The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-12-08
What makes such a swarm of dim

came out and scolded her for dampen-
ing her feet and running out bare
headed.
How the sea glittered!-how the
waves raced up the beach! How
sweetly the little beach birds, swing
ing among the tall marsh grasses,
whistled and called.
Miss Becca came out.
"See what a nice dog, Becca,' said
J~essica, timidly.
Becca examined the great fellow
with her eyeglasses, while Jessica
trembled.
81 suppose the great creature might
be of service to us, in case we should
meet a-man-in our walks" she said.
"He's very kind" said Jessica.
1t was soon apparent that Pasha
would follow her anywhere. He would
stalk ~contentedly at her side, and
when she sat down among the rocks,
lie down at her feet, with his head
upon her little shoe. He evidently
grew very fond of Jessica, and Jessica
was very fond of Pasha.
One day they were under the cliffs.
"Hark r said Becca. "NNhat's thai ?"
1t was somebody who was whistling
very clearly:
A fox jumped over tho parsons gate.
"a mani said Becca. eff he comes
here I'll set the dog on him." she add
ed iercely.
A handsome man somewhat under
30 came around the rocks, then pause
suddenly, lifting his hat.
!. Becca had no time to set the dog
upon him. Pasha was off like a shot.
yelping with delight. He leaped up,
planting his great fore-paws upon his
masters breast and tapping his fac
Down, down, Pasha, old fellow!
Pardon, ladies. Misses Peppers, 1 am
sure. am sure I cannot be mistaken:
and perhaps you remember my face
DAlbert of Calford. have been in
the naval academy for the past year,
and know your respected father we'll.
You are seeking your health down
here, Miss Peppers? All, and find it.
You are looking finely"
Few men have been brave enough
to compliment Becca. Perhaps that is
why she mentioned the sex so tartlv.
BE that as it may, she forgot Jessica,
and received Mr.. D'Albert very civilly.
He was at the Oliver Hotel. Pasha
was his property. He was on his way
to Mrs. Green's, to pay the dogs bill.
The four walked down the sands
together. Miss Becca did not see any
thing suspicious in the situation.
Perhaps she was a little bewildereo
at having a ~gentleman's arm to lean
on, and a gentleman's strong hand t
help her over the rocks and gullies.
AS for Jessica, who tripped lightly |
ahead, with Pasha at her side, the sea
sparkled brighter and the waves raced
more madly than ever. Her cheeks
were like roses, and her eyes like dia-
monds.
by paying marked attention to Bee
ca, Mr.. D'Albert managed to get a
word and a glance from Jessica during
his visits, which came weekly.
Mrs. Green stared.
"Well," said Becca, apologctically, |
''Mr. D'Albert is not like common
men,"
Certainly he was not, to undertake |
the prosecution of so difficult a siege.
Demure little Jessica could not but
smile ut the patience and zeal with
which her admirer continued his tao |
tics.
1t was a long time before Becca tooA
alarm and guessed the truth.
Mr.. D'Albert came to Mrs. Green's |
on Pasha's account. Pasha's bravery |
and intelligence was a subject upon
which they all agreed.
Then, Mr.. D'Albert made their stay |
at the seaside much pleasanter by fire.
quent sails and rows. He bided his
time. and by and by could not be shak-
en- of.
He loved Jessica, and Jessica hau
learned to love him.
Why he should not be her husband
Becca could not say, especially as MI.
D'Albert coolly signifed his intention
of waiting any length Of time for her
nraffu o;ofar N