The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1875-03-12


play. Henry, gazing on the vision, for
got to ssimulate-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? have spoken to you twice, and
You have not answered me-"
Percival turned to answer, feeling a
blush creep over his usually pale face,
his old ten-tale blood when, all at once,
fearful cry, loud and ominous, crossed
upon the air.
He turned again toward the bathers.
The golden-ba backed dolphin had dis
appeared, and there was great and hor-
rified cry of t'The under-current! the
nder-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 glimpse of the
bright yellow dress she wore, then lost
it, then caught it 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
| Gfeless 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
| drops of silver dew. Henry did not see
all this beauty his face was shadowed
! by frown.
ssWhy did I ever come here ?'' he
asked himself, impatiently. "And why,
now that have made public spectacle
| of myself, do I not leaves Everybody
saw me kiss her as brought her out of
the water, and the news of my absurd
| presumption is sure to 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 blrlshing self.
s'Mr. Percival,'' said she, holding out
her hand, 81 have found you at last.
But, having found You, am at loss
how to thank you for SO inestimable a
thing as my life.
The tears shone in her beautiful dark
eyes. Percival could have kissed them
away willingly, but he assumed as much
Indifference as he could.
"I am not aware, Mrs. Banvard," he
said, ssthat am entitled to any graft
tude. I was simply fortunate enough to
be the only one to rescue you.''
'tYou were fortunate enough to be
the only one to try, as 1 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. y
''My friendship, fear, Mrs. Ban
ward, would not be of much benefit to
"Wnl you give me your arm, Mr.
Percival? 1 have a fancy to argue thai
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 IL
; psychology, that Henry could feel the
thrill of that little hand upon his arm fol
thirty minutes, and communicate nc
sense of it to her.
"Did you say her name was Banvard 2
asked Mrs. Percival of her soa.
name?" exclaimed Henry, in surprise.
, A quick flush passed over the mother
face.
eyes" she said, ST used to know i
once. But You love her, you says"
sFool that / am-yes. Don't despis(
: me, mother that is all ask
"Despise you, Henry2 I only wisl
there was a woman on earth good enough
, for YOU Something more than
mothers pride lighted up Mrs. PEREZ
walls face as she spoke. Do you thinl
that this woman loves you 2" she asked
earnestly.
stI do think so but what of it I?
could never ask her to share my poo
destiny -
Mrs. Percival was silent few mo
! ments. By-and-by she said, suddenly
" Henry, am going to tell you some
thing that had intended to keep secre
forever. My name was Banvard.'
st Mother i''4
yes; and I believe this friend o
! yours is the widow of my cousin
'tCan it be possible?"
tYou can soon ascertain for yourself
g g my son.
!, '' Henry, you surprise me. Mary Ban
vard yes, that is the name in the will
Your mother is my late husbands hei1
, IN case marry again.
''H you should marry me, then, Isa
bel %
s' I should marry the heirs heir, and S
: keep possession of my property. Quit
8 a speculation that would be.
'' Refuse me if you viii, Isabel, bu
do not mock me, for I love you utterly.
: 90 And love you, in spite of your al
! sr1rd pride, Henry Percival. have love
: you all along"
And she gave him her hand with be
!. witching frankness. They were maj
: ried.
!, ssGwine fur to Jine the Band.o
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