The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1881-08-13
A SUMMER ROMANCE.

oitdSe OhC huOouiiSHb piuySN tb Will
Such the picture, had one been a
mere spectator of the mimic scene;
but to the two actors, surroundings
were lost sight of-they thought on
~ of themselves.
Mocking the moon-rays, when
they glanced upward, they could see
on the bank above them the twink
ling lights of the villa and hear the
merry voices and gay laughter of the
grohp from which they had escaped
Arch smiles had passed between
its members as they had seen sgd
ney Allison and Bayard Hunter
stroll off arm in arm to where the lit
tie boat was moored.
The WOMEN had almost ceased to
be jealous Of Sydney, OF to ask Where
lay her chain. When she exercised
her fascination men bowed before
her-first from necessity, then froih
choice.
But, though her victims Were
countless, she was twenty-three, and
Sydney Allison still. However, this
time she had encountered (the little
girl at Mrs. Graham's said) foeman
worthy of her STEEL
What she was among men, Bay
ard Hunter was among women.
Therefore, seeing these two brought
beneath the same roof, and thrown
into daily intercourse, rumor was
rife, and speculation awaited results
with bated breath. Meantime, the
little boat floated calmly on the quiet
surface of the lake.
"Miss Allison !"
1t was the first word either had
spoken in full five minutes.
She glanced up at the speaker.
The white lace thrown carelessly up
on her dark hair, out from which
peered the beautiful, pale face, lent
her some of the moon mystic charm
but meeting the magnetic gaze IF, the
dark. earnest eyes bent upon her, hers
fell for an instant; then, as though
ashamed of the momentary weakness,
again shot questioning look into
Mr.. Hunters face.
"Miss Allison" he repeated, slow
IL, "did you know that we were in
dangerY'
"In danget?'
Her cheek grew shade paler. She
glanced up at the blue vault where
sailed so majestically the Goddess OF
Night-do&n into the dark depth of
the waters; only to see Ltiha's bril-
liancy reflected there-arohhd, 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 tp-night. We are in danger
from each other"
Oh, how she prayed the moon
might fail to make apparent the in
slant flushing of blood to her cheek
She felt it glow, like warm, Grim
son rose, even while she raised her
little head almost defantly,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.. Hunt
err" she returned liaughtily. Il am
accustomed to plain speech"
Rather say that plain speech is to
you an unknown tongue, and that l
am the first man who has dared speak
frankly. Would you lave me more
open still? You shall have your
wish. A week longer Under the same
roof with you, week more Of expo
sure to your maddening destinations
and my ship would go to wreck and
ruin on the bar; unless" he leaned
nearer, his voice grew softer, more
fall of tender feeling, and his hand
fell on hers very lightly, but with ca
ressing 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
had ever moved her as this
wooine, on this moonlight night in
June. Yet this man dared tell her
that In another week this all might
coitie to pass.
Otfiefs had sworn to 60 from her
presehte to put an end to the exist
ence SHE Had rendered miserable; or
had vowed that henceforth woman's
smile Would lie gall and NORWOOD;
Or pleaded that She had shorn their
of its strength; and render
ed their life q burden.
This one did none Of these things.
While his strength yet Was his, he
saw and met the danger.
ga week hence" she said to Her.
self, bitterly, land the flame might
SINCE him. Now his wings are all
He does not say Il love
youn In time l might love you
Was he then to win so easy vic
DRY? Not so.
"Let us go home," she interrupted,
With little SILVER. ''It is growing
:hilly."
"Sydney, is this my answerT'
eYour answer" with an assump-
ion Of surprise. II was not aware
If any question"
"You shall not even have this ex-
.usc. Will you be my wifc?'
His voice was stern now--stern to
his grasp frightened