The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-07-09
OUT ON THE LAKE.

lashes-a little, slender nose-a mouth fit for
Queen TltanIa-white brow, on which cluster
cd rings Of gold, in fascination Of disorder
"a cheek eXquisitcly fair, with tint upon it
for the sea shell-two little soft, helpless hands
two little sllppered feet, and you have the
picture before Roydon Towards gaze, and the
inventory successfully dotted down by him in
his mental diary.
"Awiully pretty" was the verdict rendered,
absolutely good for nothing else. All, if life
were all summer such women would make
perfect wives"
An audible sigh followed the latter thought
of this most grave philosopher; a sigh so
deep, so profound that it started the girl from
her reverie
"a penny for your thoughts, Major" she
said in Il low, musical tone.
The voice suited her, it was like all else
about Fay Richngs-in perfect attune.
You bid too low" answered the man; land
yet too high, since you ask upon subject of
whose reply you must be conscious You for
get that, spending the last hour in your society,
my thoughts could not wander far"
But you sigh. Must hold myself respon-
sible for the SIGH, tOc,'
81 fear sO-in remembering that my fur
Tough is rapidly slipping away, aud that with
in month must join my regiment on the
plains, leaving my charming companion of
this morning DO you still bid n penny to
inquire into thing so deep as a sighg :"
| The color deepened q little on the beautiful
cheek.
"lIis charming companion of the morning"
This was how he regarded hcr-this man,
whose brave deeds had preceded HIM, until
before meeting, had assigned him something
akin TO hero worship.
A little, sharp stab of pam shot through her
heart but she smiled brayely
"All that was scarcely worth a sigh from
IyOu," she SAID. at is never those who go
amid new scenes who feel most kecnly the
parting, but rather those who are left behind
amid the old familiar surroundings, and say,
Yesterday he sat here or Yesterday we heard
his laugh or perchance find glove that he
has dropped, or cigar halfsmoked-to them
1t Is something felt, something tangible"
"Do you think so? Does the sand sigh for
the retreatlng wave when already one coming
claims its wecomey should be glad to feel
that Miss Fay sometimes gave me q thought
among the many new aspirants for the hour
she has sometimes bestowed on me. A sol
dier's life has many charms, spite of his hard.
ships, and there is some fascination spite of
its pain, in the long solitary musings he holds
sitting at the door Of his tent, when, instead
of the plain stretching before him, he views
the mental panorama of his past. Pm afraid
mine will confine itself to one figure. Can
you guess whose, Miss Fay"
There was an lnstants pause--an instant
when something stirred within Roydon How
wards heart, prompting the impulse to cry
out; "Who but yours? Make Imagination
realty? Come with me! Share soldiers
life, and let our mutual love smooth the rough
placcs!"
But scarcely was it born than he strangled
n IIp Ind N In IN at thls GIRL
cared for him; but even So at best it was but
q passing fancy.
And in time of real danger where would she
be? How would she fit HIM to ride forth to-
meet foe! Either with hysterlcal weeping
or swoon. No, no. Here under the green
trees, in q ballroom, at the head of luxurious
ldlnncr-table, such women were charming
enough to turn mans brain but IN moments
of peril, when death, no longer clothed in the
poets rythm, stalked before them, bare and
ungainly, 1t was little wonder that they fled
shrlekIng from his grim presence.
Therefore the pause lasted an instant only
then Roydon answered his own question with
a laugh.
II declare, am almost growing sentimental.
If in anybody's presence but yours Miss Fay,
| should apologize for so unwonted mood,
But you are wholly responsible for il, and III
must De with you so old IA story to inspire IT.
that will not waste the words. BY the way,
there is my horse had no idea it was So
late. Ia rerOir! Remember, | have the first
and last waltzes this evening"
The girl stood motonless, watching HIM rs
he strobe away watching him vault upon his
horse, his tall, superb figure showing toI
such splendid advantage, watching horse
and rider rs they cantered out of sight, the
latter turning first to give II farewell salute
with his whip.
$50, in scarce a month. will he ride out of
my life" she murmered with white lips ooh,
Roydon, Is it that you are too proud to ask me
to share the peril and privations of soldiers
lite, or that 1t would give you no pleasure To-
have me share it?'
will you 90 out on the lake with me this
afternoon, Miss Fayg" asked Maj. Howard, a.
week later ut looks little squally but we
will keep close into shore, so as to run home
if the clouds thcken."
"Ot course will come" assentcd Miss Fay,
land as TO the clouds, don't watch them too
closely. | rather like storms"
What perfect picture she makes"
thought Roydon, as he promptly, at the APP
pointed time, assisted her into the sail-boat he
had named in her honor, the catching dress
of dark blue fitting closely to the exquisltely-
outlined figure and on the golden braids nest
led coquetiish sailor hat. Fifteen minutes
later splendid breeze had carried them tar
out INTO the lake.
THE storm has concluded to postpone itself
in our special favor" SAID Roydon, glancing
up at the blue sky, cor perhaps they think sol
diers should not be too severely tried as sail
ors. Which is 1t, Miss Fayr"
"Do you appeal To me as the spirit of the
storm cloudy If so, | shall call on il to-
avenge me-"
He answered simply by Hook, but II caused
her eyes to droop.
She stretched the little white hand down to-
the waters edge, watching the current resist /,
as the boat sped onward
"Son he unused, "am resisting the voice
of my heart; so must resist to the end"
They spoke but little. They were alone and
together-around them water, above them the