Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1885-11-15

gentleman, - 10 EVdo 10 " AA-
had such blunt and direct
way with him, this Burnhsm;
and Margaret answered in her own sweet,
direct manner.
Thank you; no, l have letters to write
in the morning"
AN right. Any other time will dojust
as vel" the gentleman answered careless
ly, and then they said good night. -,
II am glad you are not going with him,
commented Mrs. Gibson, "for want you
to 20 with Fred and me. Fred has learned
to row, and he is anxious to give me some
proof of his skill.
Butt really have letters to write,
pleaded Margaret
Nonsense! You can dash of line or
two before breakfast. You must not tie
yourself down to such things. Keep them
for homs announcements my dear; but
now you must enjoy yourself. / shall call
for YOU Immediately after breakfast"
So Margaret was compelled TO yield, and
early the next morning was hurried off
down to the beach where Fred awaited
them.
Are you sure you csnroW, Fredr asked
bis mother. suxiously, as they took their
places in the boat.
"Ol course" returned Fred, confidently,
this isn't the FIRST time I've handled an
oar"
But Mrs. Gibson's faith in Fred ability,
now that they we're upon the water, had
entirely vanished. Tue slight rocking OF
the boat in starting terrified her, and as
Fred in an effort to resssure her Piled one
oar too vigorously, the boat swung around.
Mrs. Gibson in her fright rose to her
feet, and in a moment they were all
in the water. Fortunately, they
were only short distance from the
shore where the water was shallow.
Fred Aoundered about like young por-
poise, and Mrs. Gibson with her short, stout
figure could never have parsonsted the
graceful mermaid. Margaret, after the first
moment of fright, felt q strong inclins-
ton to laugh; but the laugh frozs on her
lips at the sight OF foppish young Perkins,
standing near enough the edge Of the water
to wet the soles Of his shoes, aud extending
at arms length the point Of his gold.head-
ed cane to assist her in wading ost.
So the mornings pleasure ended in dis
aster.
During the next week Margaret noticed
q change in Mr.. Burnhsm's manner to
ward her. He had politely inquired af er
her health and hoped she received no in
Jury from her impromptu bath; but he
never sought her presence now, and there
were no more friendly conversations to-
gether while the others danced. He
never came now and rescued her from the
too devoted attentions of young Perkins
as he was wont to do in the past In
consciously che began to compare him
with the other meu by whom she was
surrounded, and whsI Titan he
stood in comparison. How unas
suming he was how free
from any attempts st brilliancy, or affected
kuowlsdge. There was no assumption Of
superiority in his bearing toward her, Meth
er was there the servility in his manner
with which she had sometimes been dis
gusted in other men. Surely, here was
lust the character, the hero, she had been
wishing to meet. Now, just as she had dis
covered this and WAS becoming interested
all her chsnces we're frustrated. Perhaps,
though, she was to blame in this estrsnge.
ment. Could that unfortunate boat ride
have anything to do with IT'D The thought
would no. let her rest, and at last she sent
Burnhsm note.
IL have not so many friends" she wrote
that can afford to lose one for slight
cause. Have in any way offepdedyou or
merited the loss Of your esteem? II 60
give me at least the privilege OF aPoiogIz-
ziug for my error.
Ia return Burnham sent her an invita-.
ton 10 take q boat ride with him on the
lake that afternoon. She went; this time
the boat did not upset. His strong arm
sent the boat along, she sitting firmly IN
rhe stern. Tney landed at Lake Park.
When they were seated on one of the rus
tic benches facing the lake, he said:
Your note was an agreeable surprise. ]
had not thought you cared for my friend
ship. did not mind your refusal to go
out in the boat with me that morning, but
when heard that you had gene with young
Gibson | though" he paused.
What did you thiuk?' asked Margaret.
81 thought perhaps you were engaged to
him"
A look OF amazemeut appeared on Mar
garets expressive couutensnCe. Then she
laughed merrily.
Is that oil? thought you might be
thinking that had told an untruth about
the letters, and 30 you had lost your respect
for me. But | really had letters 10 write,
and Mrs Gibson made me write them be-
fore breakfast SO | could 20 with her. AS
10 Fred, be is only boy, and has not out
grown bis love for sweetmeats. Did you
never notice be is always eating them?
But suppose we had been engaged, could
YOU MOI have been little more friendly,
or were YOU afraid he might shoot you?
laughed Margaret with CLEAN Of mischief
10 her eyes.
No" answered Burnham slowly but
in that case was afraid might want 10
shoot myself
Margaret wes in the gRysst OF spirits
this afternoon, such was her JOY at having
regained her friend. They rsmbled away
under the shady grove, sketched, gathered
flowers and ferns, and talked and laughed
until the shadoRs heightened. Then they
rowed back, with the sun rays gliding the
western sky aud touching the wayelets OF
the lake with gold and crimson, that
changed to purple and lavender and cool
metallic hues.
Rummsging her trunk one evening, while
preparing Tor the hop. Margaret came upon
q roll Rf manuscript
"Ah, my story she said to herself:
Now that have such q delightful hero |
shall probably smpIiiy and enlarge until it
may make a volume. Who knows? !
think shsll have it bound in black and
gold, With on original design on the cover
water lilies or something suggestive OF
this delightful summer"
For with all the pleasure seeking and
sightseeing she was still keeping in view
the purpose for which she had come hither,
end the hope of future literary success was
quite as absorbing as ever. She kept
Journal, and made daily record OF what
ever she thought might benefit her in the
way of descriptions OF persons and places,
cn,rarsat;nru aud ayGU sanEGtiOn3 She