The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-04-11

Joy. This will be an agreeable diver
sion"
Holm had secretly chartered the pref
ty steamer so that only certain num-
Der of passengers were allowed on board,
thus making the trip to the islands
very agreeable one, with the exception
of Anne's rather preOccupied manner,
which suddenly left her when at the
landing they were met by Elgin, who
had started early and alone to surprise
them. The hours at the islands were
spent in gayety. Holm displaying Ia
remarkable talent in all sorts Of enter
tainments. In the afternoon Elgin said
to Anne:
"There is beautiful view to be had
of the adjacent islands from Rocky
Point. If your mother is not too tired
we will row across, and be well paid for
our trouble"
81 believe will not attempt it, said
Mrs. Horst; "but Annie can go, and !
will sit on the beach and watch you"
Holm Immediately ordered camp chairs
and umbrellas and they proceeded to
the beach, where Elgin and Anne enter
ed a skiff, and with gay good-byes started
for the point. The water was swarming
with little steam tugs that were busily
engaged in carrying people to points of
interest, and it required skillful rowing
to keep out of their path. Elgin and
Anne were scarcely ten rods from the
shore, when the watchers on the beach
saw to their horror that tug was bear
ing directly down on them. Elgin saw
the danger too late to avoid it, and seiz-
ing his companion by the arm, shouted
Jump" and the next moment they
were laundering in the water, while
their skiff disappeared under the black
hull OF the tug. Help was instantly at
hand, and soon Anne was in the arms of
her half fainting mother, laughing and
reassuring her. Holm had instantly,
with gentle forethought, sent word to
the hotel for dry clothes and hot drinks,
and soon the party was comfortably
seated in the parlor of the Island House,
Elgin and Anne in the clothes of some
obliging summer guest But a feeling
of constraint had settled on the pleasure
seekers which Ralph's happiest Jokes
could not dispel, and each felt a secret
relief when the steamers loud whistle
called them on board.
Late that night Holm entered Pierce
Elgin's room and abruptly asked:
''Elgin, do you love Anne Horst?
A moment the two men eyed each
other with fierce looks, then Elgin
answered coldly:
81 did not think I owe you an account
d my feelings"
VERY well; from this answer / as
sumo that you do not love her. do,
and tomorrow | will offer her my hand
and fortune. A man must be a weak
trifer or fool who will hesitate to make
such girl his wife if he has the chance.
Good night; AID without waiting for an
answer he quickly left the room.
Elgin was alone. With white face
and set lips, hesaid aloud:
''The impudmt fellow. How dare he
have the effroltery? She is mine. Il
know she is mine, even though | should
never ask her. She will not be yours.
Ralph Holm, nor any other mans, but
only my own, own Anne;" and feel
ing OF eXultation filled his breast. That
day, in their hour of danger he had
realized what Anne was to him, and had
determined to make her his own as soon
as possible. Toward noon of the next
day he met Ralph coming up the hotel
steps. He held tout his hand with a sad
SMILE
Goodbye, Pierce, Tn off for Europe
You know what that means. When You
and Anne are happy, think Of me some
times"
That evening Anne received her
second offer, and when Elgin left West
wood week later, it was with the deter
mination that Anne, his wife. shonld
never regret having refused a million
are; and seeking political appoint
ment he soon received lucrative posi-
ton IN she Custom-house at N. Friends
We're surprised and disappointed at The
close OF his artistic career, but Elgin shut
his thoughts to everything except his
wife and money-making. The great
painting which had been his dream for
years was turned on its easel, and Pierce
persuaded himself that he was doing b;s
duty Anne was all he had exnacfed
the light Of his home, for whom he
would have thought world we'll lost
But sometimes he detected a shadow ON
her face, and the harassing thouobt
would come, ut is Holm and his nil.
lionsW He felt ashamed Of the nm
worthy thought, yel it would return :" T.
,yex him; and tonight, as he neared ,bis
home, from which tle cheerful LIGHT was
streaming like bescon, he said b;tter
": She will regret her folly now car
tainly." Wy now GER
Anne was leaningon the gate WAITING
TOR his coming, and when she saw h;me
she hastened down tne walk, and fondlv
taking his arm, wh4pered:
You are late nsur anniversary
Yes, Anne, late and perhaps unwel-
come when | reveal8the reason. have
lost my position at The Custom.housa J,
Lost your position? Oh, Pierce, / am
why Anne, are you mad? Do Won
Know 20, what you are sayingg' Am
!, 1hey were in their yard now under
the shadow of some trees that lined tba
walk; Anne stood still, and her husband
could S! see her sweet, smiling face by tbe
talnt light of the western moon ~
Yes, Pierce, know what I am so,,
ing. L has grieved me, obs so soroI,,