The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-05-09
THE BLACK RIBBON.

TIE gentlemen of Cove house sat
upon the piazza, smoking and look
ing at the sea as it tumbled in, when
the evening coach, laden with piled
up baggage and passengers, came
rattling down the turnpike and made
the sweep which led to the hotel.
This in itself was matter enough for
attention, but when, in the wake OF
the yellow old coach, just beyond
its clouds of dust, a glittering little
pony carriage rolled swiftly on, a
dozen pair of lazy eyes grew inter-
ested and expectant.
The coach drew up with scien
tifc flourish, and the sweating
horses stood painting with the tug
through the heavy sand, while the
driver leaped down, and with much
tumbling and crashing OF trunks the
old stage was unladened. Mean
while the pony carriage, holding two
girls, rolled up to a side door, and
three walters were instantly in at
tendance upon them.
The ladies alighted, and the two
disappeared at the private door OF
the Cove house.
Who are they? asked Paul Han
over, Withdrawing his cigar from
his mouth and turning his hand,
some blue eyes on the friend at his
elbow.
Fame King, who was looking
thoughtfully out at sea, replied
quietly that he did not know.
It's Miss Payson, of New York,
said Will Mckenzie, who knew
everybody. At any rate, that's her
turnout.
Which one?
The blonde, | suppose. | never
met her, but she was at Newport
with my sister last season. Nice,
amt she?
Who is the other one?
| don't know. Poor cousin, |
presume.
Hanover and King relapse to their
cigars but everybody was thinking
more or less of Miss Payson.
The ladies appeared at supper.
There were only five of their party
the old gentleman, the two young
ladies and an invalid child of IS
with her nurse 1t was soon re-
marked that they appeared sufficient
for themselves. and neither sought
nor received acquaintances. The
face of the blonde girl was as jolly
without the jockey hat as with it,
but the profile of her companion
only was to be seen. A broad black
ribbon bound around the chin and
nearly concealing a wealth of dark
brown hair revealed only the side
view Of a set of regular features, and
one smooth, fresh cheek.
What can be the matter? ques-
toned the ladies one OF the other.
So, without the least possible in
formation on the subject, Alice
Payson was decided to be an object
of misfortune and compassion, while
unconcealed admiration and adula-
ton were offered the other one.
cannot say that either appeared
much affected by the regard of those
around them. Certainly they spoke
to no one for at least three weeks.
People became discouraged about
making their acquaintance and few
more attempts were tried.
But things inevitably changed.
One evening when all Cove house
was in the surf a scream arose. The
scream was followed by frantic cry.
Alice o Alice She is drowning!
Save her Save her !!
Who can swim was the cry.
Long before it was answered Fame
King was seen striking out boldly
for the spot.
But he had some 40 rods to swim,
and it was probable that Alice Pay
son had sunk for the second time
while the strong tide swelled against
the rocks.
Swim, man, swim ! shouted the
old uncle upon the beach.
Save her, oh for Gods sake
cried Maud, wringing her hands.
But within a few strokes of Fame
Kings outstretched arms Alice dis
appeared.
There was already death upon her
closed eyes and pallid forehead He
thought it was corpse he clasped
as he dropped beneath the surface
and caught her sinking figure.
1t was with difficulty he arose to
the surface. Thrice the great pillows
rolled over his head before he ap-
peared. He could only hold himself
and his burden off the cruel rocks.
Already his arm was lacerated with
their sharp teeth.
They had put out boat, and it
a+ lact ,an,o Ia Lii ,nl;af A. tl,a.-