours day she went to the parsonage,
there learning not only from books, but
lessons of nobleness and goodness, from
the patient, self-sacrifcing life of the pas
tor, who in his humble way was following
closely in the footsteps of the Master for
whom he had given up all the world had
to offer.
II thought once my life was failure,
Alice, he said to his young pupil one day.
but just as that dull rock is made step
ping-stonc for those who bring their boats
ashore, hope my life may help some 9TH
er life to reach the shore of Heaven"
Nine years passed quickly. tits warm
bright, summer afternoon. In little cove
Abrams boat is lying idly on the water !;
he is fishing, and Alice, in the stern, is
watching him. She has taken off her hat,
and the level sunbeams quiver through
her golden curls, and dance over the white
arms of the restless little hands.
ONE, Uncle Abram, aren't you most
ready Aunt Martha will be so cross"
The artist up on the rocks who, unper-
ceived, has been sketching the group, goes
hastily on with his work.
"Pretty soon. Blossom. pretty soon
now"
She leans back again and sits quietly
watching the white gulls flying out to sea.
The golden brightness fades lirle, and
the young face takes tenderer look.
Abram is dimly conscious OF something
that makes different all the world to him,
Il something that is pain and pleasure both.
lie leans over and touches her hand softly
-"Shall we go now, pretty Blossom ?'
and with start the girl comes out of her
dreaming and smiles up at him, child
again.
II must have that girls face ~ and as
Abram takes up the oars, a loud "Halloo "
comes to him from the rocks, and looking
up he sees figure springing down from
point to point in evident haste to join him.
We'll have to stop minute. Blossom,
yon lad'll break his neck, I'm much
afcard."
AS he comes up the stranger doffs his
hat to Alice, who bushes in pretty sur
prise and embarrassment. Can you tell
me, sir" he says, turning to Abram. "of
any place where l could stay for Il week
Your coast is so beautiful. and am an ar-
tist. he stops abruptly and looks at Alice,
who, with downcast eyes. is dipping her
hand in the water. "what lovely face -
he exclaims mentally.
"Well! mebbe Ben Lawson's wife could
take you. eff you're willing to eat fish an
eggs an sech like"
Oh quite willing is the stranger to eat
ANYTHING, but where is "Ben Lawson S
wife" to be found Then Abram, with
his natural politeness. offers him II seat in
his boat. and so for one short half hour, he
has the happiness of sitting opposite his
hoped for model, and listening to her low,
sweet replleS 10 HIS liFcly CONVERSATION.
Presently he lays his sketch-book on her lap
open at his late attempt.
Her eyes sparkle. 'There is Uncle
Abram and the old boat. butt never
looked like that. is it me?"
"Of course it is. You are not very COM
plimentary to my skill, why is it not like
you?"
1T is so very pretty" answers Alice,
with shy blush. which makes her ten
times more enchanting to the amused eyes
watching her.
Then the boat CRATES on the sand and
after receiving directions for finding Ben
Lawson's cottage, the artist strides off up
the beach. only TO turn again to look at
the two figures climbing up the cliff. They
are clearly utlined against the evening
sky, the old man strong and hearty yet,
head erect, clear eyes and firm, sure step,
the young girl. now springing on before.
now clinging to his hand with ehild-like
confidence and so they vanish under the
shadow of the trees, and he walks on
again with sigh.
The next morning rose bright and sun
nv with Just enough wind to rufile the blue
v,tar Ont side the LEDGE Of rock tha COO