The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-01-25
Ghe South 4aud.
From Tie Ne~ York Observer.
NARROWING IN ST. AUGUSTINE
BY MRS. 5. S. ROBBINS.

mour Of Southern moonlight, is unlike,
| believe, any other walk in any other
place Of the known world A stroll on the
beach Of the Bay Of Naples, with the
moonbeams lighting up the opal waves and
the queer-masted ships riding upon them,
with the dingy old palaces softened and
tinted, and the very lazzaroni in the streets
clad in "raiment and fine linen, is a thing
to be remembered; but beneath Florida
night sky, and to look out upon Florida
sea, makes a picture which surely shall
not be forgotten until VIC look upon that
wonderful "sea of glass, perhaps not
then who knows? II was at the ending
of one Of the loYeliest of all lovely days
that we sought the sea-wall for quiet hour.
During the daytime, If the tide is high,
few have found any trouble in the narrow
walk, or the sheer descent of its sides ipto
the deep, still water; but in the uncertain
ty of the moonlight, everything is changed,
the waves seem to rise up and meet you,
and the firm wall to rock and to tremble
like ship at sea.
Generally, at this hour, on such a night,
you will met numbers there; but tonight
we saw only two-lovers, we knew--saun-
tering as only lovers can saunter, slowly
towards us. Firm-headed and entirely
accustomed to this walk from daily prac-
tice | went carelessly on until met them
looking at the long reach Of Anastasia
Island; looking at the beacon lights fash
ing almost impertinently, every now and
then, through the bright moonlight; at the
little boats, sails set, drifting, drifting, like
spectre boats, into the unknown; at the
north beach, white and STILL gaunt and
lonely,-and then a sudden terror seized
me- The water had grown black, and
deep, and awful The side upon which
must step, to pass them, hung over this
abyss; and TO move one inch even, nearer
to it, seemed simply impossible. | stood
still, and said, in tone of utter helpless
ness -" What shall | do? In an instant
firm but gentle touch was under my el-
bows, aud pleasant, CHEEKY voice said, as
the young man glided by me :-"Allow me,
madam Before had time to realize
what had passed, or to thank him, two
smaller but scarcely less gentle hands
touched me once more, two hazel eyes full
Of merriment looked into mine, and the
lady said, stepping between me and the
surging water 81 am not in the least
afraid; let me take this side" Then saw
them walk away together; and in their
deeper interests, have no doubt, the tri-
fling incident was at once forgotten; but it
will be long time before forget it. It
,oas trifing thing, but it was kindly aud
it was courteous, and it showed that it was
a lady and a gentleman that | passed that
night on the st. Augustine sea-wall. As
a nation, we Americans are not apt to do
graceful-often, not kind things There
fore, in this winters sojourn, have been
both astonished and delighted at the num-
ber and variety Of such incidents that have
come under my observation.
Genial, hearty, good-natured things are
constantly occurring. 1t gives ono occa-
sion for thanksgiving, every day, that
there is so much that is pleasant and of
good report; but step above and beyond
that--a mysterious thing, and as powerful
in its influence as it is mysterious--is this
gentle, high-bred courtesy, showing itself
in kindly thoughtfulness for others, in a
delicate turn Of sentence, and in deli
cate act Of omission or commission, which
ever may be required. | would rather
dwell on the housetop with the famous
brawling woman (and what could be worse?) }
than live-really iiUe--with person want
ing in these traits. 1t seems 10 me they
should be among the first lessons taught
to children, should grow with their growth,
and strengthen with their strength, until
they become that second-nature for whose
faults poor old Adam does not suffer such
unbounded ignomiLy.
1t is impossible to realize that these
past months have been winter in Florida.
If | were not prevented by special re-
quest, should like to tell you what time
Of wonders it has been--how the sun has
shone almost every day, and all day long;
how the long rows of orange trees in the
grove opposite our cottage have dropped
their load Of luscious, golden fruit, and
covered themselves with their bridal bloom,
filing our air with their delicious perfume;
how the water oaks in the long avenue
that borders our sand-burdened street have
shed their old, time faded leaves aud come
out in living green, literally Hriag green;
how the Pride-of- China trees hang out
: delicate purple tassels from every bough
aud drop down the swaying brown berries
in disdain; how-but | will not write an
other word about this; will 60 on, to tell
you only two things.
The first, about the season in this New
port Of the South; and the second, few
words about expenses here-questions with
regard to the latter being asked every day
Taking the season as a matter of dollars
and cents in the pockets Of the hotel and
boarding house keepers, l know but little
That it has been profitable, Isupposc there
is no doubt. Hundreds have come for
days, or weeks, or months even, as time
and money would allow, and have left
here, in the hands Of those who provide
for their entertainment, enough to prove
that, with all, it is not hard times.
In the many curiosity shops, you will
be told that the sales have not reached the
average amount; but they seem almost al
ways to be crowded, and handsome ar
, ticle, no matter how costly, is here to-day
and gone tomorrow. The sale Of Floridl
, palm hats must bo very extensive, If yol
may judge from the number seen in th'
streets, and, now and then, worn even int
the sanctity Of the churches. You viii
see, also, black-eyed, dark-complexione'
women, their fingers busy with the braids
almost everywhere that you can get pee
behind the scenes very charming the
!. look-the long palmetto shrcds flying bac
. |, and forth, and the pretty, soft braid dror
ping down SO neatly finished, while, wit
! half-arch, halfpleading face, they smil
you a welcome.
: The number Of alligators-liy live alligi
tors, pet alligators- has not been I
d large as usual, It having been most vi
: kindly legislated in Washington that an
i mails subject to the great curse arc n'
& mailablc. 1t is curious, and laugh at it /
e you may, really interesting to watch the.
. ugly creatures, as they disport thcinselv.
is in the little show.tanks. / think Of Oh
3 window ID store filed with really choie