The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-07-12

side him.
Poor girl How beautiful she is-a
beautiful as Rhoda. But
. The girl opened her eyes as he spoke
blue eyes full of wonder ......
Ah,gettlng better? That is good girl
! That fellow fled like smoke! Drink this
1t will do you good
! He poured out glass of water and
! held 1t to her lips.
Thank you, said she, as she took the
, water. Where am | ? Where is mammal
Cheer up my dear. Let me moisten
your lips with this. ...
THAT is brandy; am all right now.
Give me your hand, please, sir.
| Yes, of course. Now sit in this little
easy chair. When you have rested
will take you home. ..r.
Captain Russell gently raised his pa
tient,and placed her in his favorite chair
after which he again sprinkled her fore.
head, ,fussing about her as if he had been
her grandfather.
Oh, how very good you are. am so
grateful 10 you. If 1t had not been for
you | should have lost my watch and
She paused and looked toward him
with sweet smile.
Don't mention that. | have done
nothing.
lndeed-indeed you have
Well, well, just as you like. Take a
good rest then will conduct you home
1t does bluff old sea dog good to know
that he has been of some use-indeed it
does. But what IS your name and where
do you live-eh, my dear?
My name is Rhoda Scryvenour, and
| Dhn1a WhaF h,I
they to call you Rhoda
Yes, my name is Rhoda, she replied
with an amused laugh, why not
What did they call you Rhoda for?
Why? Because my mothers name is
| Rhoda, of course.
And she uttered little ripping laugh,
as if much amused by his ridiculous
question.
He was a little puzzled at first and
then joined in the laugh.
Ho, no, no ! just like me An old
bachelor sailor, such as am, is al ways
asking ladies something stupid
But who are you who have been so
goodg May not know? Mamma would
like to thank you.
Oh, don't; I've done nothing I'm
only old Capt. Russell, of the EIst India
Company's ship Travancore.
| Capt. RUSSELL
| Humph She's heard I'm bear.
He muttered these words as she re-
peated his anne, for she had started and
a troubled expression came over her.
But quickly hiding this by collecting her
truant tresses, ond putting on her hat,
che resumed
am 50 grateful to you Capt. Russell.
Will yoD allow me to go homer
OF course il you are really better, only
you must accept my arm as an escort.
Come along my dear.
Then taking his hat End thick stick
he offered Rhoda his arm.
Why do they allow you to be out so
late 1t is dangerous.
have been over to Westleigh to see
an old friend who is not quite well.
Mamma will think am staying all
night, as | said should if l found her
very i'll. But as it wVs not quite 80 bad
l have returned. Unfortunately l mis-.
calculated the time.
All, you should have stayed with your
mamma? .... .4...
My poor father has been dead these
six years. He was Mr.. Scryvenour, the
solicitor. Perhaps you have heard of
him? ..
His arm twitched as he replied
Yes, have heard of him.
There is no one but mamma and my
self.
Ah, there is nobody in my place but
the crew--nobody but Waldemar and he
is in the China seas.
May ask who is Waldemar said the
girl as she looked up archly into his
face.
Waldemarp He's a young dog-my
nephew, l wish he would give up the
sea and stop here with me. It's so lonely.
Then you like Waldemar as il he were
your son. do you?
Like Waldemar II had him here
I'd don't know what would do.
You would tell him how glad you
were. He loves you, does he not
No; would not be glad, and he does
not love me. He will not do what /
say. am that vexed with Waldemar
that feel as if could take him by the
feet and aud mop out canon with him.
The young saucy dog! And he IL just
such young rascal as | was at his age,
God bless him!
The old mans companion was much
lOt oAO va" NnN ouNil Olu btu-
dog had very soft place in his heart
for Waldemar in spite Of his terrible
language. She almost thought she sur
prised him wiping tear away from his |
eyes. Accordingly, in tone ofgreatest
concern, she demanded,
Whatever has this poor Waldemar |
doneI
Donef Everything-nothing He's
witch r....
Everything Nothing?
Yes, he's gone and fallen in love with |
a stupid bit Of girl without penny.
Rhoda withdrew her arm from the
captains arm and said, Oh, reprOach-
fully. l..f .s.. -
There I've done it again beg your
pardon, indeed do. I'm not half as
savage as pretend to be. .
Oh, don't mention it. am quite we'll
now. We are getting quite close TO Ouse.
port, and perhaps you had better excuse
me taking your arm,
OF course, my dear, it is terrible
place for talking. / know get my char.
acter, mean ! don't get it, But where
is your houseP
Not far off. Will you callY Mamma
will be sitting at her knitting or perhaps
TeaulnB. we are Quite hiOne anu i
should like mamma to thank you for
your goodness.
We'll, perhaps will call-for a minute
only, just to recover my breath a little
you know.
Here we are then.
Rhoda lifted the latch to small gate
leading to small cottage snugly en-
shrined beneath mantle Of climbing
roses and honeysuckle.
Mamma. cried Rhoda, as she rushed
into room at the side of the passage,
here is Captain Russell. He has rescued
me from robber and brought me home.
He has been so good. You will forgive
me, will you not2
The impulsiye girl had her mother in
her arms kissing her and trying hard to
soothe her.
The captain had followed and dlscov-
cred them thus.
Mrs. Scryvenour, a comely dame Of
middle age, was startled when she saw
the captain, nor did his features show
less surprise. .
Rhodn Mainwarinpl ..f.... !