The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-10-18
CHATTER II,
ANCHOR COTTAGE

The cottage stood on the high grouLd
overlooking the Firth. II was square com
! Notwithstanding building OF one story, built
Of brown stone and slated. The only piece
OF Ornamentation about the building was
porch. 1t stood in piece of ground w!Iich
was also square and planted with things
neutrality-suspicious., fruit-trees, and berry
bushes. There were few plots of flowers
and some rose bushes, but these things be-
ing merely beautiful were kept we'll within
bounds. Nevertheless the place had cosy
appearance and was attractive on that ac-
count.
The captain had been brought up to re-
gard utility as the first consideration in life;
and the only bit OF fancy he had permitted
himself when the grounds were laid ont,
was to place an old anchor In the center Of
the patch of grass, called the green. This
anchor had one Of its points stuck firmly in
the ground as if it were holding the whole
place steady.
THAT auld anchor, sir" the captain would
say to any visitor, saved the Mermaid once
when she was being blown out of the roads
by one Of the clartieSt storms have ever
been I'm. The Mermaid of that time was a
bit cutter you maun ken. And when | sold
the cutter and got the steamer | brought
that anchor here and I'm proud o it-rael
proud--and 50 named the house after it,"
As soon as Ross passed through the gate
he halted hesitating whether to go straight
to the door or cross the green towards the
lass he saw amongst the berry-bushes busy
gathering fruit. His hearts impulse had its
way, and he went towards her
As the gate closed behind him with a
clang a frank sun-browned face looked up
from amongst the bushes and recognized
him with a pleasant smile. He thought that
smile as bright as the sunshine itself.
"GIad to see you Mr.. Ross" she said in a
rich CHEEKY voice. Father has been ex-
poctng you, but there is somebody with
him Just now"
How cordially Bob Ross thanked that
somebody" and how earnestly he prayed
that the somebody" might stay long.
~ could not come SO early as Twas mean
ing to do, and Pm no exactly sorry"
How is thatY .
"You are here"
She looked as If she enjoyed, or at any
rate did not dislike, this very direct compli-
ment. She said banteringly-
"Tll haze to take care of you, Mr.. Ross"
That's Just what would like you to do"
he rejoned sincerely.
"Keek into the berry-bush and say what
you see there" she replied, laughingly quot
Ing an Old play-rhyme of childhood
I'm doubling you would not let me tell
you what see"
"Oh, but would, for I'm no the gowk ~
'Pm sure Of that, for what see is the
bonniest lass in AL the world r. ...
"Bh, Mr.. Rossr she cried, laughing again,
"l'm thinking had better go and tell my
father you are here
That was check, otherwise he might
have found an opportunity to turn this ban
ter To serious account. She was conscious
OF that and wished TO avoid the possible
turn the conversation might lakeland he
was aware OF it,
But he tried to detain her by the assur-
ance that he was in no hurry and would rath-
er wait until the captain was quite free.
w tn a smiling shake of the head, she took
up her basket Of frit and went towards the
house. tall, winSOme figure, In neat
simple dress aud as she crossed the green
her rich fair hair gliStened in the sunlight
like gold.
The wistful lover, following, felt that
there WAS no use In following, for such a
prize could never be his-not because there
was any inseparable gulf between their posi-
tons; but b cause she in herself appeared
10 be so much above him or any ordinary
mortal. Alas, poor loverl
But Annie was bright specimen Of wO-
man nature-kind and generous, bonnie and
brave. TIE man who won her would be
fortunate indeed, for he would possess thas
greatest of all blessings. faithful helpmate
i'm all that concerns daily life-tcnder In his
sorrow blithc In his gladncss, and patient
ui his errors.
Al this and more Ross thought, and 1t
rendered the possibility Of her b, coming the
prize of James Cargill the more bitter. lie
tIied to make allowance for his own feel
ings in regard to Annie and the influence
hey had upon his opinion Of the man. But
when all allowance was made he could not
believe that Cargill was likely TO make her
or any woman happy.