Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1882-01-18
"REMINISCENCES OF LONG BRANCH.

anu autumn cOines Noo sooh'
"REMINISCENCES OF LONG BRANCH.
Long Branch was crowded with Wis
itors and the fashionable hotels were
reaping their annual harvest. One af'
ternoon the guests at certain hotel
were congregated on the piazza enjoy
ing the cool breeze, and some of the
ladies were discussing with great ami
nation the last arrival.
Rose Burnett, lively brunette, en-
claimed in rather loud tones:
Il am sure that Mrs. Grant is an
adventures.
Before she could finish the sentence
her friend, Helen Page, whispered
"Be silentp for the object of their re-
marks was approaching.
1t was evident that she had over
heard the conversation, for her pale
cheek flushed as she seated herself on q
distant bench.
Belle Grant was attired in deep
mourning, and the sombre hue of her
garments rendered more apparent the
delicate fairness of her complexion
Her golden hair was carelessly pushed
back from her broad, low brow, and
her large blue eyes were clouded by
sorrow. She would have been lovely
if her face had not worn an expression
of hopeless despair.
A beautiful boy approached. For a
moment Bellies countenance was radi-
ant with joy,
Mamma said the child, and his
big black eyes filled with tears, "all
the boys have papa who is kind to
them, and brings them lots Of nice
things. Why does not my father come
to see mc?'
The mother bowed down her head
and replied:
pray to God, my son, and perhaps
He will bring your father back to U.s."
Rose glanced triumphantly at her
friend Helen, and exclaimed:
at is just as l supposed, the fair
Mrs. Grant is an imposter. She is
evidently not widow, as her reply to
her boy proves. But her husband has
never made his appearance, nor is he
likely to do so, unless the prayers of
the infantine cherub work miracles"
Rose. how can you be so sarcastic p
replied Helen. 81 am sure that Mrs.
Grant is a true woman. ] think she is
overwhelmed by some great sorrow,
and we should regard her with sympa-
thy, and not with ill-natured suspicion"
AS Helen ceased speaking, Belle APP
preached the young ladies and address
ed Rose with well-bred self-possession.
Pardon me-" she said, "but / have
been an unwilling listener to your con-
versation. You are correct in your
conjectures. am not widow, but
am wife, and if ] wished / could un-
ravel the mystery by which ] am sur
rounded. However, excuse your un-
charitable insinuations, for you are
young and inexperienced; but i'll flu
ture never SANDER one Of your own
sex. IF you meet an outcast, and she
is endeavoring to reform, be womanly,
hold out an helping hand to her, and
do not push her deeper into the abyss"
Roses face became crimson from
passion as she listened to this we'll
merited rebuke, and with inexcusable
rudeness she turned away from Belle
uttering a word.
pray excuse my friend" said Helen.
"She is a spoilt child; however, hope
that she will profit by your good adj
vice. And now suppose we change
this most unpleasant subject; will you
me to the beach ? l sup
pose you enjoy the water"
Indeed l dop' was the answer. II
was considered an excellent swimmer
but unfortunately l am so delicate that
my physician has forbidden me to
battle; however, will join you in
your walk"
AS they approached the beach they
heard Rose Burnett's shrill voice urging
her companions to follow her, and not
be towards. Belle glanced at the
bathers, and noticed that Rose was
most ventursome. Forgetting her in
sulting conduct, she cried:
Remember the under-current."
The foolish, girl instead of appre-
ciating these kind intentions, became
more daring, and ventured out still
further.
Suddenly Il cry of dispair was heard.
Rose Burnett was sinking.
Belle, without an instant's hesita-
ton, plunged into the water. She was
an able swimmer, and soon reached the
unfortunate girl, who was almost ex-
hausted; in another moment she would
have been past human aid. But a
firm grasp held her up-gentle tones
cheered her. A brave woman had
risked her life to save IN enemy.
AT length she reached the shore.
Kindly hands relieved her of her in