Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1882-11-11

a huge lamp, around which was num-
Der Of convex glasses so arranged as to
rotate around the lamp, thus throwing
alternately light and darkness on the
sea-
was just glancing at these things
when | heard footstep behind me.
Looking round | beheld girl nearme,
in plain, simple dress, but whose
beauty forcibly impressed me. She
was unmistakably an Italian, and
deep brunette. Her raven hair hung
in longplaited braids over her shoulders.
Her large bright eyes had pleasant
ness about them had rarely met.
At first she seemed little embar-
rassed, but spoke in a sweet, soft voice,
81 hope you w, scuse me for the IA
miliarity with which / accosted you; |
mistook you for an acquaintance"
Il am thankful you made the mis-
take" replied, "for 1 desired very
much to ascend"
at is all well then, ! trust, and since
you are here | give you permission to
remain and examine whatever is here.
My father, however, does not allow me
to admit any one into this tower; so
you will please consider this secret
not to be disclosed to any one"
"But where is your father ?" l asked,
growing uneasy lest l should compro-
mise her.
"He is gone away some miles, and
will not return till tomorrow. 1t is
now twilight and l have come to light
the lamp"
Saying this, she took large key or
crank with which she wound the ma
chine. She struck a match aud lit the
lamp, and the mighty lantern overhead
with its huge glasses began slowly to
revolye. She said the light at night
was seen twenty miles from sea.
She took much pains to explain
everything to me, during which time l
was charmed with the sweetness of her
voice and the mild luster Of her eyes.
After we had examined everything
within ave walked ont upon the balcony
and gazed upon this sea. How calm
and blue the waters
Turning to the stairway she said i:
81 am sorry ! cannot permit you to
remain longer; | have already violated
my fathers rules"
81 wish to thank you truly for your
kindness in showing me the many curl
Gus things in this place, and for the
pleasure it has given me-.
After exchanging Goodnight" l re-
luctantly tore myself away from this
, enchantress on the seashore, and has.
tened back to the town. / was de-
lighted with my adventure. l deter
mined to become acquainted with her
: if possible. How should manage it Z
: | dared not mention such thing to her
, in the lighthouse, though thought Of
little else.
The next day went to my friend
, Ferguson and related my experience al
the lighthouse. told him of the au
! gelic spirit that attended me, and asked
him to give me little of her history
: "Her history" said he, sis a little
s singular. Her name is Paorina Falco
}, She came here three years ago with
y her father and mother from Italy
t, They have had charge of the station
r ever since. She has a good education
b and understands English very well foI
o her chance" "
t "But do you mean she has not hac
d good opportunities P'
] "Yes; her father is very eccentric
d He does not regard with favor anybod!
3 but those of his native land. He doe
" not permit his daughter to associate
!. with any American gentlemen, an,
d says if she forms an attachment fo
n any young man here he will send he
back to Europe. But what makes yo
e so serious? Were you thinking of get
10 ting up an acquaintance with her?"
4 "Yes; must confess it ALL"
e "Well, there are many young me
er here who would like to do that Sh
ID is considered very beautiful. Ere
quent plans have been made to get &C
d quainted with her, but all have been {
TO no avail"
le "If that is the case there is littl
y, hope for me; but must confess I
of like to spend few evenings with her.