Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1888-05-09
A COMMONPLACE WOMAN.
"But the Dearest and Bravest in
the World"


the vacation at her brothers by the
sea.
Her brother was keeper of light
house on an island, separated from the
mainland by wide, deep channel that
could be swirling whirlpool when
the storms were high
Wills wife was pretty woman, but
she thought moro of her own dainty
comfort than of how the world went
on. BY what charm she won tho
warm heart of viii Browning, Will 5
sister could not determine, but she
was perfectly just, even to those she
disliked, and she knew the frivolous
little woman must DO lovablo. OF Will
would never have chosen her from
among her many friends. So she met
her with a kiss. overlooking the UNI
welcome expression on her sister-in-
laws face; and as she was passion
ately fond of the sea, the days were
full of pleasure for her.
The island was small, but n delightful
place in summer. the cool breeze
sweeping in from the sea, now moist
with the touch of the mist, now warm
from the kiss of the sun; the gray
gulls swarmed over the rocks, calling,
calling; their cries like music to the
girl weary of the sitting city; the
ocean new world; the sky marvel
of beauty.
Near the tower, and connected with
1t by a covered passage, was the
Keepers cottage of gray stone, rough
without but coy within, and CHEEKY
sight for weary eyes; and Carrie
Browning found the summer one of
happiness, and full of thoughts for all
her future life.
Oic of her chief pleasures was TO 90
with her brother Us the sun was setting
up the winding stone staircase to the
top of the tower; TO stand at the rail-
ing and watch the sun settle lower
and lower beyond tho wido sweep of
waters, and then when he was gon
and the heavens glowing with
rose color and all warm tints
of sunset. TO help her brother
light the great lamps inside tho heavy
glass case. and, turning again TO the
sea, 10 watch the darkness, soft and
mysterious. creep in aud in with the
gray mists till the tower light was
like the eye of God. never weary, ever
watching!
So the days passed clear and sunny.
with no rain, only the sea mists to
cool the parched earth, until vacation
was gone but for ono lingering day;
and of this day Carrie made the
most Her trunk was fairly
crammod with shells and pebbles and
pressed seaweed, with which she
would teach tho childrcu,in her care
many wonderful lesson of the life
beyond the city. and the exquisite
works of God.
She had closed down the lii and
turned the key with half sigh, half
smile. saying 10 her sister-in-law:
Life is too beautiful to live in one
summer, isn't il, Bellap"
But Bella shrugged her shoulders.
and replied that for her part life was
woofully dull and uneventful
Life would DO simply unbearable, 4"
she added. lightly. 'wero it not for
these breaks once in a WHILE" refer
ring to party IN the town across the
channel, that night, TO which they all
were invited "And hope Will will
not be so absurd as to let the chance
pass. But he is so ridiculous, so thor.
oughly commonplaco-like you, Car.
ric." ripping laugh parting her red
lips, that can never be sure OF his
leaving home even half night! There
is no sense in his being SO particular
No one would object. and Carl. his as :
sistant, is perfectly capable of watch
ing the light till our return. OF course
he goes sometimes. il it is all fair, but
i am never sure of him."
But he never keeps you home. Bella,
even If he can not CO." Carrie SAID,
in defense of her brother. Sure
ly you can find no fault
with him there; and if ho
thinks IL unsafe for him 10 leave,
he ought to know better than we. 1t
isn't his own pleasure he thinks of,
you know. but the lives Of others"
You are going Tonight, of course"
Bella interrupted, carelessly. tom
Williams will be there. and Tom you
could not disappointl''
I've not decided yet about going"
Carrie replied. quietly, not needing
the others laughter II would rather
listen 10 the sea out OH the rocks,
than to dance the hours away"
II believe" Bella SAID, sharply.
''that you prefer being common
place school-toacher, than cxprt your
self enough to be pleasant to Tom,
even though you know he has plenty
of money! You and Will are rs near
alike as possible"
''An unconscious compliment to
me-" Carrie said, softly, warm light
on her face. If am ever rs good a
woman as Will Is man. shall be
satisfied"
And she left tho room and tho house
with this thought possessing her
mind; that n commonplace life may
be beautiful life, IL ono but tries to
make IL so. The waves among the
rocks and along the reef, In and out
among tho scdge, sang life's song to
her in monotone, and she listened.
The day was unusually sultry, and
rs the sun sank lower and lower TO
the west. heavy clouds banked thcm-
selves along The northern horizon, and
widOno1 anil mount ol mn toward midi