The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1888-11-21

uIdllGu WINDOWS 1leaSaQE K. Inc
Laurence family We're wealthy and high
born Mr.. Laurence being from one Of
the oldest and proud st families in Bos-
ton. and his wife, the handsome Kate
Carleton before marriage, tvas OF English
birth, with noble blood in her veins, yet
they acknowledged the goodness and
worth of their humble Beamstress; and
although she did not join them at the
table, having her meals sent into the sew
ing room; she was invited into the sitting
room when the family met together for
the Pleasant chat before bedtimei and in
ller modest brown dress; with snowy coli
lar and cuffs, her sweet, pale face, soft
voice and cllafming smile, Miss Chatty
did not look out of place even in the par
lor OF the high born Laurence family.
Miss Chatty, wish you would tell
me story. do SO ike to hear them. ;"
This from Master Johnny, who was
baslsing ON the snow white rug of bear
skin, the glow from the fifs lighting up
his eurls until they looked like mass Of
gold. and his round. dimpled face as rosy
rs 9 sunny side of a peach.
oh, do, dear Miss Prim, tell us SOME
thing nice, exclaimed Lizzie, shutting
up the entertaining fairy book, and COM
ing forward to the easy chair wherein
with some tatting she wished to finish
for Mrs. Laurence.
II never told story in all my life,
my dehrs. Then am afraid, even if
could tell you anything that would in
terest you, should disturb your father
and mother in their reading y
mot at ALL" they both cried, with all
the courtesy they could have shown
lady of wealth, and putting away the
paper and book, they begged her, if she
felt so disposed, to entertain the children.
81 will go to the smoking room for an
hour or so," said Mr.. Laurence, and
putting on his silk embroidered jacket
and cap he left the room. Il will finish
this piece of ruffiing," Mrs. Laurence
smilingly answered as she turned the gas
higher, and soon her white jewcled fin
gers were plying the shining needle,
while Miss Prim with thoughtful coun-
tenance commenced the story of her life.
"A true story, Blossom, and hope it
will interest you, but it is the first time
have ever spoken of my past, SO you viii
forgive me''-turning to the lady of the
past joys and sorrows."
Indeed, Miss Chatty, 1 certainly
would overlook anything in one as
Gmiable as you are, but do not bring up
memories that will cause you grief.
will tell the children a fairy tale and you
can go on with your work"
''Oh, no, indeed, not for. the world
would disaproint the dear little lambs.
and it will do me good to relate to kind
hearted ones the story of my rather dull
life
'.My father Kept the lighthouse. 1
had no brothers or sisters, and when at
IA 1 lost my dear mother, you can mn
aginc how lonely was. 1t was she who
taught me to sew and to cut my own
clothes and dresses, she who taught me
all know Mother was governess be-
fore marriage and was finely educated,
SO 1 became interested nj books and
study. Iloved the ocean, loved it in all
its moods. When the sky was stormy
and angry waves were crested with
and admire,>or when the blue waters
were serene and smooth would take my
little boat and sail on It's mirror like
bosom for hours. Then loved to wan
der on the beach and gather seaweed
and tiny shells. After mother died
was housekeeper, and helped father in
the care of the lamp, and when he was
sick many and many night have sat
alone tending the great glowing light
that shone like blood red ruby far out
on the glistening waters. grieved over
mother death, but father was SO kind, so
tender, he took her place in many re-
spects. So we lived until was II.
lone night in January-shall I ever
forget that fearful night?-father had the
light burning brightly. We were in the
cheerful kitchen with great fire in the
stove, plenty of hot water, blankets,
whisky and other things in readiness for
anything that might happen. was
farming stockings, father was doing in
his easy chair, when the sullen boom,
shrieled and howled, rocking the light
house like a cradle. The waves dashed
their spray against the window panes,
and snow blinded and blurred the whole
heavens. Father sprang from his chair,
wide awake in a moment. I too, al
though pale and trembling from fright,
for feared a hundred dangers in such
tempest, was ready to assist father. He
was large, strong man, and l. although
small and slight, had considerable
strength and great deal of courage.
Come, my girl, cried father, put
ting on his sou'wester and Wrapping
himself well up. Come, we must see
what assistance we can render. Some
poor sailors Will meet their fate Tonight,
fear, for no boat can live in this gale,'
and bidding me follow him went down
to the beach. put on waterproof and
hood, and with lantern soon Joined
father and number of fishermen who
lived on the island, but we We're power
less. No man could risz his. life on such
night, no boat could outride such a
stormf SO boom, boom, went the guns on
that Ill fatedi ship that was fast going to
her doom on the huge rocks. cried to
God to have mercy on those poor, i'll
fated ones. Fainter and fainter grew
the firing and at last ceased. We waited
and watched to see if any bodies would
float ashore. Only one came, a man
lashed to timber
Father and old 10, fisherman, car.
ried the nanimate form to our house. I
ran before. The man was about 25, tall
and fine hooking. Father and 10 rubbed
him, put him in blankets, gave him hot
drinks, and in. an hour he revived. His
name was William Morris, second mate
of the i'll fated ship Monarch. It was
weeks before the man was able to leave
our island h3me When, after two
months stay, he returned to the city, we
were betrothed lovers. Father had been
to the owners of the vessel, and they had
given William one of the best of charac-
ters. m another month William came
to bid good-by. He was going to Africa