Thomas County cat., 1890-10-30
softly up stairs, she thought to herself
how wise and brave he was.

softly up stairs, she thought to herself
how wise and brave he was.
II.
The day was glorious; the salt breath
of the sea swept over the yacht, the
gulls dipped and rose; the little craft
danced along-yes, it was glorious
day. The gay party on deck were en-
joying it to the utmost and the laughter
and chat mingled with the splash of
the white capped waves.
Ethel leaned against the railing and
watched the ripples gliding by. Very
lovely she was looking. in the soft
creamy folds of her yachting costume,
with the bars of gold across it, and the
white wings in the little sailor hat.
Lord Fenyll at her side gazed at her in
approval, and considered her an awfully
jolly little girl. He had met her that
day for the first time, and had immedi-
ately surrendered. All the morning he
had mOnOpOliZed her, and Mrs. Van
Zandt, at distance, was watching the
performance with great satisfaction.
Already, in her minds eye, she saw
herself installed as mother in-law in
Lord Fenyll's magnificent country
house; she saw herself seated in his
beautiful carriage, smiling and bowling
to cOngratulating friends; she beheld in
fancy his famous town house filled
with her guests; she saw-and the rose
colored vision tioated quite plainly be-
fore her eyes, blotting out the sea aud
the sky, the ship and the scenes on
deck. Mrs Van Zandt had dozen off
very comfortably.
1t is possible that her slumbers would
not have been so peaceful had she be-
held the next act of the drama My
lord, in his eagerDesS to fetch Miss Van
Zandt cTf Of chocolate, as he re
turned neglected his usual caution in
holding on, so that the unlucky 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 a
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 follow him to a
corner, where for the present they
could be comparatively alone.
"But Tom," she pleaded, mamma J.
she is watching me. l can't stay here"
"Just wait minute" he began inn
peratively. 81 have been trying to
speak to you all day, AMI that glass
eyed little cad would not give any one
else chance You must listen to me
for a moment. l have an idea, a
thought. have evolved plan which
is already stroke of genius" And
then, abruptly: Ethel is your mother
fond of you9'
"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 you? Is the sea breeze
too much for you?"
Ethel do you love me?" he queried,
irreleyantly.
All the laughter had left his face, and
s..e saw only the passionate love and
magnetism of his in his blue eyes
deeply. darkly blue they were now, al
most black. She turned little pale,
he: quick breath came yet more quick.
ly. HIS face was near hers, so near
tha:. Il wanton breeze blew stray ten
drill across his cheek.
"YGu know it, she said simply.
Was that kiss The sea gulls
could have told. but they never did.
Then. Ethei," hs sai;. Il have way.
1t is Il l.;;,le dangerous: viii not deny
that. If you 80 I'll, d., ;is well us
do yu,i, ,oC will not f,.,-."
The hand ii his trembled slightly
but she made no protest.
Il canlo. give :ou up. This is a !
desperate remedy. bat desperate cases
need s'ch. am going to make a hero
inc If you. You must fall over the
raj. i::tp the wster---"
Tom" size gasred staring at him
with wide eyes.
"Ies-wait. YOI must fall into the |
water, you see. and then 1 Will Jump |
over and save your life. twill be easy. |
As soon as you fail will be overheard
90. Do not be afraid to trust your
elf to me, there is really not much
langer, because can swim as well as
can walk. 1t is the only way dear
believe me. You are not afraid?"