The Lake County star., 1876-06-01

luo HltuIul ucdTI tudV iOvou lhiiv
kept his image ever closely folded, griev-
ing silently and in solitude, and wearily
resuming the routine of life. Every
duty of her humble, quiet life Margaret
fulfilled with patient care; but her step
was slow and weary, her face pale, and
her eyes heavy with weeping. But her
uncle, who loved her fondly, missed her
ripping laugh, her sweet song. And it
was delicate tribute he paid Margaret's
sorrow that he never once limited to her
that there might be some dishonorable
explanation of her lovers disappearance.
This idea haunted him. Since the de-
parture of the senior partner of the firm
there was no one to speak of Harry in
terms Of commentator, and speculati0ns
were numerous in the village. A wife
secretly hidden away, who threatenedex-
p0sure, was favorite theory. Debt was
another. Escape from punishment for
some crime was third. But all these
theories were kept from Margaret.
Winter set in. Hall came often to the
cottage. His face was one that could
mask an evil heart with an assumption
of rough frankness, and seldom had any
one seen it as it revealed itself when he
listened at the cottage window. He had
left the vessel, of which he was first mate
and part owner, to 60 upon along cruise
without him, and he employed all his
time in a vigorous pursuit OF bis court
ship. AS deeply as he. could love any
one he loved Margaret; and he felt
secure of her favor until Harry Craige
came. John Hammersley favored the
sailors suit heartily, and after Margaret
had given her grief its full sway for
three months, she was bidden to "mope"
no longer, but cheer up, as there was
Just as good fish in the sea as ever were
caught. So, with her sorrow as deep as
at first, her heart true as steel, the girl
had to be present when Hall came to the
cottage, and listen to his rough wooing.
Again and again she refused his presents,
his compliments, his offers to escort her
here or there. But the man would not
be driven away. Encouraged by the
uncle's liking, he persisted, in spite of
Margaret's GOODNESS. 1t was not in the
girls nature to be discourteous or unkind,
and her gentle manner was accepted as
far greater encouragement than she
ever intended it to be. The winter was
long agony to her. Her uncle urged
Halls claims at every available opportu-
nifty, and the sailor himself was persis-
tent in his attentions. And while her
days were busy, her evenings wearily
spent in uncOngenial society, Margarets
nights were restless and memory haunted.
Where was her lover hidden? Where
was the dark story of crime written that
carried him from her? She never
doubted him, and she kept his memory
bright in her heart. She did not hope
ever to meet him on. earth again, for she
was sure that if he lived he would re-
turn to her, but no other love should
ever obliterate his from her heart.
A whole year wore away, and Hall had
urged his suit vehemently in the preced-
ing days, and Margaret realized, with a
sad heart, that her steady refusal of his
suit was alternating her uncles affections
He could not understand this constancy.
Why should Margaret live alone because
one man was false or unfortunate? So
he urged, as they sat in the parlor of the
little cottage, and Margaret listened
with dropping head, and hands folded
YEARLY.
81 cannot marry, uncle" she said,
gently but firmly; cannot forget the
only man l ever loved"
The garden gate changed, a step
crunchcd the gravel, and, without knock
ing, man in a rough sailors dress, beard
ed and bronzed, stood in the doorway.
One look, and with cry Margaret sped
to the open arms of Harry Craige.
John Hammersley only stared, till
CHEEKY voice said:
"You see l am a sailor--a man after
your own heart"
"Bless my eyes y! where did you come
FROM"
"Of the Sea Gull"
"Whaling~
eyes"
"But what possessed you to go off in
that way?"
"I will tell you. Sit here beside me
me, Margaret. l was shanghaied. DO
you know what that means, my
pearl? Your uncle does. / was drugged,
carried aboard the Seal Gull, and recov-
cred my senses when we were out of
sight of land, bound for years whaling
cruise"
"But who" began John Hammersley.
civilian Hall, was the stern answer.
He told me, Margaret, a week before
our wedding-day, Of a friend of his,
captain of an East Indian vessel, who
had some curiosities that would please
you, and rare shawls and fabrics to show
me also. never thought of treachery,
and when he sent me a note to meet his
friend in the village, drove over.
Halfway on my trip / met Hall, and
took him up. We drove to small tav-
ern, and while we waited l drank
glass of wine with Hall. A numbness
soon seized me, my head grew dizzy, and
l knew no more until awoke on board
whaling vessel in the dress of COM
mon sailor"
"The scoundrel - muttered John Ham
mersley.
81 raised a pretty fuss at first" Harry
continued, "but it was useless. Nobody
believed / could pay the sum offered
if they would carry me to Bradshaw, and
l concluded must make the best of the
situation. So, Mr.. Hammersley, ap-
piled my energies to seamanship, and
they tell me aboard the Sea Gull that !
make very tidy sailor"
"You are brave lad" was the warm
reply, "and Pm heartily glad you're
back; and Pm heartily glad of another
thing---and that is, that Margaret's true
live has baffled Halls little game. Old
as Tam, he had better keep out of reach
of my arm !"
Apparently the baffled schemer
thought so himself, for he was never
more seen in Brashaw. Two there were
who little cared. The two were married
IA few weeks later, and Uncle John
threatened to find wife himself; but at
the last accounts he had failed to do 70,
prcferring to wait till Margarets eldest
daughter is old enough to take her
mothers place as housekeeper in the
cottage.
BAsHFULNEssi is not 80 much the effect
of an ill education as the proper gift and