Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-11-26
Written for the Vermont Waterman.
The Cinderella OF the Sea.

tnAfIEh
Many and many an evening was whiled
away, on that ships deck, and made happy
by the child's sweet and innocent talk. OF.
ten the two friends, Paul and Arthur, would
draw her off and quietly amuse themselves
by telling her about the world she knew so
little Of about various cities and countries
and birds and animals. Arthur would often
venture to draw on his imagination for his
facts, just to hear her merry peals of laugh
ter but Paul, of more serious turn, when
alone with her, loved TO tell her of the many
and wonderful works of God, and of the
great things still to be for those who love
him, till her bright face grew sober, and a
bewildered, mixed expression passed from
eye to mouth and left her silent. With her
many teachers and her own quick percep-
tions, Anne's education was progressing
fast The pet of all in board, she retained
her dignifed simplicity amid it all.
OF all the new things she heard, the story
of the Saviour and his redemption seemed
the strangest and most interesting. Her
childish mind did not comprehend it, but
she listened intently to every word Paul ut
tered. He could without word or sign at
tract her to himself but he, poor fellow, lit
tie knew what golden chords she was so un-
consciously binding about him. But one
day brought an end all this The ship had
reached harbor, and all were to land.
Paul had started for Germany with his
friend Arthur, to study and afterwards to
travel, aud his pet cousin, Dora, was sent to
be near him, and also to pursue her studies.
Having had money left him by an uncle, he
began to wonder whether he could not keep
the new Cinderella with him, and put her
at school with Dora He also began to feel
that the love he cherished for that child was
strange and rare. He read his sure future
in the old tale of Cinderella. "But she is
only eight, and am eighteen" thought he,
with sad and troubled brow. He consulted
Arthur, and no objection being found to his
new plan, he said to Anne one evening when
sitting alone with her cinderella he
always called her by that name" would
like to keep you with me, and protect and
care for you, and at last own you. Will
you give yourself to me ?"
"Well, don't know" quietly came from
the guileless lips, "nobody does care for
me, or protect me, or own me; so | can say
yes, if like. What would you do with me
first ?"
al would show you this big world that
have told you about" was his reply. al
would leave you at school with my little
lame Dora for sister, and after many years
would come and take you for my own
wife. Do you know what that means ?"
"Oh, yes y she cried, :" l would like to be
your wife, for then you would love to pro-
tect and care for me, and you would truly
own me-
She little understood all she gave to him,
but he did, and he took her tiny hand in
his, and looking deep down into those clear
true eyes, said, g take my new Cinderella's
free and precious gift, all of it, aud | will
make her rejoice over it."
He kept his word. He asked her of the
captain, who sorrowed some at giving up so
new and dear prize, but could not refuse,
as she herself had given her heart and hand
| to Paul.
For many years these four young people
were together at different times and yet
separated for many months. Though the
young men were not studying in Berlin
where the girls were placed at school, yet
they often went there, and often took them
about in vacations.
Ten years did wonders for each one, bu
for Anne most of all. No need for her to
recross the waters, as all her ties were here
Nor for Dora, as Paul had always acted a
her older brother since she became al
orphan. And as for the two young men
they never forgot their own country, or theil
pleasant homes in New York city; but they
had come to stay long time, and the years
were rapidly passing away.
When the eighteenth birthday of oul
little heroine was fairly reached, and tn,
two children had so nearly attained t.
womanhood, the four were to recross tn
Atlantic. Paul made great effort to en-
gage passage in the same ship which ha'
brought them over ten years ago, that tn
good captain might see once more his hall
adopted child. After some delay ant
trouble he succeeded, and early in May they
all started for America.
Glad to behold the sea again, Anne fel
the same old joy and wonder fill her hear
as before. The very first evening after the
came on board, Paul drew her quietly bu
firmly to the self same corner of the shil
where she had given herself to him lon
years before. 1t was so many years ag
that wretched doubt possessed him, tina
she might not keep her promise for he hac
never reminded her of the fatal words tina
so bound her to him. For some time the,
sat in silence, he trying to gather courag
to break that golden stiffness by words tina
might possibly bring him disappointment
and misery. At last he recalled the seen
to her, and she blushed as he told over he
very words, how glad and free she was +
accept his hand. Soon, she said very low
Yes, Paul, to you owe everything. l ar
indeed yours"
"No," said he, 81 want no debt of graft
tude paid. l want this Cinderella to Civ
only love to the owner Of the magic slipper
and so love will bring wealth"
She put her hand in his and looked M
and he looked down TO the bottom Of thos
well-lke eyes, and saw himself sole posses
sor of that fresh young heart.
And SO our tale might end, as man
another has.
CHAPTER VI.
"But," said Arthur and the captain in
breath, "why not finish this singular tai
where it began ? No home, no parent
await the bride. As it happens there ar
two clergymen on board, the younger on
shall perform the ceremony. What sa
you"
81 am quite willing and ready" quickl
! answered Paul "You gave her to me onc'
and you may repeat the gift"
And" laughed Arthur, what strang
and rare setting shall we have to our pit
turai Co fttino N thu s.uaar f,rat-cnmin