The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-10-08

bul Nnen hau lalrly got settled INTO my
place, ! looked toward the captain, and
nidcance, Seated on his right was the
prettiest girl ! had ever seen Her eyes
were-well, it's no use giving you an
auctioneer's catalogue OF her charms.
You just picture your ideal, and she
would come very near II, All knew was
that ! was completely knocked over, |
am sure my neighbors must have thought
was either surly or stupid, for | never
addressed them, and was scarcely con-
scious what replies | made TO their re-
marks, All my attention was given to
silent watching of my new divinity, md
frantically envied the captain and q bluff
old colonel who were privileged TO sit be-
side her
"As soon as dinner was over got hold
of my friend Watson, and inquired the
name Of the young lady.
6" She's a Miss Latimer he said; come
out with this voyage, suppose, only for
her health since she's going right back.
Understand she's an orphan, and got some
money, Dresses well, at least, Shall |
introduce you?
"Of course jumped at the offer, and
very soon the magic words were spoken
which privileged me TO speak to my idol.
You see even now get enthusiastic and
romantic in my language when | talk
about her so you can imagine the con-
dition of hopeless 'smite in which was
then. Well, she proved TO be just as
charming as she looked, and before turned
in for the night ! was deeply, desperately
in love.
~ don't suppose there is any place in
the world so favorable for love-making as
q acknowledgements ship, Not one of
these new ocean 9rayhounds that dash
at break-neck speed through all kinds of
weather, and land you at your destination
almost before you have time to know any
one aboard, but fine clipper vessel, whose
only propelling power is natures breath,
and to the passengers on which every
change of weather or Shift OF wind is of
vast import and interest. These afford
endless themes for talk, and mutual inter
est seems to draw people closer together.
Miss Latimer had quite an affection for
the Winchester which had brought her
safely from England and was then bear
ing her back, She and the captain APP
peared to be on excellent terms, and she
was often invited to walk on the captains
own side OF the quarterdeck--a pathway
which we were supposed not TO venture to
tread without special summons.
There was something about Miss Lati-
mer-Rose was her name-which was ir-
resistibly attractive TO me lido not know
exactly how to describe it, except as a Gu
rious compound of girlish innocence and
womanly frankness, One would never
few people would have Nentured on any
direct ve-making without a speedy ac-
compartment of humble entreaty for her
hand. She was awfully kind to me; used
always to be afraid that I'd overexert my
self, and was constantly making me tell
stories of my experiences. | am afraid
that sometimes overdid the Othello bus
mess, but she never seemed to mind.
1" Day after day slipped away in an &c
stasy of happiness tempered with occasion
al Qualms Of doubt. hesitated to put my
fate to the test, for if by any chance she
should refuse me-and despite my belief
that my affection was returned, such an
very unpleasant to meet her every day for
at least two months Again, if she &C
cepted me, | should be so anxious to be
married that couldn't bear to think of
waiting till we got to England, There is
no need for me to say was very young
you can see that from my state of mind
Well, finally, made cOniidant of Wat
son He cut the Gordan knot at once,
ASK the lady, he said, and If she con
sents, get the captain to marry you as
soon as she's agreeable
:" But is that legal ? | inquired
"Perfectly 1t will be duly entered in the
ships log just the same as n birth. The
captain is &C OttciO clergyman, magistrate,
registrar, and sometimes doctor
uG lUtu W de- SplSuulll, anu gave w Nv
son my best thanks. I should have at
once proceeded to act on his advice, but it
occurred to me that it might be as well to
sound the captain, and see if he would be
willing to perform the ceremony. You
see, wanted to have everything sure be
fore put my fate to the test. | waited
through one day for a favolite opportunity
to speak to the captain on deck, but he
inI-it.I 70 Sbopa his wolff
the next morning sent a message by his
boy asking If he could spare me Il few
minutes The boy speedily returned with
request that I should follow him to the
captains cabin.
II found the great man sitting at his
table looking over chart. Somehow or
other he appeared to NE to be unusually
formidable.
80 Good morning, Captain Hamilton, he
said, as he waved me to take seat. Car
T do anything for you ?
I" Well, captain, it's rather a delicate
matter, but wanted toask you something
about your power on board
little sternly. why do you ask Do
you want some one put in irons for insult
ing YOU r .
that | would like you to use are of a
different kird-the matrimonial ones
The devil you say lie exclaimed,
jumping to his feet, and his face lighting
up with a sailors quick sympathy for a
love affair. So you have lost your heart
! to one of my passengers Pray which
is it 2
"Well, captain, answered, ! know l
can trust you not to let this 60 any
further at present. 1t is Miss Latimer'
q didn't quite like the look that came
| over his face. Is it possible, thought
that this old sea-dog is little bit gone in
that quarter himself'
He gave me plenty of time to think
before he made any verbal comment
on my announcement His first words
were
Pray, sir, have you spoken to the lady
or the subject Of your hopes:
60 Not yet, captain
Has she given you any encourage
ment to think that the love you feel is re
turned by herr
"'No, captain; but she has been very
| kind TO me, and has talked to ne a great
deal, and seemed to like to have me talk
to her
"'And on these faint grounds you base
your hopes!'
81 didn't at all like the tone in which he
made that remark, and | was about to re
| ply little haughtily. ! SUPP o,e lie saw
the expression on my face, and he stOpI &c
me from speaking by holding up his hand
Don't say any more, Captain liamil
ton. | ought to have stopped you before
=! couldn't possibly marry you to the
lady
90 Why not, Captain Smith ? asked
rather warmly.
II 7 =.