The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1891-12-24
CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA

OF all the treats Of the year. not ore
could compare with the party given
each Christmas by the rector Of Ter
bury and his sister Miss Lefty. He
the soul Of hospitality: she the spirit
Of fun; both patron saints Of all trua
lovers
On the night on which we introduce
them their interest was centred on two
persons, about whom many tongues
were wagging. Philip Ford, Il hand
some young sailor. and Alice Viner.
the acknowledged beauty of Torbury.
Nature, it was said, had evidently
meant them for each other. and
Philip was most anxious to carry out
Natures good intention: but. unluckilv
for the accomplishment of this ar
rangement, Aice's head had been
turned by success and fiattcry, and
she seemingly took Philips love as
her right without there being the
necessity of any return from her.
Philip and Alice were orphans
Their fathers, like so many Torbury
men, had been drowned within sight
Of home; their mothers had followed
to the grave soon after Then Alice
had been brought up by her grand
father, and Philip had found a home
with kindly neighbors until he was
old enough to earn his own living and
go to sea. Grandfather Vinar was
reckOned man Of substance. with a
good bit of prize money pat away,
and owner Of the snug cottage which,
on little promontory sheltered by
Black Tor, overlooks the 9eat stretch
Of ocean which comes surging over
the bar into Torbury Bay. In addi-
ton to being beauty, Alice was
looked on as an heiress: and these
combined attractions brought lovers
in plenty, many Of them able TO give
her all the worldly wealth she desired
From the time she could first remem-
ber, Philip had worshiped her, and
secure OF his love. she secmed indif-
fcrent to the torture her coquetry
caused him, secretly pleased to ini!ict
pain which punished her for being
weak enough to care more for him
lhan for her richer lovers.
On the night OF the dance Il fresh
suitor presented himself in the person
OF wealthy farmer, and, dazZlcd by
her conquest, Alice was more trump
hant than ever. What chance was
left for Philip! His hope went down
to zero He felt SO desperate that he
feared if he stayed he might do some
thing TO disgrace himself before every
body. He would put his fate to the
test; he would speak to Alice, and
have from her Yes or No; and, accord
inc to that answer. he would remain
or forever turn his back on Torbury
Carrying out his resolution, Alice and
he had, for five minutes, a very stormy
interview.
Alice" he blurted out almost
choked with emotion, will You marry
me?'
"Will | WHAT"
You know what | said. I've asked
the same question OF you hundred
times before"
Then you've had a hundred an
swers. Take the same one now"
Stop" he said. for she was turning
away, this time its to be yes or no,
for, before the God who made us, l
viii never ask you again. II you
send me away L don't care what be
comes of me. Goodbye to you and
Torbury forever"
Goodbye, then" and she gave u
scornful toss of her head. Il can't
stay longer; my partner is coming to
claim me"
Philip watched her walk away,
leaning on the arm of the prosperous
farmer. Then, torn by love and pas
sion, he rushed from the house. ran
along the cliff, and threw himself face
downwards on the ground. and there
he lay. while Alice. her eyes sparkling,
her cheeks flushed by recent emotion,
drew all eyes towards her Never
had she been SO triumphant, nor looked
so lovely.
Come friends" said the rector. ''be-
fore parting join hands that we may
wish each other a happy Christmas"
But. where is Philip Ford?" asked
Miss Lefty.
He made himself scarce a couple of
hours ago." said a shipmate, casting a
reproachful glance a Alice.
I'VE mustn't leave him out. though"
said the rector, regretfully. and he
ended his good wishes by saying a
happy Christmas to Philip Ford"