The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1881-11-03
A SUMMER ROMANCE.

spectator to the mimic scene; but to the
two actors, surroundings were lost sight
of-they thought only of themselves.
Mocking the mcon-rays. when they
glanced upward, they 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 had escaped.
Arch smiles had passed between its
mem5e as they had seen Sydney Al
lison and Bayard Hunter stroll Oft arm
in arm to where the little boat was moor
ed.
The women had almost ceased to be
jealous of Sydney, or to ask where lay
her charm. When she exercised her fas-
cination men bowed before her-frst
from necessity then from choice.
But, though her victims We're 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. Therefore,
seeing these two brought beneath the
same roof, and thrown into daily inter
course, rumor wae rife and speculation
awaited results with bated breath. Mean
time, the little boat foated calmly on the
quiet surface Of the lake.
"Miss Allisonp'
1t was the first word either had spoken
in full five minutes.
She glanced up at the speaker. The
white lace thrown careIessly 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 instant;
then, as though ashamed of the momen-
tary weakness, again shot questioning
look into Mr.. Hunters face.
Miss Allson,' he repeated, slowly,
did you know that we we1e in danger?'
In danger?
Her cheek grew shade paler. She
glanced up at the blue vault where sailed
SO maiestically the Goddess of Night
down into the dark depth of the waters,
only to see Luna's brilliancy reflected
there-around, about her, not leafet
stirred.
No he said, in answer to her look,
mot from any of these. The moon, the
wind, the water, all are our friends TO-
night. We are in danger from each 9th
er.'
Oh, how she prayed the moon might
fail to make apparent the instant flush.
| ing of blood to her cheekl She felt it
| glow, like warm, crimson rose, even
while she raised her little head almost
detiantly, as though to hurl challenge
at his audacity.
Men had made love to her in many
forms, but always as suppliants. This
man dared suppose her in equal danger
with himself!
You deal in enigmas, Mr.. Hunter,
she returned haughtily. Il am accus-
toned to plain speech
Rather say than plain speech is to you
an unknown tongue, and that I 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. week
more of exposure to your maddening fas-
cinations and my ship would go to wreck
and ruin on the bar; unless he leaned
nearer, his voice, grew. softer, more full
of tender feeling, and his hands fell on
hers very lightly. but with carressing
grace, unless, Sydney, you would let it
float your pennon and guide it into the
safe harbor of YOUR love-
She had been wooed many times in
many climes,:by many men, but.snaught
had ever moved her as this .wooiEg, 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 pres
ence to put an end to the existence she
had rendered miserable; or had vowed
that henceforth woman's smile would be
gall and wormwood; or pleaded that she
had shorn their manhood of its strength,
and rendered their life a burden.
This one. did none of these things.
While his strength yet was his he saw
and met the danger.
"A week hence, she said to herself.
bitterly, 'and the flame might SINCE him.
Now his wings are all unscorched. He
does not say L love you!' ''In time
might love YOU
Was he then to win SO easy victor?
Not so.
Let US go home, she interrupted, with
q little shiver. 1T is growing chilly
Sydney, is this your answer?'
Your answer2 with an assumption of
surprise. 1 was not aware of any ques-
tion.'
You shall not even have this excuse.
Will you be my wifea'
His voice was stern now-stern to
harshness-and his grasp frightened on
her hand.
You hurt me, MIR. Hunter she com.
planned, petulantly, making an effort to
withdraw her fingers.
Instantly he released her.
/ I see that have hurt you,' he return
ed, courteously, and took up the idle
, oars. Pardon me, he continued, Il will
: not do it over again.
E A few bold strokes and the boats keel
: grated on the shore, Ten Minimize ,ota,