The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1876-08-17
BRouaHr hack BIZ raE SEA
BY THOMAS s. COLLIER,

BY THOMAS 8, ooiI.IER.
The sun shone warm and bright, and
the water seemed alive with glory, as in
low, murmuring waves it rolled up the
white sand beach that fronted the little
fishing village Of Eaathope.
1t was jane, and the air was fresh
with the saltness of tho sea, and the
land.breeze brought sweet breaths of
fragrance from the meadows lying be-
yond the hills, back of the village,
The gulls, those elamorous sea yoy-
ayers, Aoated through the air on lazy
wing, or, settling down on the sparkling
water, as lazily drifted about on its gently
rolling surface,
Among the flowers and shrubs that
beautifed the gardens of the Easthope
cottages, flock of sparrows chirped
noislly; and in the fruit trees that were
scattered along the sheltering hill side,
robins and wrens, and other man,loying
warblers, fluttered and sang, the rich
light making them glad and full of
music,
Far out to the southeast few white
sails danced merrily, telling that the
small craft of Easthope were busy gath
ering their harvest. The large smaoks
we're off ON their summer cruise, and 50
the village was quiet indeed. A noise of
sweeping and the rattling OF plates came
nom open windows, but they were low,
and accorded with the dreamy day,
II was far too beautiful weather for
staying indoors, and when the morning
chores were done. the little street began
to show signs of life, One door amer
another opened, and the gardens echoed
with happy voices, while the more socia,
bly, inclined passed back and forth from
house to house,
The morning land breeze changed, and
far out the low waves showed little flakes
of white foam as the wind grew fresher
and eurled their rippling erests. Then
two young women went down to the
beach, and slowly walked along the
sands.
The face of one was as sunny and clear
as the sweet June morning, but the other
was darker, and there was a sad longing
in the eyes, that wandered of across the
ocean with wistfulness that told itheld
something dear to her
They were sisters; for, though OF diff
ferent types OF beauty, there was a strong
resemblance in their faces; and as the
one looked seaward, the others eyes
would watch her with a loving sympathy
that only close relationship begets.
"If he would only come back ] could
ask his forgiveness" said the one who
watched the sea. VI could tell HIM how
sorry ] am for the cruel words ! said and
how much love him; but he has gone
away, and has only hard ana unkihd
words to keep me IN his remembrance
lie hates me, ! know he does
mo, Bertha, he VIII not 40 mat
kob's heart Will never hoia nate ior any
one
How can ne help hating me, oaTriel
Did ! not lead him ON TO love me, and
then treat him most shamefollyY How
can he help hating met Aad now love
him 50 T.
II don't believe Rob Morris can hate
any one, and truly believe that he loves
you with all his soul, ,"
Loves met How can heG And il
he does, where is heY 1t is three year;
since he went away, and who has heard
from himf
No one; but if he is alive, he love
yeu.~
But Bertha Lane could not beliey,
this, Three years before, she had thought
lessly and cruelty hurt a brave, tru'
heart that loved her, just to crafty /,
foolish whim, True, it was only the hear
of sailor, but it was noble one, for al
! that, and one capable Of loving as few
men love. She had known this, and wheI
Rob Morris had said goodbye, and lef
her with a panied and wondering look il
his frank, honest eyes, she had found ou
that her soul held him the dearest thin,
ON earth.
But NO word came to tell her where h,