South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1876-06-09

90" "o' oJSS ncovy "Vu weeping. But
her uncle. who loved her fondly. missed
her ripling laugh, her sweet song. And
1t Was delicate tribute he paid Marga.
rets sorrow that he never once liinted
to her that there might be some d.shon.
orabie explanation or her lovers disap-
pearance. This idea haunted han. Since
the departure OF the senior partner or
the firm there was no one to speak of
Harry ia terms OF commentator. and
specuiations were numerous in tho vii.
lage. Awife secretly hidden away, who
threatened exposure, was a favorite the
DRY. Debt was another. Escape from
punishment for some crime was a 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 1t as it revealed itself when he
listened Mt the cottage window. He had
lett the vessel, OF which he was first
mate and part owner. TO go upon long
cruise without him, and he employed all
MS time In vigorous pursuit of his
courtship. As deeply as he could love
any one he loved Margaret: aud le felt
secure OF her favor until Harry Craige
came. John Hammersley favored the
sailors suit heartily, and after Margaret
mad given her grief its full sway for
three months, she was hidden to .mope"
no longer, but cheer up, as there was Just
rs good fish in the sea as ever were
caught. So, with her sorrow as deep as
ut first, her heart true as steel. the yirl
had to be present when Hall came to
The cottage, and listen to his rough WOO
ing. 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. Encourag-
ed oy the uncle's liking lie persisted,
IN spite of Margaret's GOODNESS. 1t was
not in the girls nature to be discourse
ons or unkind. and her gentle manner
was accepted as far greater encourage
nent than she ever intended it to be. The
winter was long agony to her. Her
uncle urged Halls claims ut every avail.
able opportunity. and the sailor himself
was persistent in his attentions. And
While her days were busy, her evenings
YEARLY spent in uncongenial society,
Margaret's nights were restless & memo
ry haunted Where was her lover hid.
den! 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 n
gain, for she was sure that if he lived lie
would return to her. but no other love
should ever obliterate his from her heart.
whole year wore away, and Hall
had urged his suit vchemently in the
preceding days, and Margaret realized,
With sad heart, that her steady refusal
Of his suit was alternating her uncle's af
fectons. lie could not understand this
constancy. Why should Margaret live
alone because one man was false or un.
fortunate? So he urged. as they sat in
the parlor of the little cottage, and Mar.
garet listened with dropping head, and
hands folded YEARLY.
IL cannot marry, uncle" she said.
gently but firmly; II cannot forget
the only man / ever loved"
The garden gate changed, a step
crunched the gravel, and, without knock.
ing, man in rough sailors dress,
bearded and bronzed, stood in the door
way. One look, and with cry NJ arga-
ret sped to the open arms of Harry
Craige. John Hammersley only stared,
till CHEEKY voice said: You see l am
u sailor-a man after your own heart"
BLESS m7 eyes where did you come
from?' Ion the Sea Gull" "Whal.
ingY" Yes" "But what possessed
you to go off in that way?'
IL will tell you. Sit here beside me-
Margaret. | was shanghaied Do you
know what that means, my pearl? Your
uncle does. was dragged, carried a.
board the Seal Gull, and recovered my
senses when we were out Of sight of
land, bound for a years whaling cruise"
But who" began John IIammerslcy.
William Hall" was the stern answer.
"He told me, Margaret, week before
our wedding.day, of n friend Of his, q
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 tay.
ern, and while we waited I drank n
glass OF wine with Hall. A numbness
soon seized me. my head grew dizzy,
and | knew no more until awoke ON
board whaling vessel in the dress Of a
common sailor"
The scoundrel! - muEered John
llammorsley.
III raised pretty fuss at first" Harry
continued, "but it was useless. Nobo.
dy believed ] could pay the sum offer.
ed if they would carry me to Brashaw.
and / concluded l must make the best
OF the situation. SO, Mr.. IIammcrsley.
applied my energies 10 seamanship,
and they tell me aboard the Sea Gull
that make a very tidy sailor"
You are brave lad" was the warm
reply, land I'm heartily glad you're
back and I'm heartily glad Of another
thrng-and that is, that Margarets true
lovo hao HafuoJ IIaIIsa lffsfa - 81