Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1890-01-22
A ST MMER'S EXPERIENCE

We were not very well off. Fathers
situation in the bank, altliougha respon-
sible one. yielded but small salary when
compared with the expensive family he
had to support; so. when the question
came up where we should spend the sum-
mer. one of the first.things to be taken
into consideration was the expense.
1t did not make much difference to
mel was sure of a certain amount OF
admiration and attention wherever l
went, l had always received 1t since my
first day at school, where my pretty
curls and shining eyes had captured the
hearts of the big boys, up to the last
ride taken in the park.
With not only the beauty but much of
the cleverness of the family, naturally
great things were expected of me.
had but one sister--a poor, pale, lit
tie thing. She was younger than and
had always been delicate, but for some
time had been growing gradually weak
er. until now we wheeled her about the
house in an easy chair. 1t was finally
decided that mamma should take tho
bows up into New Hampshire and sister
Millie and l should go down to Beach
point. little unknown resort on tho
coast.
Fat er accompanied us, but only
stopped long enough to see us comfort
ably settled. Twas lonesome enough tho
first few days. There were no boarders
but us. and the house was the only one
on the beach, our neighbors being away
back in the uplands.
dutifully took my bath each day as
one swallows a bitter tonic Iplayed on
the little old-fashioned piano in the par
lor. and to kill time slept away the
greater part of the long summer after
Moons 1t was all very dull and COM
monplace,
Millie was cheerful and contented.
She read and worked Oh the pretty things
she was constantly knitting out of bright
woods, or sketched as much of the seem
cry as she could see from her chair by
the window.
One evening l was out of sorts and
little cross, and had just declared /
wouldn't make toilet to go down stairs,
where there was no one but the land
lords son, who usually expressed his adj
miration with open-mouthed wonder.
Presently our landlady hustled i'll full
of importance.
81 lust run up minute to tell you that
the stage has come and Mr.. Brent was
i'm it. He is here every summer and
comes cunning in the winter. He gave
us the sail boat on the bay, and we had
his name painted on it, Hartley Brent.
He amt so very young, but he's rich,
and l thought perhaps you'd like TO know
he was here so as to change your dress
before you came down.
She hurried away, feeling she had done
good deed.
After closing the door to shut out the
cold sea air, l wrapped a shawl around
poor. shivering Nlillie, saying:
Now, dear, have been forewarned,'
and when l am arrayed in my new gren-
adine shall be 'forearmed.'
Time dragged no longer after Hartly
Brent came, and soon several other
pleasure seekers arrived, until we were
merry party. Escorts were plenty,
and, as was the privilege of my belle
hood, / chose such as pleased me best.
When my choice fell on Mr.. Brent, as il
often did, | could see how pleased he was
to be of service He was never oflicious,
vet always ready to quietly render any
little attention needed. His manner was
different from the gay gallantry of other
cavaliers. with their jests and fiattery,
though he was always deferential, and
praised my taste, my music and my
voice with discriminating earnestness
knew to be sincere.
1T is because he is older than the 9th
ers. | said to Millie, who loved to hear
me talk of him.
She was always interested in anything
liked. and he had been kind to her,
brin gilg her fruit and flowers and books
and tiSing her in his strong arms down
To the parlor of an evening, ard back
again to her room when she was tired.
Besides ] said to myself, the warm
blood circling around my heart at the
thought their attentions mean moth
ing. and he is in earnest.
How quickly time flies when one is
happy. Each perfect summer day has a
remembrance in my heart; we boated
and fished and gathered shells during the
day, and in the long evening sat on the
long piazza after had tucked Nlillie in
bed and kissed her good night.
Mr.. Brent and engaged in quiet ,.-
versation, our voices subdued, t:lat they
might not reach OF disturb those who
sat with Us, while he told me of his
home; of his struggles with the world,
and the success which had crowned
them; his past life, and plans and aspira-
tons for the future.
Listening to his voice and looking out
over the moonlit expanse, love freighted
fairy boat and launched it from the
sa ii, and | watched it sailing DER the
summer sea. careless where it drifted,
was so happy.
Each day looked in the little square
glass that hung on the wall of or room,
and saw myself growing more blooming
and radiant Mr. Brent called him
HaItly in my thoughts-said reminded
him of a crimson carnation, with my
bright color and the spicy scent Of my
fan.
And, Mile, he added, turning to
her with kindly smile, as though she
might feel slight,d, with her golden
hair and white dress, is water lily
1t was our last daY at Beachpoint. The
season WAS nearly over and mamma was
already home with the boys and had
written to me TO come a-d bring Millie.
Mamma informed me that she had de-
scribed her case to a celebrated physi-