The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1881-05-25

''N '''''i '''N't ,NOu1 ItSIlllllS
Aunt Deborah with infinite scom. 'Per-
haps you will have the assurance to tell
me you did not know that he loved Won,
Now, look here, Miss Jane Fleming, |
have had enough Of this. Your cousin.
Jack Randall. has been as dear to me as
a son for years past. He was my favor
ite sisters only son, and when She was
on her dcath-bed | promised faithfully
to do my best for her child. You are
the only daughter of my dear brother. |
promised him on his death bed to take
charge Of you. l have tried to do my
best"
"You have ever been" | commence,
my eyes filling with tears, and q pang Of
remorse shooting through my heart for
ever having said a word or committed an
act that could wound Aunt Deborah s
gentle spirit.
But Aunt Deborah interrupts me.
81 don't need any thanks" she ex-
claims; II have only done my duty.
Answer me one question, and this pain
full subject shall be dropped. Do you
love anyone else? Are you fondor Of
any one than you are of Jack?"
My color mounts to my forehead.
"No," reply.
Ny aunt rises, and putting her arms
about my neck. kisses me atlectionatclv.
"Thank Heaven for that, my dear"
she says with much emotion"
And so the conversation ends.
Aunt Dcborah's house is situated on
the parade at Ramsgate. | have lived
with her for more than seven years, and
she has proved mother to me in every
way. | have to-day, for the first time
in my life, told her II deliberate false
hood. ] do love some one better than
Cousin Jack. This afternoon | mean to
meet him on the beach. He has asked
me to be his wife, and have all but
consented. Ours have been clandestino
meetings. 10 own the truth, | spoke to
him without formal introduction.
One afternoon, whcn | was alone upon
the sands, he mado an excuse for speak
ing to me. He warned me Of the in
coming tide, saying he feared might be
surrounded Since then our meetings
have been frequent; since then my feel
logs for Cousin Jack have grown colder
aud colder.
1t is afternoon, the afternoon of the
same day on which ! have told Aunt
Deborah the Deliberate falschood as to
my affections. my ncwl y-found lover IS
at my side, my handsome gay-heartcd
Arthur Soon, | trust, the day may
come when shall he his wife; when /
shall bear the name Of Stanford.
tell him about my aunts lecture.
"AlI this kind Of thing he says,
must be put stop to, my little Jane,
as soon as possible. Don't You think it
far better that it should be SOP
GLOW can it he put a stop to? | ask.
"l'hcre is but one way he answers,
"aad to that | hardly dare hope you will
consent.
"Tell me what it is, say.
"For us to elope, Jane"
The color mounts to my checks, and
my breath comes quickly.
"Jane, my darling Jane, he murmurs,
"will you fly with me to,night?'
Before We have separated / have con-
sented to his proposal.
The wind is blowing brislly as ho
wishes me N, rCr0H.
Il am Just going to have a sail in my
favorte little slIiil'-a farewell sail, he
says; "and then | must return to my
hotel and make all necessary prepara-
tions."
Its blowing so strongly " 1 answer;
"and I'm always afraid of some accident
when you 60 sailing in that slender
craft"
"Ncver fear" he responds gaily, 81
can swim Il mile or two if need be; there s
no danger of my coming to grief. Fare
well until tonight; tonight, darling !!
and then we shall meet to partno more. ~
He grasps my hand, oh, so warmly,
and then he leaves me. | watch his re-
treating figure as he makes his way to-
wards that portion OF the beach where
he hires his sailing skill.
Presently / SEQ him on the bosom OF
the sea, the white sail set, and the little
skifr living over on her side-so far over
that expect to see her capsize momen-
tarily.
Farther and farther out to sea he sails,
away in the afternoon sun, ny lover, lor
whose safety tremblc.
The wind freshens every mom"Ht
Others eyes, as well rs mines, are d.
rected towards the bold young EngIlsh-
man who ventures to ride SO daringly
upon the trcacherous ocean. =,
4 cry goes up from those assembled
on the beach, a cry in which my voice
joins. for the white sail OF my lover
boat is seen to dip into the water, to lie
upon the bosom of the sea: the frail craft
has been taxed too heavily, and In an
other moment it has capszed.
As that wall OF agony escapes my lips
n hand is laid upon my shoulder, hand
that is ever ready iu the hour OF danger
Cousin Jacks hand.
"Don't give way" he exclatms, "l'
Heaven grants me strength will save
himl"
And then ] see Jack Randall plunge
into the sea aud strike out to the rescue.
A minute later | fail senseless among
When consciousness return, l find
myself in bed. Ny first inquiry is:
"Have they saved him?
"You mustnot attempt to talk at pres
emf dear" answers Aunt Deborah, whc
"Rnt I mist know" cry excitedly,
endeavoring to rise.
At this moment the doctor appears
upon the scene,