The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-06-22
.LUCILLE'S LOVE AFFAIR.


fond of a pretty face, and when he
caught one glimpse of Lucille's as the
wind blew her veil aside on the home
ward trip of the Malta he wished he
was her cousin, or the stout ship sur
geon who dared offer her his arm for a
promenade. There was something al
most familiar in the face, too. Where
had he met her? At what german or
reception, in the salons of the best So
ciety or in the wards of some hospital?
Or was it only trick of imagination?
Had he waltzed with her at some sea-
side hop or taken her out at some state
dinner or wedding breakfast?
DR.. Harrisse was bold man in his
way; the few days on the Malta had
hung like lead on his hands, there be-
ing but a handful of cabin passengers,
and many of those without their sea
legs. He was man quick to think,
but somewhat forgetful. His eyes
met Lucille's; smile of recognition
illuminated her face; he bowed con-
fidently and advanced toward her.
81 am happy to meet you again." he
said unblushingly. perhaps you find
it as dull aboard as ! do?"
"If you are at your wits end for
amusement as I am I'm sorry for you, :"
she said. "My poor aunt has not been
able SO far to lift her head from the
pillow"
"Who the deuce do I know with the
appendage of an aunt?" Harrisse
mentally considered. "However, it
doesn't signify if she is only amusing
and the aunt is not an ogre"
The ships surgeon, DR.. Johns, con-
suited his watch.
"Tll be obliged to deliver you to the
tender mercies of DR.. Harrisse, Miss
Lindsay" he said, as he hurried
away.
you see am lame STILL" she pre-
sently remarked.
as it possible?" he returned, feel
ing as if he was cropping in the dark.
Had one of his acquaintances suffered
an accident which had escaped his
memory? She took it for granted that
he was familiar with the circumstan-
ces. A misstep might expose him.
aBut doubtless it will wear off in time,
he hazarded.
81 fear not. You don't realize that
the accident happened six years ago.
[ used it too soon. | must ride, you
know, at that time or die. 1t was
weak and I got another fall and broke
it again"
said DIR. Harrisse.
Was it possible that he had known
this blooming creature six years anC
had neglected to cultivate her? Now
he would learn by experience anC
make the most of the PRESENT."
"Is this your first visit abroad?"
"Yes-I have been away five years
I call Europe my school-room. dldn'
know anything when l left Americ;
except riding, you know. l was
perfect Ounce. 1 have studied tn
arts and languages. l can sing an
speak to you in five tongues"
"With the tongues of men and angels
I've no doubt"
81 can paint you picture that vii
not be half bad. Have | not used m
opportunities"
Il would to heaven I had used min
half as we'll"
And then the interesting subjec
was allowed to drop.
But Lucille and DIR. Harrisse had
thousand other things to discuss. b
| w
agree with him. They found the
they had just missed each other at II
terlachen; that he had only been pr
vented by chance from joining tn
party with which she had made tt
ascent of Mount Blanc; they ha
mutual friends abroad; but still tt
great enigma. where he had know
her in America, remained unsolved.
But he troubled himself very lit
about it just now; he was driftir
with the tide; he was passing throue
new phase of existence. He had b
lieved himself invincible, and behol
he had been conquered by the "tout
of hand. turn of head" 1t was a
surd, perhaps, for man of his yea
to be so easily enchanted; he rath
lonoed for the end of the voyage
order to discover if it was only tt
y glamor of a pretty face and swe
manner that infatuated him. He q
sured himself that it would.
1t seemed to DIR. Harrisse, about tt
time, that DR.. Johns was always Jol
ing them, that he had weakne
himself for Miss Lindsay; and Hs
risse smiled, thinking how futile
was.
"You remember Capt. Hamerton
asked Dr. Johns on one of these ocC
n sions, when the talk had somehC
drifted upon love and marriage.
"Oh, certainly" said Harrisse, wis
inc Capt. Hamerton and DIR. job
were in the Red sea, igurativ'
speaking. Il remember him-an ;
cient mariner, or somebody, eh?"
"Wen, you know he fell in love W
circus rider? Fact. And he 60, j
= day; real love affair.""
"Oh, WELL" said DR.. Harrisse, eth
l must be Nautch girls ana >ircus ride
perhaps, but we don't choose
I wives and sweethearts from amo
them"
81 think I must go below" said
ellie, "the sun is withering."
Naturally enough Lucille was tt
of the surgeons "reminiscences;
turally she felt no interest in the '
gar loves of circus riders and
beaux.
"You will miss the sunset" he 81
aside, OBTAINING her. "Dr. Johns
be gone presently. Let us see