The Wahpeton times., 1889-08-01
THE PEARL DIVERS,

THE PEARL DIVERS,
By AUSTIN c. BCRDEck.
About northwest from Putlam, and dis
tant only a few miles from the west coast
OF Ceylon, was the residence of Sir John
Lakin. He had come out from England
1.pany years before the time at which we
open our story, and engaged in tho pearl
nsnery. He was quite wealthy then, and
IN this he had an advantage over many of
tnose who were engaged in tho same busi-
ness He could command the services of
the best divers, and he could buy up pearls
OF those who needed the money. And
tnough he had now amasscd fortune, vet
ne was still in the business. Money was
MS god, and he worshipped it most devout-
~ The baronet's wife was dead, and the
only member of his family who was of his
own blood, was his daughter, an only
child. Her name was Bella.
Bella Lakin was nineteen years of age,
and was as handsome as her father was
avaricious. She did not possess tn at
classic beauty, which serves sculptors as
ideals OF goddcsscs, but it was beauty
peculiarly her own. 1t was o beauty of
goodness-a beauty that could not have had
any life without warm, noble heart to
enliven and soften it. She was short in
stature, round and full in frame, with
ruddy cheeks and sparkling blue eyes.
When she spoke, she seemed ready to
laugh, for warm smile was always play
ing about her lips and winking in her eyes.
when her soul was at ease In short she
kiss from the lips Of an anchoritc
One calm, moonlight night, when the
fresh sea breeze drove away the heat that
mad been so burdcnsome all tho day, and
the air was filled with the perfume of
oriental spices, Bella walked in her fathers
garden.
But she was not alone. BY her side
walked youth who had known her long.
His name was Allan Wilton. He was an
Englishnlan, born in Cal cutta, of poor
parents, his father having been alicutenant
in the army.
Allan came to Ceylon when only fourteen
years Of age, and had been engaged as a
common pearl diver ever since being now
four-and-twcnty. From his father he had
inherited noble soul, quickness of in
telligcnce and a fine sense of honor. He
loved knowledge, and with Bella's assist
ance, he had as many books as he wished
to read and study. He had been With the
Daronct now six years. and during that
time nc had brought up more pearls for his
employer than any other two men, il we
except one native who had been dead now
over year. He was noble looking
youth, carrying national pride in his soul,
and modcsty and goodness in his soul and
face both.
"Bella, )" he said, as they reached the ex :
tremity of the garden and sat down be-
meath talipot tree, II hardly think shall
spend another season in Ccylon."
"What," uttered tho maiden, gazing up
into her companions face as the smile fad
cd away from her own. ''Not live in Ccy-
Ion! You do not mean to leave us!''
"Yes-I must go.'
mo. no, Allen, You do not mean so. You
will not leave us.'
II fear I must. Bella.'
'But, wherefore! Oh, if you so, what
shall do:"
''You will find plenty to do."
"Aye-to sit and cry because ! am so
lonesome. You will not go, Allan-you
will not. Tell me YOU will not go."
"Ah, Bella, you know not what you say.
1must not stay"
"But why notf'
"Why-The reason should be plain" re-
Piled the youth, with seme hesitation.
but can speak as plainly as you wish. l
surely will not hide anything from YOU,
though would rather you should gain the
knowledge from your own understanding -
"But. Allan, how can 1! Tell mc-tell
me all''
Allan Wilton gazcd some moments into
the fair girls face, and then he said, with
some tremulousness in his tone:
pardon me, then, for the speech I now
make You know how long have known
you. You know came here a poor boy,
when you were a laughing joyous girl--''
"And am not the same now!"
"You may be in that single respect, but
alas, no longer mate for me- Oh, must
speak plainly now! Bella, these years l
have passed near you have been un.
happy ones, for amid all my toll the light Of
your smiles hes cheered me on. But am
q boy no longer, nor even a youth, as we
use the term distinct from manhood. am
man now, and you have grown woman.
Even now shall never efface your image
from my heart nor would if could.
But II remain longer, ! shall only become
more firmly bound by those ties which must
break the heart in rending. o Bella-good,
noble girl-you must see it now! 1t would
be wicked for me to stay. Plainly, now, l
tell you-it can do no harm-I love YOU too
well to stay longer. Now you have the
TRUTH
The fair girl withdrew her hand from the
youths loosened grasp, and bowed her
head She remained thus some moments.
Finally she looked up, and the moonbeams 5
were reflected from the pcarly tears that
had collected in her eyes, ana now stood
trembling upon the lashes.
"Allan," she said, in a low, agitated tone,
II do understand you, and if have never
before thought Of this as you now present
it, it is because have been 80 happy in
your company that have not looked much
to the future For Joy, have only looked
to your coming, from hour to hour. and
from day to day. But do not leave me now
oh, do not! should die il YOU were
gone!'
With these words spoken at the close in
quick, spasmodic tones, she placed her
hand upon Allan's arm, and pillowed her
head upon his bosom.
But" said Allan. trying TO be calm.
''why should stay. when it could only end
in misery to US both. Oh. you should
know that to live thus. we should be IN.
happy, unless we could be united forever
and that cannot bep'
"Why may it not be9" murmured the
maiden, without looking.up.
''How, Bella? Would you consent1"