Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-10-26
THE FATE OF A FLIRT.

1t was in secluded cave where lay the
bare hulk of long wrecked ship, which had
half buried itself in the sand Through O
wide, shattered opening in the side of this
dismal object the adventurous Miss Rosa
mond Frail had found her way to stair
leading to the deck, where she secured a seat
and abandoned herself to the luxury of a day
dream.
This no doubt took color from the inspiring
view of grand blue ocean and high filled sum
set clouds At any rate, its spell claimed her
through a long period of half oblivion, for
when at last she started up, it was growing
dark. Desperately angry with herself, and
desperately afraid, she hurried down the
stairway, and on through the dark hold,
shuddering at the touch of the rolling sea-
weed and green slime which carpeted the
floor. Fortunately, she reached the opening
without slipping. But her troubles were far
from over, for when, with sigh of relief,
she sprang out upon the dry sand, she stood
lace to face with-a mani
"Oh!' cried Miss Rosamond, family, draw.
ing back.
"Pardon me-do you belong to the hotelg'
This question came out of the darkness and
the man in it, no doubt; at any rate, it was
well done, judging from its effect on the
young lady.
eyes" she answered, with hesitation, but
as if treasured. "Oh, how late it is!' she
almost whispered, looking about in distress.
81 forgot myself-forget where I was"
81 was passing by and saw you," the man
rejoined in a pleasing, gentle voice. II
thought you had forgotten where you were,
and I stopped-to see if-may see you to
the hotel? 1t is hardly safe for you to go
alone"
Miss Rosamond was now quite bewildered
and did not answer at once. 1t was appar-
emit, even in the dark, that she felt confidence
in this unknown man; but she seemed per-
picked with many doubts.
II thank you," she said, graciously, in q
moment, ''but Pm afraid that would-that
would be worse than going alone, since we
are-since wei
"That is true" he quickly followed her;
but still II must not leave you to go alone.
Will you walk ON and permit me to follow
behind and see that you come to no harma"
Miss Rosamond Frail was quite overcome
by gratitude at this proposal-gratitude,
doubtless intensified by every recurring
thought of the two miles Of deserted beach
stretching gloomily between them and the
hotel She uttered thanks which in calmer
moments she might have considered often
sive and hurried on-the man following at a
convenient distance Nothing more fornid-
able was encountered during the hurried
her very unsteadily as he reeled past, but
she felt none the less glad of the sense of pro-
lection afforded her by the silent, considerable
man who walked behind.
The smoking room Of the modest hotel at
the modest seaside resort of Eastport-the
same hotel whose shelter had been regained
by Miss Rosamond Frail the night before
only a small fraction of minute in advance
of her unknown escort-this smoking room
was the scene, next morning, of an unexpected
meeting of two friends, both of them men of
the world in sense, but only one of them
really a man Of wealth and fashion, and the
other man only of aspirations and ideas. 1t
was the latter, Charles Lee by name, who
gave expression to surprise when they en-
countered each other.
81 never expected to see you in this out of
the way place." he exclaimed when did
you leave towng
yesterday Your letter brought me-"
They lighted cigars and seated themselves,
hLu presently MI. 1dlCOG IOIuo was
the story of an adventure, not yet u day old,
in which Miss Rosamond Frail had taken
part He told it with animation, and told it
well, not scrupling to exaggerate little for
the sake of effect.
''That was q capital idea," he declared,
confdently-''my proposing to walk behind
in that way. 1t won her: could see it.
She's no doubt as curious to see me as am
to see her."
'Don't be too sure"
"Have you any idea who she is?'
SIT must have been Miss Rosamond Frail. "
"And who is sheer
ga Savannah girl. Imet her in Baltimore
last WINTER
''You have the start, but I'll beat you at
the finish, old man."
Lee smiled unconcernedly. "The field is
open," he said, rising and looking through
the window toward the sea. "Here, Tai
coil" he called a moment later, "there she
goes now"
''By Jove! Lee, she's goddess. y =
Who are those ugly old ladies with hers'