Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-09-22

storm came on How the wind blew. and
the sea rolled and roared. For the season
it was unparalleled. The ''line gale
some old sailors assured me seldom was
so severe. Through the day and night OF
the second the storm ragged. and the morn
ing OF the third broke "o'er the wild
waste of waters" Ned and myself were
early at the beach. Crowds were there,
'.boom. boom" of a ship in distress. No
aid could reach the sinking steamer. for
such it proved but toward noon. the wind
and tide somewhat abating, the life-boat
was manned.
The steamer was reached, which proved
the latest from England bound for Boston.
blown from her course and stranded on
the rocks. Many of the passengers were
nearly exhausted with watching and ex-
posture. Oh. if the lite-boat had not
reached them! The terrors of the sea l
realize as never before.
There were two beautiful children sent
by their parents from London to relatives
in New York One of them had an arm
broken clinging to the rigging, another
nearly persisted in the water. These were
carried to fisherman's cottage, and Ned,
with very sober face. asked me If could
stay by and care for them awhile. The
people of old Plymouth have opened wide
their doors. Nearly all the steamers
passengers and crew are in condition of
suffering or want, The government Of
6cers also do their duty we'll. The relief
corps are here. A Christian land indeed
is our noble country of which to-day is its
anniversary.
| sat by the children until evening,
when Ned came for me with new nurse
for them. They were doing we'll, how
ever The doctor has telegraphed their
friends and they will be here soon. After
resting at our boarding p ace began to
feel restless. The old feeling of discon-
tent crept over me. And the ill-fated
steamer had crossed the Atlantic-left
old England perhaps ten days before, and
left-ah. YES. Just here Ned came
asking if | would walk little to another
cottage, another passenger needed me-
We went. | entered the little chamber,
and there. pale. tired, a fractured arm and
leg and bruises untold, but with a cheer
full smile and eyes that no storm could
dim, with light in his face that was never
on land or sea, was John Seymour
to leave the room; but he said: my
darling. come to me-" and presently |
was passionatelv weeping, while his well
hand stroked my hair. | could remain
but short time, he was so weak, and
Ned told me after suffering untold pain
with every BREATH but he drew my face to
his and said; Susie. everything shall be
explained to morrow; [ shall ask your
4 1t, 4 l.
| was trembling so | could hardly walk.
He told me he was first to discover john
wounded and faint on the shore. That
through his efforts many lives had been
saved among them the children | had
tended. That for some hours his recovery
was considered doubtful, but at last con-
seriousness was restored. He recognized
Ned, and his first inquiry had been tor
me. Last night | slept but little, and
was, | believe, conscious of but one
thought-John had returned and was still
my own.
This morning, July Fourth, opened
early. At the first break of day the can
non and guns doomed through the air,
while bells in the steeples were rung
with the spirit of seventy six. Young
America Is irrepressible here in Plymouth
as well as elsewhere, and fire crackers and
torpedoes made the air melodious, while
the vessels in the harbor floated the pa
tons banner from masthead. The town
itself has been gay with banners, music
and professions, since early morning
Ned laughinglv SAYS, isis, will you 90 to
Greenland or further north next year, to
get away fro n people ? You are not out of
the world"
"And don't want to be-" reply.
There is picnic beyond Great HILL"
place "where the Indians used to lve,"
one little girl informs me. Ned and my
self were invited by these kindly people,
but | gathered handful of beautiful
roses. with the morning dew still resting
on them. and swiftly took my way to the
fisherman's cottage at the beach,
John has told me all, and | believe |
am the happiest woman the earth holds
More sharply now does my Indebtedness
appear, in contrast with my present hap
piness.
was thinking of this moment today,
and then, with a little OF the old pride,
that John says has been one halt our
trouble, | thought | will never let him
know just how little life held, when he
took my hand, again pressing it to his
lips. saying, "Ah, Susie, see your face
tells NE what your life has been without
me-"
Until late that afternoon | remained
The wise old doctor said he thought John
would gain faster with me than without,
and I'd better stay late and come early
next day, which certainly shall
And now the sunset guns are booming.
Far and wide Ger these ancient rocks and
hills the echoes reverberate. The nations
birthday is almost over, and to me how
much of joy it has brought
Ned has just left me- He SAYS I am
constant in praises of Plymouth. He does
not understand it. for are there not people
here and then adds soberly. Susie. dear,
was it not of yourself you were weary
1t was not the people in the world. its
pride or fashion, though we understand
to some extent, | believe what these
mean, you were so anxious to run away
from. but your inner self"
"Oh. Ned" said, "you read too truly.
But now"
"Yes. now the radiancy of life has re-
turned. Love,-human love, is the high
est attribute, the dearest gift of life. But
when that is denied we can live. we can
work, not for ourselves alone, dear, but
for the many-the world around US. That
was what John was trying hard to do
when he believed you false. and think
he will do it no less now he knows