Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-06-06


and the laughter and the chat min
gled with the plash of the white-cap-
ped waves.
Ethel leaned against the railing
and watched the ripples gliding by.
Very lovely she was looking, in the
soft creamy folds of her Watching cos
tune, with the bars of gold across it;
and the white wing. in the little sailor
hat. Lord Fenyll at her side gazed at
ber in approval, and considered her
an awfully jolly little girl. He had
met her that day for the first time,
and had Immediately surrendered.
All the morning he had monopolized
her, and Mrs Van Zandt at distance
watching the performance with great
satisfaction.
Already, in her minds eye she saw
herself installed as mother-in-law in
Lord Fenylrs magnificent country
house; she saw herself seated in his
beautiful carriage, smiling and bow
ing to congratulating friends, she be-
held in fancy his famous town-house
/ filled with her guests, she saw-aDd
| the rose-colored vision floated quite
plainly before her eyes b.otting out
the sea, and the sky the ship and the
scenes on deck. Mrs Van Zandt had
dozed off very comfortably.
1t is possible that her slumbers
would not have been so peaceful had
she beheld the next act of the drama.
Ny Lord, in his eagerness to fetch
Miss Van Zandt cup of chocolate, as
he returned neglected his usual eau
ton in holding on, so that the un-
lucky man. ere he reached her, has
succeeded in distributing the entire
contents of the cup over his jaunty
yachting suit. The deck was crowded
and even politeness could not restrain
an audible smile. His retreat was
as precipitate as his entrance.
Here was Toms chance. He had
been lowering in the distance like
bird of prey, and now he swooped
down on Ethel with alacrity. His
face was wreathed in smiles as he
half-coaxed, half-compelled her to fol-
low him to corner, where for the
present they could be comparatively
alone.
But, Tom, she pleaded, mamma
she is watching me. | can't stay
here
Just wait minute he began, i'm
peratively. II have been trying TO
speak to you all day, and that glass
eyed little cad would not give anyone
else a chance. You must listen to me
for a moment. ! have an idea, a
thought. | have evolved plan
which is really stroke of genius"
And then, abruptly; Ethel, is your
mother fond of you!"
why, yes, Of course"-in surprise.
But / mean very fond. What
would she do if she were to lose you
if you were drowned, for instance?'
She looked at him askance.
Tom" she said suddenly, "you
look sane, but you do not act so.
What is the matter with youl Is the
sea breeze too much for your
Ethel, do you love me?' he queried,
irrelevantly.
All the laughter had left his face,
and she saw only the passionate love
and magnetism in his blue eyes
deeply, darkly blue they were now,
almost black. She turned little
pale, her quick breath came yet more
quickly. His face was very near hers,
SO near that wanton breeze blew a
stray tendril across her cheek.
You know it" she said, simply.
Was that kiss? The sea gulls could
have told, but they never did.
Then, Ethel he said, Il have
way. 1t is a little dangerous, | will
not deny that If you love Inc, dear,
as well as | do you, you will not
fear.
The hand in his trembled slightly,
but she made no protest.
Il cannot give you up. This is a
desperate remedy, but desperate
cases need such. ain going to make
a heroine of you. You must fall over
the rail into the water"
tom = she gasped, staring at him
with wide eyes.
"Yes-wait. You must fall into the
water. YOU see. and then | will jump
over and save your life. 1t will be
easy. As soon as you fall | will be
overheard, too Do not be afraid to
trust yourself to me; there is really
not much danger, because ] can swim
as well as | can walk. 1t is the only
way, dear, believe Inc. You are not
afraid y
She considered little.
II see, Tom; you think mamma
will be SO glad to have Inc brought
back to life that she will-will let us
have our way
Yes, that is just it, d" lie agreed
But, oh is there not some other
way? This is reckless, it is
well, Ethel" he said, Il can see
no other way. | shall be sure to save
you, and then-then, little girl, you
are mine for always"
But, Tom" she urged. suppose
mamma will not yield thenT'
she will, though" he asserted,
confidently.
Something of his own daring spirit
infected her. The spice Of danger,
her full confidence in his ability, their