The record-union., 1891-12-19
R0Y'S EXPERIENCE.


IN the glass before going out.
tQuite in touch with the times-a
touching instance said her brother Lee.
stretching himself lazily on the sofa4
Say, Roy, what do you suppose he
touched it with? Pity it had not been.
touchwood, and then that lullaby Eve
sang to a preadamite would have been
extinct" he said, teasingly. "Where are
you off to anyway, sis?''
well, Lee Somers, your memory is
about as good as you are. Have you for
gotten that must buy my ticket if + sail
on the Queen of the Pacifc2'' said his
sister.
'Yes; but wanted to forget" said he,
dolefully. springing up and putting his
arm around her. "How can do without
your And then seeing tears filling her
eyes he said: my landlady viii have me
down to fine point in training for light
weight. To save her substance she will
have me shadow when you return. She
Somersp John, take away the pie.' And
IN the morning she asks, Will you have
an egg?' and l feel sure she wants to add,
Or have you had one?'"
The mimicry of manner and tone
brought a smile to Roy's face. Then her
brother went on:
Roy, L will miss your company so
much. You are my gauge to keep me
straight. / wish we need not be sepa-
rated.''
81 wish so, too, DEAR" says Roy, tears
filing her dark eyes. "But the chances
won't support us both. [ hate to- leave
you and go away alone with strangers,
but whatever is, is right, and we must be
brave about it, and possibly our long
lane Will have something nice around the
turn awaiting you and H.
"a stump to upset US hkely,n said Lee,
gloomily.
''We may land on our feet, then,n said
Roy, cherrily, as she kissed her brother
and left him, stopping at the door to say:
Lee, come and meet me at $3.50 like
dear, for it is my last evening"
Roy and Lee Sofners were orphans who
had lately come from the East, Lee to OBJ
tain situation in national bank, and
Roy after some months had answered an
advertisement for governess in the south
ern part OF the State and was to leave by
the steamer Queen of the Pacific the fol-
lowing day.
The parting came, sad, as ali partings
are, but Roy was a brave little woman,
and though the tears glistened on her
long lashes she tried to appear interested
IN the novel scene around her. The pas
5enger list was filled with all nationali-
lies. Travel" !" as some one observed,
always brings out the best in every
one" Cynical ones say, "Yes, when
hey are seasick." But the Pacific gives
40 one an excuse for such nonsense, and
the Captain declared, 'Every passenger
who missed a meal on his boat was fined
So,
He was saying this in his CHEEKY voice
as he walked around the deck getting
acquainted with the people who were
I,
elderly man, with. d fine presence and
was very popular commander. He
stopped at Roy's side ana inquired
kindly If she was travelling alone and her
destination. Roy answered him in her
frank, bright way. Soon the dinner
at my table, and shall look after you, if
you viii permit me, and tell me your
name, so 1 will know what to call you,''
he said, smiling kindly at her.
Roy Somers," she said simply, an
swering him.
said hurriedly, Are you a native daugh-
Ter of this State ?''
"Oh, no." said Roy, 'I am New
Yorker | have only been here little
while"
You must be a relation Of mine, said
the Captain grave1y. THAT is my name
and l am from that State What was
your mothers name,'' he asked, ''before
she was married ?''
Margaret Lee," she said softly, 'sbut
she died two years ago, and my brother
and 1 are orphans"
The Captain staggered against the rail
and covered his face with his hands.
Roy looked at HIM wonderingly. Finally
ne spoke.
''She was my wife, he said, ''and you
you are my own daughter.
1t was Roy's turn to be surprised.
1,
father died some years ago / am sure. I
cannot remember him, it was when l
was very Small.0
The Captain for answer drew from his
pocketa photograph case, and opening it,
Roy saw on one side her mothers face,
and on the other side Captain Somers,
taken years ago, but still bearings strong
resemblance to him.
Why was it you never told, or wrote,
or even came to my mother all these
years 2osshe said gravely, and a little
3cornfully.
There was grave mistake, an error
It seemed impossible to correct it at the
lime. Now it is too late, too late," and
ne groaned.
Come to my room and I will tell you,
but don't scorn me. for you are all that is
left me to love now.n
Roy followed him, but on arriving at
The door the room was found occupied
oy lady passenger who had dropped in
20 see the Captain, a golden-haired, viva
eious little widow, with a curious CLEAN
IN her large, light blue eyes; a gleam like
4 CLINT of steel, showing a strong will.
She came forward gracefully, cordially
greeting the Captain as an old friend.
he, turning, introduced Roy as his
daughter.
''Ahr' she murmured, turning and
scanning Roy curiously, ST understood
you had no family, Captain smiling at
him.
mot here; they have just come from
The East he said, quietly.
Your wife, too?" she asked rather
Dreathlessly.
''She is dead,'' he said graveIy, ''but
my son is out here, too. We have been
separated long time now, but please
God we viii spend the rest Of our lives
together
f'How pleasant for you; how happy
you will be; | envy you their love and
company Life is so lonely when one is
alone, - said the widow. plaintively droop-
ing her long, golden lashes over her eyes,
after looking pensiyely sweet at the Cap
tain. a curious smile crossed his bronzed
ace as he glanced keenly at the fair
widow.
81 was lonely till l saw, Lee and Roy"
replied he; Now they are both compan-
ionable. Iwin never be lonely again.
Although quite fascinated with the
widow Merlin, he had the good sense not
10 diyuIge all his life to her, but she
knew more than he thought, and bided
her time, knowing that all things come
10 him who waits. She sighed very audi
sly, and then drawing her pretty figure
up, she leaned over to Roy and said
sweetly, "You and /, my dear, must be
sirm friends. Iknow L shall love you as
my own daughter,''s and with another
room Of tf7a 1ono lachas ggUc,,