The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-01-14

ed by the minister. The customary festiy
tiles were to take place at the MacDonalds
cottage, and, at late hour, the bride and
bridegroom were to leave for Angus:
house, where he had arranged to bring his
young wife home
Even up to this, the eve of the wedding
day, nothing would satisfy Ian but to watch
Angus and Mairi during the last stroll the
two would have together as betrothed low
ers. Their way, that evening, led by the
seashore, at the borders of the fields, where
little grassy track separates the rocks of
the beach from the cultivated land. Know
ing that they frequented this quiet path by
preference, and that Mairi would likely
choose it for her last evening in the old
cottage, Ian had, with some difficulty, Sc
creted himself in advance in hiding place
among the rocks-a strange, gloomy salts
faction the disappointed youth INDUCED
himself with in Watching the movements Of
the happy pair.
He had not long to wait. Itwas aqniet
evening, the sea sobbing itself to rest
among the creeks and inlets of the shore.
All nature was still and peaceful. Down
the path from the cottage came the two
close together, Mairi fearful in her happi-
ness, her lover gazing tenderly at her as
they walked They had been speaking
of the unlighted fire on Heisker, Mairi
half playfulIy calling it anything but a
good omen for their joint happiness, and
he trying to laugh away the idea from her
mind, as only the foreboding of some
"cailiacl" of the place.
When they came to the spot where the
road ended at the rocks they stopped for a
moment, as if irresolute to which hand to
turn. Did something whisper evil at that
moment in the turning of the way2 Surely
not, for, after hesitating for an instant,
they struck in the northward track, leading
by the edges of the field, where some stray
sheaves of grain were yet piled. Their
faces being now away from the direction
where lurked the stealthy watcher, they
strolled along the path together, Mairi
leaning ON her lovers arm, and their talk
coming titfully in the pauses of the light
breeze. Further and further they went,
but still within sight Of the spy, Along
field and meadow they passed unheeding
all around them. Then they paused.
''The field of the curse!" muttered Ian
between his set teeth, as he peered from
the rocks. "That field indeed-God strike
him."
He did not curse the girl, his love was
not turned to hate-he had loved her-he
loved her still with all the fervor of which
his low nature was capable, but to see her
the bride of another ere another sun had
set, il was more than he could bear. 'The
curse of the place on him - he hissed.
Does the curse causeless ever come
What ban or blight could fall upon these
two in their youthful happiness? What
danger lurk by their innocent footsteps
among the wilding flowers? Enough was
theirs of love and youth and hope. There
surely was nothing in an hour like this to
mar such happiness.
Even the dull shore by which they
strayed was gloriied that night, for the sun
was yet above the western hills, and its
rays bathed rock and seaweed, and simple
Autumn flowers, with its quiet spell.
There was breathless hush in the air,
broken only by the faint murnRr of the
waves The clouds above were colored
saffron with the sunlight-dull saffron in
the setting blaze-with heavy purpled
edges, and the depths of the heavier banks,
lowering over Bernera, hid soft showers in
their dim breasts. There were light rain
flaws upon the ofing, shadow lines lit with
rippliug glimmer on the nearer waters.
Still they fingered, the two lovers, then
they sat down together by one of the sheaf
piles, the nodding withered poppies over
their heads as they leaned back against the
sheaves.
"They will not leave before an hour is
OUT thought the watcher to himself, as he
became cramped in his crouching position:
"And coming to rain" he added, as few
heavy drops fell upon his lurking, thievish
face. Over the fields foated the sound of
Mairi's ripping laugh. Was that Its echo
that followed quickly after-the sound of
sweet music echoed, somewhat loudly, from
the nearer hills, or only the roll of the
heavy, distant surf? For a moment the
air darkened, trembling gust shook all
the scanty harvest sheaves and the withcred
petals of the poppies, heavy dropping Of
rain for an instant, then the sun shone out
once more.
aWill they never go ?" thought Ian, who
being out of earshot, became impatient
Yet he could not rise to 60 without betray-
ing himself, To all appearance they did
not intend to meye away, Close together
they we're sitting, side by side, her heat
bent little forward as if she stopped tc
listen to his tender words; his, as if whisp
ering in her ear. Their hands were claspeC
together, one of his arms around her as
they sat. Ayel clasp together while ye
may-his arm around you. Mairi bhan,
as if to shield from harm. Nevermore tc
either of you, now, shall come the shadow
of hurt or dismay, the time of trouble OIL
heartsickness; never more shall threaten
the swift arrow thar fyeth by day,
Suddenly the watchers face grew deadly
pale. Was something unearthly stealing
over him, as silently he gazed upon the