The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-06-17


you were too awkward and simple for
her refined taste"
Gerald glanced at Mays downcast
countenance, and asked quietly
Is that true, Miss Maya"
She shot whitening glance at Edwin
and replied eyes," in a low tone.
Gerald's face changed color, and he
rose abruptly and babe them all good
night. He kept his eyes studiously
averted from May as he came to her
side; then be went hastily from the
room.
After he had gone, May went up
stairs to her room, too sad and mortified
to remain with the family. A moment
after he had spoken, Edwin regretted
what he had said, for he was very kind
heated with all his faults, and quickly
repented what his mischievous nature
led Kim to do. Mays heart was full Of
sorrow as she thought Of the possible
consequences Of her own rash words
for that she loved the farmer she could
no longer conceal from herself, and the
future would be indeed blank if she lost
him; even his awkward manner was
dear to her, and she did not wish him
changed in any particular
Oakland did not come to the Hall for
some time after that; but he treated
May with marked GOODNESS that panied
her excessively, although she, true to her
womanly instincts, retained her gay,
coquettish manner still.
The months passed swiftly on, till,
before anyone realized it, Winter had
come IN with keen, frosty breath. Then
came the liveliest time for the young
people, ana May soon learned to be as
skillful on ice as she was in Waiting,
and almost every day her slight, grace
full figure could be seen fitting as lightly
as bird over the ice.
1t was a clear, cold day in January,
and May, accompanied by her cousins,
set out for Glenwood Brook, which was
situated about two miles from their
home. They had not gone far before
they were overtaken by Oakland, who
came along whistling, with his skates
slung over his shoulder.
"Ah, Oakland, just the fellow we
wanted You help May along and I'll
take care of Bertha, exclaimed Edwin,
who good naturally wished to bring the
estranged couple together.
Thus addressed, Gerald could not do
otherwise than offer his services to MAY,
who accepted them nonchalantly enough
although her heart was beating loudly at
the same time.
The pond was large one, and soon
May and Gerald found themselves quite
separated from the rest of the party
She started along fearlessly, and was
making for the opposite bank, when
Gerald called out anxiously-
"Do not 60 too near that bank, for
there is a swift current underneath, and
the ice is thin"
May did not pause in her course, and
sent clear, silvery peal of laughter
after her.
"Ah, l am not afrsid, and I am de-
termined on reaching that bank"
The words were barely uttered when
the ice gave an ominous, creaking
sound, and in a moment she sank under
it. She gave one quick scream, and
then remained silent, holding on to the
ice with fast benumbing fingers.
"Oh, l hope he will soon come !" she
moaned.
Gerald was soon beside her, and, brac-
ing himself against tree, he took her
little cold hands in his, and, after con-
siderable exert'on, succeeded in drawing
her out of the water. He held her half
unconscious form in his arms and MUIR
INJURED softly:
"Thank God, 1 was not too late My
darling, what should have done had l
lost youl"
She opened her eyes, wet with thank
full tears, and whispered:
Would you have cared, G'rald =
"Cared 2 Life would haye been
worthless to me had you gone p" he ex-
claimed, passionately.
His face was very pale with sup
pressed emotion, and his eyes shone
with such clear light that they fairly
dazzled her.
at this interesting point they were in
terrupted by the appearance OF Edwin
Webb, who could hardly conceal his
laughter ct the turn affairs had taken.