The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-06-08
HOUSE,
THE WRECK OF ONE LIFE.

THE WRECK OF ONE LIFE.
Twas sick and tired, that summer
from the effects of overwork, and when
the doctor advised me to seek some quiet
little village by the sea, where invigorat-
ing air could be found, chose Ardmore.
Ardmore lay nestled in a green and fer
tile valley; afar off to the inland could
be seen hazy ridge Of mountains whose
peaks lowered toward heaven as if to un-
fathom its many mysteries; and from my
quaint old-fashioned window could see
the blue expanse of waters, while the
ever-soundng roar of the breakers was
borne mournfully to my ear.
I strolled along the sandy beach one
pleasant afternoon, and seated on moss
covered stone, gazing dreamily out at
. sea, where white-saiIed vessels swiftly
\ glided, first saw her in all her peerless
beauty-with dark-brown hair waving
luxuriantly over her perfect shoulders;
glorious, soul-stirring eyes, and far,
sweet, oval face. Upon her lap lay a
little sketch, which she had just finished.
She started back and blushed pain
fully when she saw me look at her with
the admiration 1 could not repress, and
gathered up book and the sketch she
had drawn. ........ ...
81 beg Your PARDON" said, lifting my
hat; 81 had no idea that any one was
here save myself, or 1 would not have SO
rudely intruded.
"It is no intrusion" she replied, aris-
ing at the same time; "for had intended
to 60 before you came, as my sketch is
finished, and | fear have already staid
too long" And, as she walked gracefully
away, a little white card futtered from
the book she held in her hand to the
ground, where it remained unnoticed.
Watching her until she disappeared up a
little shady lane, l picked UP the card
that she had dropped, and read thereon
the name: "EvangeliDe Orton."
All that long night her black eyes
haunted me so that 1 could not sleep.
Her name, which sounded so mu .ical and
sweet, came irresistibly to my lips, and
l repeated softly over and over until the
night had passed away. .
In due time Evangeline Orton and
became acquainted. She lived with her
parents in charming little place called
Fern Cottage, and it was here my love
for her grew stronger and purer as the
days quickly passed. There were many
s,litors for her hand; but of all / soon
became the most favored. raj
One night we walked slowly on the
beach, and listened to the waves as they
rhythmically beat the shore. :.
''There is nothing so beautiful to me
as the sea-" she said slowly. III was born
and brought up beside it, and 1 admire
it in its different moods"
II agree with you, Miss Orton," I re-
turned, looking in her face and longing
to tell her how l loved her. II too have
learned to admire the sea, for the reason
that I have spent so many happy hours
beside it." 80 $3.50 .Gtt 4 +
"But yet it is treacherous," she said,
her eyes bent seaward. "Once can re-
member there was a shipwreck off this
coast, and the next morning l went to
the beach to see the remnants that were
cast ashore by the waves. The scene
was terrible, for of all on board the ship
not one survived through the perils Of
that night" NJ s'A7'
She shuddered at the remembrance,
and for while was silent. Then I told
her loved her. ,
"Miss Orton-Evangeline, during the
short time have seen you l have learned
to love you devotedly-with strong
pure love that can never grow less. Will
you be mine, dear, and render my life
unspeakably happyr
Eagerly l waited for her answer. Her
bosom heaved with emotion, and glad,
tender light shone in her black eyes aa
she murmured softly: sss..1 90. ...
"Yes; have loved you since I first
met YOU on the beech"
"God bless you, my darlingp said,
wrapping the shawl around her, and
then we retraced our steps homeward.
Passing, dark corner, man dis.
guised in a heavy overcoat passed ui
quickly and disappeared in the darkness.
"Oh, Percyp Evangeline said. breath.
lessly, "did you see how wickedly that
man glanced at you2 I have seen him
before. Be careful, dear, for ! am posi-.
tive he means HARM"
"Nonsense, Pet" / replied, thinking Of
rny new-found happiness; and having
reached Fern Cottage, bade Evangeline
good night and sauntered slowly to my
rooms. t.t,s,, ..,ts .,.t ssP
The stars twinkled merrily; the wateri
sparkled and flashed joyfully under the
rays Of q full moon, and all nature