The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-01-10
A WOMAN DID IT.
4 Touching Little Story.

A broad stretch of barren, sandy shore,
covered here and there with ragged tufts
OF scanty evergreens boats lying up or
the strand like sleeping sea monsters, or
ono sido; aud on the other the eternal
roar OF great white-crested billows, fling
ing white showers Of spray into the salt.
scented air-this was what Mrs. st.
Lcgcr saw as she stood on the piazza Of
tho solitary hotel, with her husband at
her side.
ais it not grand. Beatricei"
She shuddered, and drew invounta.
rily nearer to him. ....
eyes; but oil, how dreary | how sol.
itAry /"
"Pcople don't expect much society in
place like this, Beatrice health is the
main object for which we seek, and l
believe tho roses are brighter already in
your checks, dearest wife. See how lit.
tie Nell is frolicking down on the shore
with the old boatman and his wife.
Shall We walk down and bring Nelly
back Z" ts.
"You go, Alfred, and I will wait for
you in the. parlor. Don't be long, for
tho sun has already set and the air grows
chilly"
Little Nell aud her female companion
were alone on the shore when Mr.. St.
Lcger joined the group-the boatman
had strnyed of in another direction 10
look for II missing oar-and the child
rIn gleefully to meet him. 49,. -
"papn, papa sec this pretty pink
shell !"
But Alfred ST. Leger saw neither shell
nor child. He hal grown suddenly palc,
then crimson. NJ s.|f
"Kathleen Morison!" ... b
The tall, pretty young woman throw
the scarlet shawl back from her head, rs
sho bowed. $50 You haven't forgotten
our Irritation, Mr. st. Leger.7 And you
arc married, and this is your little girl.
How time passes.
st. Leger drew deep sigh OF relief as
Kathleen broke into light laughter. II
ho could but have seen the cruel smile
upon her mocking lips ho would scarcely
have carried so light heart in his
bosom.
~'@S *+
"Mamma, Kathleen says it's the pret.
ttcst place. cave, where tho sand is
like silver aud tho little pink and purple
shells lie in heaps. Kathleen can row
me out III hali M hour. She often
goes"
Nehy's checks wcro in a flame, and
her blue eyes sparkling with excitement.
Mrs. st. Leger looked languidly up
from her book. . n"
1T is safe, Kathleen !"
"Quite so, maam !; we'll bo back by
teatimc. .-.
"Hhen l may go, mammal"
"1f Kathleen will take caro- Of you,
pet"
The purple light faded into gray, and
the gray into starry darkness, and the
moon rose up so!emnly over the tides,
and they did not return. ..
"Oh, Kathleen, 1 am so tired. Take
me back to mamma" .4..s q T. j
"Hush, child We're going where
tho sun shines all tho year round, and
you shall gather ripe oranges from the
trees, and tho parrots arc redder than
ponies. Just wait minute" ..'..
"And can I have monkeyp
"Twenty, if you like"
"But will mnmmn bo therOl"
"No ; but we'll send her monkey
in letter."
Nelly laughed ut the idea; but the next
minute her cheeks grow palo again.
"I want my mamma, Kathleen. 1
don't care for tho monkeys and the par
rots any more. want my mamma"
Kathleen did not answer. Sho was in
tently watching the movements Of n
large vessel lying'a little distance ont at
sea. Suddenly n tiny white pennon
tluttered ont, and was instantly with
drawn.
"The saints be blessed |" muttered
Kathleen. az began to think it would
never come. Nelly, darling, here's the
boat; jump in"
care wo going to mammal"
"Yes, yes-jump in, quick"
And Kathleen's strong arm was pull
ing them out to sea in another instant.
AS they rt.n up alongside tho large
black hull Of tho vessel, q voice hailed
thGm.
SIS it you, Kathleen Where's the
childw
"Here."
"The ladder will be lowered in q
minute. tell you what, my girl,
you've shown courage to-day"
The athletic young tar greeted her
with hearty kiss as she stood beside
him; but her cheek was cold as ice rs
littli Nelly clung, terrified, to her
skirts.
90 nm revenged |" was the first, the
last, the only thought that whirled
through her brain.
Aud when, the next morning, long
after the outward.bound Sardinia was
spreading her white sails to the breeze,