Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1892-07-28


housekecper is indisposed, and | have
given her leave OF absence. Her niece
will supply her place. Will you over
see her a little?"
Blanche nssented, and looked at
him gratefully. She understood tho
delcacy which prompted this request
He wished her to feel that she was
needed in the house to which she had
come only as guest.
So the weeks went by and still! Mr..
and Mrs. Owens remained at Romano
Park. Robert was brilliant talker,
and basking in the sunshine OF the
hour, made a delightful companion,
while Blanche fitted about the house,
helped to entertain the guests, and
tor the time was mistress OF the prem
Uses.
She was very graceful hostess, one
whom none could help admirng, pre-
siding with that natural ease which
can never be acquired; and if she We're
not perfectly happy it was not be-
cause she felt unwelcome for Romano
lett nothing undone that might con-
tribute to the pleasure OF his guests;
but he did it all in such an unobtru-
sive way that there was no burden in
his hospitality.
Dinner was over. The moon threw
such brilliant light into the drawing.
room that the gas had not been lit.
The air was fragrant with the breath
OF a creeping rose that wound itself
around the pillar OF the piazza.
1t had been a very warm day, al
most sutfocating but at dusk a slight
breeze arose.
"a lovely night for row. Romano"
said Owens. lounging against a pillar
OF the veranda
"All right. Robert, we'll 60"
Blanche" called her husband.
we're off for row. Bring your
guitar"
''lp moment she answered.
1t was lovely night. Oneior poet s
dreams and lovers; night when the
higher spiritual part OF human nature
rises above its earthly ENVIRONMENTS
when our ideal eyes can almost pierce
beyond the blue to the mysteries it
wells.
The water was smooth as glass. the
moon shone like silver: the boat cllded
on with very little etfor, from the
oarsmen. Blanche began to sing. for
no oneseemed disposed to talk. From
one ballad to another she passed. the
men listening in silence. But what
was the matter with the night? They
were suddenly plunged in darkness. \
cloud had obscured the moon.
We are goingto have rough weather.
Let us start for the shore" said Ro-
maine.
See how fast that cloud travels
and how the waves roln exclaimed
Owens in some excitement.
Romano was already giving his
strength to the oarsl Blanche was
apparently ascalm as though she were
safe at Romano Park. She was not
natnrally a nervous woman, and the
beauty ofthe night had perhaps in
spired her soul with n little OF its sub
Unity.
Suddenly the storm burst upon
them; the waves rolled high and tossed
the boat about like an eggshell They
could not see each other's faces; they
were saturated with rain and spray.
I'm afraid we're lost" shouted
Owen, above the roar OF the tempest.
Hold fast and we're all right, :"
shouted back Romaine;. but never q
word spoke Blanche.
A blaze OF lightning showed them
that they We're near the shore. The
boat began to whirl around.
Courage, Owens, courage!" cried
Romano; and while he said it they
were in the water
Ks the boat capsized Blanche did
not know who clasped her close and
called out
Don't pull me down.
A wave rolled over them and the
next moment she was on solid ground.
care you alive Blanche?" said ROM
aine, as he pressed his cheek to her
lips to see ii she breathed, Eyes, yes,
God be thanked! Oh, my pure white
rose, | could not have lived without
you'll"
The color swept into Blancho's face
and she tried, though vainly, to free
herself from his arms.
"Robert!" she cried "Where is Rob.
ert. He cannot swim"
A blaze Of lightning revealed white
face on the bosom of wave near by
"He will be drowned! He is lost!'
Blanche cried, and with heart-ren
ding cry she became again uncon
scious. Ronlaine had not released
| her, as she would have fallen to the
ground.
He held the woman he loved in his
arms, and for one wild, brief moment
was happy. There, amid the raging
storm, with death behind him, anc
death perhaps before, he was in bliss
There was nothing between then
! now-not even her own consciousness.
nothing but that white face on ;h,
water. A great temptation assailet
him. Owens could not swim; he might
be dead even then, or beyond all hu
man help. 1t was folly to risk his lif,
on such chance. Like a. flash thes,
thoughts came to Romaine; thos,
few seconds seemed as many hours
cold drops OF perspiration mingled
with the raindrops on; his face. Thel
with a sudden, almost rough, move
ment, he laid down his helpless bur
den and threw himself once more int,
the darkr.waters.
When Blanche recovered conscious