The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-02-19

mined upon. His mother had proved
that she could keep secret, and it would
go hard if he could not.
Henry stood upon the beach, watching,
in company with his friend Avenel, the
crowd of morning bathers. Such sight
is generally neither highly romantic nor
highly picturesque, though here and
there bathing costume Is sometimes
seen that produces the latter effect. Such
one at least was Isabel Banvard's this
brilliant August morning. Her glorious
black eyes glowed all the darker for the
contrast between them and the bright
bird -paradise-colored robe she wore,
which also brought into the most charm
ing relief her clear olive complexion and
dark bands of ripping hair. Henry's
heart gave great leap as he saw her
disportihg in the water; but he frowned
and turned his eyes away, whistling
unconcernedly.
There is the splendid creature" said
Avcnel "more gorgeous than the lilies
of the field"
90 saw her, if you mean Mrs. Ban
vard," said Percival, with superior sang
froid. "Look, Avenel, can you see that
ship in the distance Z" And he strained
his shaded eyes, as though in that ship
centered all his hopes.
"Shipl No what are all the ships
on the sea to glorious woman like that
How can you be so insensiblel just look
at her now, as she swims -
1t was indeed fine sight to see that
graceful form, in it's brilliant bathing
dress, glinting i'll and out among the
waves, ike golden-backed dolphin at
play Henry, gazing on the vision, for
got TO issimulate-forgot that his eyes
were to be schooled to hide the feelings
of the heart. He forgot everything till
Avenel touched him on the arm.
Henry, has she completely bewitched
you! i have spoken to you twice, and
you have not answered me.
Percival turned to answer, feeling a
blush creep over his usually pale face,
and inwardly invoking Madison upon
his old tell-tale blood when, all at once,
fearful cry, loud and ominous, crossed
upon the air
He turned again toward the bathers.
The golden-backed dolphin had dis
appeared, and there was great and hor-
rihed cry of 1.-The under-cuIrent the
rnder-current !"
Percival was an expert swimmer. In
an instant his coat was thrown aside, and
he was in the midst of the breakers,
dashing away wildly toward the object
of his love and solicitude. Once-before
he reached the spot where she had dis
appeared-he caught n glimpse of the
bright yellow dress she wore, then lost
it, then caught 1t again, grasped It, and
went with it under the greedy wave.
But he was strong of arm and warm of
heart He emerged from the treacherous
waters bearing on one arm the apparently
lifeless form Of her he had risked his own
life to save.
Two days after this occurrence Henry
Percival was pacing the moonlit beach
alone. The surf was rolling finely,
throwing back the pallid rays of the
queen of night, aud scattering spray in
drops of silver dew. Henry did not see
all this beauty his face was shadowed
10y frown.
"Why did / ever come here 2" he
asked himself, impatiently. "And why,
now that have made public spectacle
Of myself, do | not leavel Everybody
saw me kiss her us l brought her ont of
the water, and the news of my absurd
presumption is sure 10 reach her ears.
Tomorrow morning, Henry Percival,
\ you take the boat for home. Tomorrow
morning, mind, before there is the least
possibility of her making her appearance
out of doors" And the young man GER
tainly meant what he said
He looked from his survey of the
sands as he said this, his eye seeking the
direction of her window. He did not
see the window, however, for there, right
before him, wrapped in luxurious shawls,
and leaning on the arm Of lady's maid,
stood her smiling and blushing self.
"Mr. Percival, " said she, holding out
her hand, 81 have found you at last.
But, having found you, / am at a loss
how to thank You for 50 inestimable a
thing as my life
The tears shone in her beautiful dark
eyes. Percival could have kissed them
away willingly, but he assumed a3 much
indifference as he could.
81 am not aware, Mrs. Banvard," he
said, "that l am entitled to any graft
tude. l was simply fortunate enough to
be the only one to rescue you.
"You were fortunate enough TO be
the only one to try, as / happen to
know. said she, little embarrassed by
his chilling manner. 81 insist upon
thanking you, and claiming not only
your acquaintance but your friendship"
"My friendship, / fear, Mrs. Ban
ward, would not he of much benefit to
you. i"
"Will You give me your arm, Mr..
Percival, 1 have fancy to argue that
point with you"
She took his arm, dismissing her SER
want, and they walked together on the
sands for half an hour. You will not
imagine, if you have the least faith in
psychology, that Henry could feel the
thrill of that little hand upon his arm for
thirty minutes, and communicate no
sense of it to her.
"Did you say her name was Banvardl" 2"
asked Mrs. Percival of her son.
"Banvard-yes. Do you know the
name I" exclaimed Henry, in surprise.
A quick flush passed over the mothers
face.
"Yes," she said, 81 used to know it
once. But you love her, you sayf"
Fool that am--yes. Don't despise
I no x,oathax that 10 all I aak