The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-10-21

by her side. and M. Rabut, on his
knees beside her, was kissing one Of
her hands.
Drowned. my dear sir, she got
drowned" said a good old lady of about
sixty years Of age, who came to me,
holding out her hand in the friendliest
manner imaginable. "But you have
walked here" she continued: "you
must be tired. OF course you will
take something's Myrtil r.
Mamma ! oh, mammal" exclaimed
M. Rabut, raising his head. "You
see" he said to me, with a sob, "you
see she was out bathing; the river sud-
denly rose, and"
His bead fell forward again over
the little white hand, to which his
lips chung.
"Myrtil I Myrtil |" again cried the
good lady. "bring a glass of Madeira
to the gentleman. Or perhaps you
would prefer someshing else?"
1 questioned the family. The girl
had not been twenty minutes under
water. And yet they had done moth
ing-had not even tried to do any
thing.
I gave my orders briefly-they were
obeyed.
They had laid her on her back. I
lifted her head 80 that it leaned side
way IN the left. Her teeth were
clenched. How cold her lips seemed
when I pressed my own upon them |
The poor father, senseless with grief,
allowed us to do as we thought best,
and the grandmother walked hurriedly
to and fro. busy, fussy, always calling
Myrtil, and declaring ''the breakfast
will never be ready, and here are all
the people coming |"
And a carriage in fact suddenly
drew up before the front door steps.
Two young girls descended with a
happy burst of laughter. I can see
them even now as they stopped, look
ed, turned pale, and stood there with
arms twined about each others waist,
and eyes big with terror-silent and
motionless.
Half an hour had passed. What !
was not that a flush we saw, mounting
to the colorless cheeks. Oh how fer
vent a prayer 1 uttered that moment
to the good Godl And it seemed to
me the arm I held had become less
rigid.
At that moment q horseman came
up at full gallop.
"Myrtill Myrtil take the doctors
horse to the stable !" cried the good
lady, descending the steps to meet the
physician. "Ah, doctor, I knew It'll
your powder could not do me any good.
The whole night, doctor, 1 was in pain
All ! how badly I slept |"
The doctor. came directly to us.
"Good ! young man very good in
deed! That is just what should have
been done. :
"Come. come r. he cried in a joyous
tone, after a few moments had passed.
We are all right now-wes shall get
off with nothing worse than a fright !
Why you old coward, have 1 not al
ready told you so. Here ! let me see
a happier face on you I" And he gave
M. Rabut a vigorous slap on the
shoulder.
Then suddenly turning to me, he
asked:
"But you-where are you FRONT 1
don't remember ever seeing you here
before"
Il came from Brittany. doctor, by
way of Paris and Port-Louis."
'Look look Pie had already
turned his back upon lne-"she is
opening her eyes {"
M. Rabbit involuntarily seized my
hand, and dragged nj to the sofa.
She opened her eyes. They were
blue--the eyes I always liked best.
Helene! my own Helene !? MUIR
INJURED the poor father, STOPPING to
kiss her forehead.
"Gentle ! you" exclaimed the doc
tor, pulling him back. "Let her have
afr, ifyou pleasew
N. Rabut drew back, without let
tis,g 80 my hand.
Myrtil returned from the stable.
"Myrtil | Myrtil well, how about