The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1877-07-16

me upon the strong wings OF his, soul,
and l know am better from thtScom-
munIon. Which shall it bel 1t is un-
wOl thy of true wOmanhOod TO thus lin
germ uncertainty-to not know myself
and iDju ,Iice 10 them. OF for some test
of MANHOOD according to myideal--tor
something that would strikingIy reveal
their true nature, unYalled by the lalSe
glamour OF society"
Such thing could hardly be possible
in the lottery of marriage. The naked
heart is rarely il ever shown until af-
terwards, and many lite bark is
wrecked that might otherwise have
been saved; many life made wretched
that might, rightly mate, have been
passed amid sunshine and flowers.
Summer drilted slowly into autumn,
winter was beginning TO make the woods
bare OF leaves and tue landscape sere
and brown. Still no answer had been
given TO impatient love; for, If the one
was the most dashin'g and ardent in his
pleading, the other was Lne m 81 earn
est. Mabel Vaughn was yet waiting,
longing tor test that there was no
probability Of ever coming, was fast ar
living at the stale when she would rush
blindly upon ate, If only for The sake OF
having her mind at rest. The uncer-
lal0Iy was WedlAuS uPoh nSiS anu SoLhS-
thing OF the bloom departing from her
cheeks and light from ner eyes.
"This must, shall end" she said, as
she prepared herself one morning for d
fern and aulumn-leat party. "IL ls i'm.
be cile, unbecomIng not lo be able 10 de-
eide where my happiness is SO much at
stake"
Though her lips might not have been
as fresh or her eyes AS bright, yet never
had she appeared more lovely, dressed
as she was with exquisite taste and
becomingness. Even her somewhat
suudued manner contributed TO this
end; and as she took her pace in the
wagon that was TO convey her to the
wo0us lat some little uistance) not only
the hearts of her admirers, but of all,
pronounced her worthy 10 be their
queen by at least the divine right OF
beauty.
1t was o gay party. Ferns and leaves
brilliant in their autumn coloring were
to be secured tor the holiday decoration,
and the grand old woods rang with
laughter and snatches of song. In little
groups they wandered, eager to gain
tue greatest prizes, but to return to a
common ground tor the picnic. And by
some strange fatality Mabel found her
self separated from the rest, and having
| Tor companions the TWO men OF all otn.
ers she would have kept separated,
Charles Hamilton and Ray Palmer.
But there was no help for the matter
| She could not dismiss either, and SO she
wandered on with them 10 the bank OF
The lake, where she was assured the
ferns would be found the sgreenesL and
the autumn leaves brightest in Tint.
| An ample quantity having been gath.
cred, they were tempted by the smooth.
ness of the water and the beauty of the
day to enter little boat and sail over u
| the other side.
"lL Will be something, Miss Vaughn"
suggested Hamilton, that The others
will not have TO boast of"
"And," added Palmer, 1--WE may be
able to secure some fish, which VIII prove
a welcome addition to dinner. At least
tney will be different contribution
rom anything that may have been
brought in the baskets"
| Mabel assenLed. She was an enthusi.
asst regarding sailing, and lines and bait
having been procured, they embarked
and pulled 10 where the best fishing
grounds were known to be suuated.
.erhis is the deepest and most danger.
Gus part Of the lake." said Hamll on
|
Mabel flashed her eyes upon nlm, but
made no answer. Then sue glanced al
Palmer. There was au evident sneel
resting upon his lips as he calmly SAID
can accident is scarcely probable
RuL if such a thing should occur l pre-
sume we are men enough to take care o
tue lady,"
| "Yes-yes-of COURSE" was the some
what confused answer of Hamilton
"but it would be very unpleasant get
ting wet" and he glanced at his almJs
toppish attire.
"Fortunately fire is the antipodes o
water" was the curt rejoinder of Pal
mer as he prepared a line Tor the use o
the lady.
Hamilton was siIenced for time. H,
did not fancy the situation in the least
Solid ground was far more 10 his mind
although good swimmer. But soon b
became Interested, and even remarked
that neighboring rock wOul1 be tn
better place.
"Hardly secure footing for lady,
replied Palmer; sit is steep and slil
perry. Look at the urchins fishing there
/. they can scarcely keep their teet, and
YOU are careful Of deep and dangeruu
points, MIR. Hamilton, that is tue las
locality l would recommend. There
strong current sweeping round tn
rock That would be very apt to carry on
into the mill-race TO be crushed unde
the gigantic wheel. Besides"
40, Heaven!" screamed Mabel, ga lii
tie girl has taIlen-has rolled into th
deep, dark waterW
With the words her shrek was echoe
back from the rock where the cOmpaI
. IONS of the drowning child stood wit
hands clasped in terror, paralyzed wit
fear, and without an effort TO save.
"She will drown-drownW gaspe
Mabel. "Mr. Hamilton, for the love {
mercy 90 TO her assistance"
lie hesitated, uttered something abou
"Deggars' brats being no loss, aud the
began slowly pulling up the anchor.
'She will 60 down before we can ge
half way" pleaded Mabel, beside he
: self with anxiety and sympathy. "M
: Palmer, you will"
Sne did not finish the sentence. Nott
+ ing of Ray Palmer remained in the boa
save coat, hat and boots. lie had has
ily thrown them off, had slipped nois
p lessly into the water, and was aIread
i lhalf way TO the rock. Even while Han
a llton was debating he had gone to th
r to the rescue, and breathlessIy Nab
watched his course. With white cheek
: and lips and with strained eyes she sa
l him eXertiI g every nerve; saw him nea
: ing the child, and then to her horrt
, saW that the current was sucking the