Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1890-09-13
NOT A HEROINE.

was watching distant sail rather than
the manly form of Ciccly's fiance.
$50 you won't either of you go?"
queried Carl, holding the dory still with
his oar
Mazda knew that he was looking at
her Nth bcseeching eyes, but she only
s;zed more serenely at the distant sails.
CHS answered nonchalantly for both:
Too h t: besides, rowing is bore"
She mentally added, with ones lover.
CHS was api to be bored with ANYTHING
that belonged to her, even in prospective
"TiF2.e's Il storm cloud coming up"
said Mazda, as they turned back toward
the old manor hou e.
What of it," said Cis, lightly. carl
is able to take care of his precious self l
hope" And she smiled little wickedly
at Midas sudden blush.
M".a9 saw the smile.
Il tn. X | will take walk" she said,
co lily, an five minutes after her slim
white cad figure was lost to sight be-
You'd the curve of the beach.
Was it the same calm proud face that
Maida hid in her hands half an hour later
a, she sat alone on the rocks? 1t was
proud still in spite of the tear stains,
but it had new tirmness about it oddly
opposed to the round dimpled chin and
soft lips.
a large rain drop, colder than her
tears, splashcd on her hand, and she
started up. The sky was black with
large thunder cloud hanging low and
threatening over the sea.
Nadia caught her breath as she saw
how rapidly the storm was gathering.
White caps were already appearing far
out ON the waves, and the breakers were
da hing on the rocks with new fury.
In a terror that lent her speed Mazda
almost flew over the sands toward the
little collection of tishermen's cottages
which, with the old manor house where
she was visiting, comprised all of Gray
Sands.
In her flight she had time to scan the
angry water for Carl's dory, but unsuc-
ccssfully. and to remember that all the
men of Gray Sands were out ON a three
days fishing trip.
She met Cis half way to the boat land
ing-a helpless distressed Cis, who inn
plored Mazda to get help in one breath
and in the next declared that poor
Carl was at the bottom of the sea.
Mazda PAUSED Il moment. looking at
the frightened face. Tn plan that was
rushing through her head suddenly
seemed foolish and useless; should she
risk her lie aud probably lose it, to
save Carl for this shallow child?
The next momcIt she brushed past
Cicely and flew to"ard the little landing
where her own boat was kept. CiS
looked after her with wonder.
"Maida, are you mad?" she cried
"Perhaps-it is only Il chance, but my
boat is safe and | shall try it. Will you
help me?" Mazda ans wered briefly.
But Cts shrank back.
sob, don't ask me! I'm afraid even to
look at the wat r-it seems so angry"
Mazda pushed off with her strong
young arms, not even CHANGING at the
small figure with blowing hair AMI out
stretched hands begging her pitcousIy
not to go.
She knew where Carl had gone, but
out of his way. 1t was only a short
time, but it seemed weeks to Mada's
tired arms and frightened heart before
she saw Il small white speck on the black
water which she knew was an upturned
dory.
Her heart sank, but she pulled toward
it with the courage of DESPAIR, and at
last reached the dory-nOt alone-for a
figure clad in white flannel suit was
clnging TO the upturned boat.
Twenty minutes later, in the wind,
rain, and darkness, Carl and Nadia
stepped on the Ii tie landing wherr were
gathered the tiSlcrmen's wives aul the
servants from the manor house, a FREE ;dly
little crowd, bewaiting "poor han some
Mr. Carl and "sweet Miss Maidl" with
a fervor which rapidly changed to re-
icing.
But in the little group Mazda looked in
vain for Ci5. She was nowhere to be
seen.
The next day Mazda knew whore Cis
had gone and why, for Carl showed her
this note:
DEAR CARL: IN leaving for home to-
night | will say gOol-by, and | am sure
tie word will cause you no more regret
than it does me. We have never really
loved each other, and-well, we can't all
be heroines. CHS"
And so Nadia could do no less than ac-
ccpt the life she had saved.