The Lamar register., 1892-01-09

them under the starlight. The
weather was unusually good. but
there came at last a two days storm;
they had all stayed below, making
candy, acting charades. playing games
and singing, At last when the waves
were growing more furious and the
wind raging violently some sudden
impulse made Lucia look up to Robert,
and say with smile: You are tho
best seaman hero; take me on deck,
please
There was u general protest at this;
but she carried her point After
being much tossed about they reached
the dock and attempted to walk up
and down. You will have TO cling
close" he said. drawing her hand
through his arm.
The waves were like mountains,
the rain beat against them and the
wind blew almost hurricane The
color glowed on Lucia's cheeks. her
eyes shone with unusual brightness.
.Oh, how subiimer' she exclaimed
ii could live on the ocean; yet it is
terrible after all. and she shuddered
a little
A sudden lurch OF the boat threw
her from him. and she would have
fallen had he not caught her in his
arms. Her silky hair brushed his
cheek and he felt his heart beating
against his breast so that 1t seemed as
I If she must feel it. This is some-
thing OF a gale" she laughed. as.
woman-llke. she first recovered her
self-pOssession-
They soon went below for the storm
ragged more furiously. Robert saw n
strange expression in Perkins eyes.
but he was conscious OF wonderful,
elation, and could still feel the magic
OF the sweep OF those silken locks
across his lips The next morning
dawned clear and fair. with no hint
OF tho previous storm except the won
derful blue OF the sky and the blue
green of the sea
Lucla was pacing up and down the
deck With Perkins when Robert came
up; then she went below to finish her
packing. for this was the last day.
They were only few hours from tho
harbor now. When she appeared
again she went aft and leaned against
the rail looking back over the ocean.
Roqcrt Joined her there
Are you sorry that this is our last
day9' she queriod. ut has been de-
lIghtful to me he answered. then
stopping fearing to trust himself TO
say more As usuuL thore was q call
for Lucin, aud Robert had only time
to ask for n waltz for that evening,
His vacation was over The next
day be was TO return to New York and
tho law. He could not understand
his interest tho did not call it love
yeti in Lucia She was surprised to
find him so good partner and they
waltzed and waited until the music
stopped; then he begged her to go out
on the piazza He drew her lace
wrap about her fair shoulders and it
was
They had barely reached the piazza
when the orchestra began playing
and Mr. Perkins came to claim her
for the dance. Robert sat in the
shadow and watched them through the
window. When the dance was over
they came out and walked by him.
They were talking low and earnestly,
and as they stopped whero the light
from the door shone brightest Robert
saw Lucia bend to look at a ring.
He rose as they went like one
dazed II was nothing more than he
had expected yet it came like u cruel
blow. He met Lucia as she was cross
ing the threshold. Il have come TO
finish oar promenade, she said. smil-
ing.
Hefelt like cursing her for her CO.
auetry. but there was nothing for him
to do but offer his arm. This he did
with much formaliiy. After yainly
trying to coax him to talk she said:
Now that our party is soon 10 bo
broken up. l Will tell you OF an on
gagement that will be announced to-
morrow"
"Indeedr' he said dryly, nerving
himself for the news. Yes; MIR.
Perkins II imagined us much. " he
interrupted. She looked at him in
amazemeut DO you know Marion2n
she asked. Then he looked at her in
bewilderment and repeated inquiring-
ly. "Marion9'
Yes; my cousin Marion They have
been lovers for years, but aunty did
not wish the engagement to really
take place until she was out of school.
He goes to sec her tomorrow"
is little Marion grown up?' he
asked. then lost interest in the two
and led Lucia TO a settee in the shadow.
"Aud are you not in love with
Perkins" a new light stole over her
face. Then she broke into hearty
laugh.
Il love him as ought TO love my
cousins fiance, "she replied. 'Is it pos
sibIe you thought"-but she turned
away her face to hide her smiles.
Roberts theories and cynicism were
evidently left out at sea where the
yacht they left that afternoon lay an
chored.
.Lucial Luciam he cried, clnsping
her in his arms Il love you sol
Tell me it Is not all in vain!" One OF
her arms stole around his neck, and
she buried her face IN his breast as
she whispered: Il think fell in love
with your picture years ago when
Jack brought it from Hazard.
Then why did you treat me SOP
4R