The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-22
CHAPTER n.-BY THE SHORE.

Meanwhile the young sailor bad quickly re-
covered his equanimity; as he went down the
stair and along the passage to the outer door of
the house he was somewhat ostentatiously whist
ling-just in case one other of the lads or
lasses might happen to have overheard these
high words. And probably in making that final
appeal to the old man he had been moved rather
by the wish to please pretty Alison Graham than
by any distinct hope Of success; and now he was
no worse off than he was before; rather better
he was in truth. for this open declaration of
war was preferable to mere shilly shallying and
futile balancing of probabilities. Alison would
now know the worst; she would be called upon
to choose for herself. And as for the taunt that
it was only her money that he was after-well,
he would leave that question also to be settled
by Alison, and he thought he knew what the
answer would be.
And so he left the house-fxing his cap tight
in order to face the fierce gusts of wind-and
set out along the road leading by the shore. If
he was whistlins now no could hear him,
for all the night was filed with the rush and
roar of that wild moonlit sea that came thunder
ing in on the rocks below him; but there seemed
no further need to make any such profession of
cheerfuness, for apparently he was quite alone
In this strangely clear and vivid world. For
some little distance, as he walked smartly on,
the road followed the windings of the shore,
then it struck inland somewhat skirting a plan
tation of larch and spruce, and it was at the cor
ner of this wood that Jameson paused and looked
around him. uncertain. He had not long to
woman had come quickly and quietly out from
the dusk of the larches into the open moonlight;
his sweetheart clasped in his arms.
well, Allie lass it's a wild night to be keep
ng you outside"
"But what said he, Alec9 What said hep she
broke in, with trembling anxiety in her tone.
"Is it all right now, Alec? Have you made
friends2"
The young sailor laughed in an embarrassed
kind of way and pushed back the thick tartan
shawl which she had thrown over her head and
shoulders, so that he could get better view of
tho upturned oval face and tender dark blue eyes,
and rich and abundant chestnut brown hair He
seemed in no hurry to begin his story. Those
eyes were pretty to look at, despite their eager
questioning, and her brown hair that ne had
brought about her cheeks was soft to the touch.
Tell me, Alec. Is it good news you have?"
she pleaded, for that short laugh of his sounded
rather omnous.
Faith, Allie, lass, the news is none of the
best" said he Though he spoke quite cheerfully.
and petted and caressed her at the same time
.'But it's nothing to be downhearted about, not
a Bit my brave lasse. He cannot blame you for
what has happened, anyway, and you'll be no
worse off at the farm than before"
But what has happened then, Alec, she said,
with her troubled eyes fixed intently on hint
what has happened WE'LL the fats in the
fire this time and no mistake, and that's about
what has happened Allie, darling said he
rather ruefuly and yet with no deep chagrin,
for he wished TO make light of the whole matter
"Oh. there's to be no more beating about the