The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1882-08-30
HALF A DREAM.

WV hAiVb SNNAANHh 9NNftAAtt b Wv " - NASNS@
every minute. had left Oxford that
morning, and in ordinary costume
was comfortably surveying the con-
fused sights, before walking to my
hotel. The eagerness of those who
were still within pushed the first who
had left the theatre beyond the
the scanty limits Of the awning, and
many stood in the street waiting for
cab or carriage. Suddenly my eye
fell on a familiar face. II was Buc.
hanan Of ST. Vitus' (my own college,
who in full evening costume, with u
breadth Of shirt.front that the rain
was already discomposing, stood out.
side the awning with young lady
on his arm. They had no umbrella,
and evidently would have to wait
some minutes yet. The rain fell
piteously on his companions pretty
headdress, but she did not seem TO
mind it much, pressed up to them
and said, "Here, Buchanan; l can't
bear to see your friend getting so wet
Take my umbrella till you carriage
comes"
what, you here, Robinsonl how
kind Of you'll The very thing, isn't
it?" (this to his companion) LET
me hold it well over you. There!"
and having ended his pctits 8oins, he
suddenly remembered: "Oh Miss
Frere, Mr.. Robinsonl but where have
you sprung from, old boy, eli? Shall
l see you tonight at the club? No,
by the way, l shan't be able to come
up tonight; hope to see you though
tomorrow tsigere, John, here!" and
in less time than / take to write it
the carriage dashed up, Buchanan
handed in the young lady, who had
only time to thank me with a word
and a still more gracious smile, an
elderly lady and gentleman hurried
ly got in, Buchanan dropped the wet
umbrella into my arms, with a "Ta,
ia! old boy; many thanks" and they
were whirled away, leaving me with
as little ceremony, reflected, as if l
had been engaged by the theatre to
stand at the door and provide ladies
with umbrellas. However, Buchan-
an doubtless meant nothing by it. l
thought he looked very much in love
with his fair companion, and proba-
bly, had not many ideas for any one
else at present. Small blame to him,
for she was very pretty; what eyes
she had, and what a smile! Happy
Buchanan! and here must walk SOL
ltary home TO- my hotel. So | lit my
cigar and strobe on through the drip
ping crowds.
1t was long before l fell asleep, and
even in dreams the winning smile,
the graceful figure, the dainty lace
that was cruelty besmirchcd by the
rain, and which formed the head.
dress of Miss Frere, constantly in.
traded themselves. Her face was
one which derived much of it's
charms from beauty of expression,
and few faces so provoking fix them
selves in the memory as these. Next
morning at breakfast my thoughts
required to her. then the paper came;
finished my chop, hustled off into
the city on business, and forgot her.
The examination for the Indian Civ
il Service was beginning in a few
days, and work put everything else
out of my head. In due time l was
appointed to one of tho vacancies,
and Gt wasBefore the present sys.
tenn received orders to be ready to
sail in three months.
One lovely afternoon that August,
l had rambled from Pen2ance, where
l was bidding farewell to friends,
down to the stern granite cliffs which,
hung with waving fringe of gray
lichen, hurl back defiance on the
surges that so frequently assaulted
the Lands End. 1t was q glorious
scene that | surveyed, looking over
the broken water that runs soswiftly
among the black reefs off the headland
on to the Longship's Lighthouse, and
then to the illimitable Atlantic be.
yond, like the vast unknown future
which lays before my life.voyage.-
Suddenly laughter and voices struck
on my ears. Turning around saw
a party of ladies and gentlemen, fol.
lo,,,l L., al ,