Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1888-06-22
with an aGectionate pressure of the

with an aGectionate pressure of the
hand.
eyes, Cliye," she murmured,
"with all my heart l do"
Instantly the young mans man.
ner changed. Dropping the hand
he held he raised himself to his
full height.
"Miss MarstOn, this farce has
gone tar enough. At this very
spot you cast aside the profiered
heart of as true a man as God eyer
made.
"Geoffery Gordon was my best
friend, my playmate from child
hood. swore to be revenged up
on the woman who broke his heart
If have brought you to love me
my revenge Is complete. Good
evening"
And never daring to let his
eyes meet hers, he turned aside
and was gone.
Clara watched him eagerly till
he was out of sight, then clasplng
her hands over her heart she sank
upon her knees.
81 cannot bear it ! o, God, can
not ~ she cried. go, have | caused
others such pain as this? May God
forgive me if have. never knew
what it was to love before, else |
could not treat any one as | have
Great tears welled forth from her
ewes and trickled down her cheek,
now ashy pale.
Calming herself with an effort
she returned to the dotel.
What change so short time
had wrought.
The gay, careless, thoughtless
flirt had in that short space of time
become a quiet. unassuming wo-
man.
The afternoon following the little
episode just described the gay
young guests we're dispOrting them
selves in the waters OIL the gray old
ocean.
There were the tlmid ones who
clung to the ropes with great tenac-
ity, and there also were the incau-
tiOus ones who despised their
friendly aid.
All went merrily. The gay
laughter of the happy thrOng was
mingled with the surging OF the
surf. Suddenly a loud, piercing
cry of distress was borne over the
waters.
The laughter was hushed on
every lip, and many cheeks blanch-
ed with fear as all perceived that
Clara Marston had ventured be-
yond her depth, and was struggling
amidst the pillows, a hopeless
struggle unless aid was given her.
A loud shout of approval burst
from the lips of the bystanders as
a young man made toward her with
vigorous strokes.
Who can imagine the thoughts
that rushed through Gives mind
as he sought to rescue Clara from
a watery grave.
Amid breathless excitement the
eager watchers gazecl upon hlm'
| Although an excellent swimmer
the dashlng waves well nigh oyer
whelmed him.
At last he has reac he'd her. His
strong arm encircles her waist anC
he starts with his fair burdeI
shOreward.
A brave struggle, and at last
completely exhausted, he dropi
upon the sand.
The next day as Clara sat in he
room meditating upon the events
of the past few days a soft raj
came upon the door.
In answer to her SO mmOns Il
enter the door opens and Clly'
Wexford stands before her.
For a moment he stands withOu
speaking, then dropping upon hi
knees beside her he clasps he
hands in his.
"DarlIng," he viii spers softly
"can you forgive me? did indee'
swear to punish you for breakin
Geoffrey GOrdon's hea 'rt, but in tn
attempt my own heart became en-
tangled IN Cupid's m eshes. l al
come now to ask for giveness, an
to pray you to forget; the past
Will you, Clara, darli ngT
In answer she hui ig her head
his eyes met hers, \ o more repl
was needed.
In after life Give often recalle
the punishment of I he flirt, BIT
never did he afterwar' 1 find cause
complain OF her firth g.