Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1876-11-25

1T is tho same old ocean which We
used to look at from the cliffs, Miss De
lamere." he said, quietly.
She was leaning over the side OF the
vessel, looking down at the water. She
lifted her eyes, shuddered slightly, and
drew up her shawl. Duke assisted
her.
"It is like going back to my lost
boyhood to see you, he continued. IL
She stopped him with q naughty ges-
ture. Her late companion approached.
He was q stranger to Mr.. Rutherford,
and she introduced them to each other
-"Sir George Trevor, Mr.. Ruther-
ford"
They bowed coldly. They would
never be any better acquainted. There
would assimilate.
sherrS,ru .S never n met alone. WneTner % inc She she
was afraid OF her own strength il
brought too much into contact with his
winning presence afraid that her pride
would have to give way to the dictates Of
her heart, cannot be known. Certain it
is that she allowed him no opportunity
of pleading his suit.
The voyage was drawing to o close.
They were nearing the end. A great
storm arose the vessel was driven far
out of her track, and drifted down to
the Cape. One dark, direful night, in
spite Of skill and frenzied effort, the
ship struck the rocks Of lee shore, and
parted!
A little moment, to realize the dread
horror OF their situation, only was left
for those on board. Miss Delamere,
pale, but calm, was holding the arm of
Sir George Trevor /; her friends, shrek
ing and terrified, stood near. She was
not looking at the threatening destruc-
ton before her, but over her shoulder,
with hungry, wistful something in her
eyes, as if she forgot what she saw not.
The expression died out as Duke Ruther-
ford appeared for an instant their eyes
met. In that moment he knew he was
beloved with wild fervor even equal to
his own.
Thon there was dead plunge, a wild
shrek OF agony, and the water swarmed
with struggling human beings f! The
world had grown dark to Lucy, bat she
felt herself borne up by some power be-
yond her own strength, upward and on
ward through the pillows, till her feet
touched the firm shore of the Cape.
Then, into the light and warmth Of a
fishers cottage, and when they had laid
her down on the rude settle she opened
her eyes, and saw-Duke Rutherford.
"You saved met"
"I had that honor"
"And my motheri"
"She is saved also."
The door opened, and Sir George ap-
peared. Whatever Lucy might have
said by way Of thanks, was checked by
his entrance, and directly afterward
Duke went out. A few days later
vessel from the Cape conveyed, among
other passengers, Mrs. and Miss Della
mere and Sir George Trevor back to
England. Mr.. Rutherford proceeded to
New York and accomplished his mis-
sion.
1t was months before he and Miss De-
lamere met again, and then it was on
the old place on the cliffs at Romney.
Mrs. Delamere was dead; the shock of
The shipwreck had proved too much for
her, and she returned to England only
10 die. Lucy had been to visit her
grave, and on her return sat for a mo-
mont on the gray familiar rock to look
on the wintry sea- Her eyes were still
wet; she had been weeping.
Duke found her thus, and seating
himself beside hor, drew her head down
On his shoulder.
"Lucy," he said, "I love you. defy
your contempt. I dare repeat it to you.
[ love you'll"
For moment it seemed to him that
she chung to him, then cast him away,
md rose to her feet. And when she
spoke her voice was cold and unmoved.
s On New Years eve am to be married
20 Sir George Trevor"
Duke started up seemed about to
make some impetuous speech, checked
himself, and left her.
And she threw herself down where he
lad stood, moaning out /: "Oh, pride
,ride! 1t will be my death!"
1t was the last day OF the old year.
Duke Rutherford, stern and gloomy
nan, was about to bid adieu to his ma
i've land for long season.
He did not wish to breathe the air Of
he same country with Lucy, and she
he wife of another. People are differ
mt, you know. Some keep their disap-
ever at heart, others put
hem eternally out Of reach, in the pa t.
Duke wished to free himself from
He had destroyed everything
,ut the heliotrope, and even that should |
70 sacrificed, he said, when the ocean
oiled between it and the soil that had
lourished it.
It was dark, moonless night, with
prophecies of snow in tho air. He shut
he door of tho cottage where his father
lad oied, and went out for walk. He
voided the path to the cliffs; he had
losed his heart to all dreams OF tender
less.
Almost unconsciously he turned his
teps toward Delamere Hall. It rose up
gloomy, massive pile, lighted only by
he red freight at single window.
Tomorrow night it would blaze with
he lamps Lit to shine upon her bridal.
He paused to turn back, but some-
hing led him on-through the deserted
'ardens, up to the broad door, which
TODD ajar. All was quiet. The guests
lad retired for the night. Only few
ardy servants were up--it would do no
arm to glance within,
He stepped to the door OF the room
there he had seen the light, and pushed
softly open. He saw no one. Still
@ went on, and sat down in a great
Dunging chair before the warm blaze.
'or moment, he said to himself, he
Tould sit in the chair she had recently
coupled; gaze into the dying embers
he too had gazed into.
Some one rose from sofa at the other
nd of the room. He started up, an
pology On his lips, for his audacious
atrusion. She-it was Lucy-clad, not
4 bridal robes, but in sable vestments,
nd destitute of ornament, came toward
i'm, looked up into his eyes. aud let
er white hands rest upon his shoul-
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