Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-10-06
A SUMNER ROMANCE.

Such the picture, had one been
mere spectator to the mimic scene; but
10 the two actors, surroundings were
lost sight oi-they thought only of
themselves.
Mocking the moon-rays, when they
glanced upward, the could see on the
bank above them the twinkling lights
of the villa and hear the merry voices
and gay laughter of the group from
which they bad escaped.
Arch smiles had passed between its
members as they had seen Sydney AL
lison and Bayard Hunter stroll off arm
in arm to where the little boat was
moored.
The women had almost ceased to be
Jealous of Sydney, or to ask where lay
her charm. When she exercised her
fascination men bowed before her
first from necessity, then from choice
But, though her victims were count
less, she was twenty-three, and Sydney
Allison still. However, this time she
had encountered (the little girl at Mrs
Graham's villa said) foeman worthy
of her steel.
What she was among men Bayard
Hunter was among women. There
fore, seeing these two brought beneath
the same roof. and thrown into daily
intercourse, rumor was rife and specu-
lation awaited results with bated
breath. Meantime, the little boat float
ed calmly on the quiet surface of the
lake.
Miss Allison p
1t was the first word either had
spoken in full five minutes.
She glanced up at the speaker. The
white lace thrown carelessly upon her
dark hair, out from which peered the
beautiful. pale face, lent her some of
the moons mystic charm; but meeting
the magnetic gaze of the dark, earnest
eyes bent upon her, hers fell for an in
slant; then, as though ashamed of the
momentary weakness, again shot ques-
tioning look into Mr.. Hunters face.
Miss Allison" he repeated, slowly,
did you know thatwe were in danger?'
'In DANGER"
Her cheek grew shade paler. She
glanced up at the blue vault where
.aIed so majestically the Goddess of
Nght--down into the dark depth of the
waters, only to see Luna's brilliancy
reflected there around, about her.
Not q leailet stirred.
NO" he said in answer to her look
not from any of these. The moon,
the wind, the water, all are our friends
tonight. We are in danger from each
other"
Oh, how she prayed the moon might
fail to make appal ent the instant flush
ing of blood to her cheek She felt it
glow, like warm, crimson rose, even
while she raised her little head almost
defiantly. as though to Eurl challenge
at his audacity.
Men had made love to her in many
forms, but always as suppliants. This
man dared suppose ner in equal danger
with himself
"You deal in enigmas, Mr.. Hunter"
she returned haughtily. Il am accus-
toned to plain speech"
Rather say that plain speech is to
you an unknown tongue, and that am
the first man who has dared speak
frankly. Would you have me more
open still? You shall have your wish
A week longer under the same roof
with YOU, a week more Of exposure to
your maddening destinations and my
shin would 60 to wreck and ruin on the
bar; unless" he leaned nearer, his
voice grew softer, more full of tender
feeling, and his hand fell on hers very
lightly, but with caresslng grace, 'un-
less, Sydney, you would let it float
your pennon and guide it into the safe
harbor of your love.
Gho bod borG vvDpaJ MANY tipnns n
many climes, by many men, but naught
mad ever moved her rs this wooing, on
this moonlight night in June Yet this
man dared tell her that in another week
this all might come to pass.
Others had sworn to go from her
presence to put an end to the existence
she had rendered miserable; or had
vowed that henceforth woman's smile
would be gall and NORWOOD; or plead
ed that she had shorn their manhood
OF It's strength, and rendered their life
burden.
This one dbl none Of these things.
"hlle his strength yet was his he saw
and met the danger.
a week hence" she said to herself,
utterly, "and the fame might SINCE
nm. NOW MS wings are ali unsCOrcneu,
de does not say 4 love YOU in time
might love YOU
Was he then to win 90 easy victory?
Not so.
Let us go home,' she interrupted,
With q little SILVER. at is growing
billy"
Sydney, is this my answer"
Your answer" with an assumption
OF surprise. 81 was not aware of any
qdestion."
You shall not even have this excuse.
VIII you be my wife?'
His voice was stern rJw-stern to
aarshness-and his grasp frightened on
her hand.
You hurt me, Mr.. Hunter" she
complained, petulansly, making an eff
io[t to withdraw her fingers.
Instantly he released Der.
4 see that | have hurt you," he re-
sgFned, courteously, and took up the
.die oars. Pardon me-" he continued,
l vii not do it ever again y
+F4HVa L. i