Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1893-04-27
LUCILLE.


Dr.. Harrisse, like most men, was fond
Of pretty face, and when he caught one
glimpse of Lucille's as the wind blew her
veil aside ON the homeward trip of the
Malta he wished he was her cousin or
the stout ship surgeon who dared offer
her his arm for promenade. There was
something almost familiar in the face
too. Where had he met her? At what
german or reception, in the salons of the
best society OF in the wards Of some hos
pita? Or was it only trick of imagina-
tion2 Had he waltzed with her at some
seaside 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 being
but handful of cabin passengers, and
many of those without their sea legs. He
was man quick to think, but somewhat
forgetful. His eyes met Lucilles. A
smile of recognition illumined her face
He bowed confidently and advanced to-
ward her.
81 am happy to meet you again" he
said unblushingly. Perhaps you find it
as dull aboard as l do?"
'If you are at your wits end for
amusement, as am, I'm sorry for you,''
she said. "My poor aunt has not been
able SO far to lift her head from the pill
low"
"Who the deuce do l know with the
appendage of an aunt" Harrisse men
tally 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
Lifdsay," he said as he hu1ried away.
s.You see am lame STILL" she pres
emily remarked.
''Is it possiblei" he returned, feeling
as if he was cropping in the dark. Had
one Of his acquaintance suffered an ac-
cident which had escaped his memory?
She took it for granted that he was fa-
miliar with the circumstances. A mis-
step might expose him. "But doubtless
it will wear off in time" he hazarded.
81 fear not. You don't realize that the
accident happened six years ago. fused
it too soon. I must ride, you know, at
that time or die. It was weak, and I
got another fall and broke it again"
II am sincerely sorry to hear it." said
DIR. Harrisse.
Was it possible that he had known this
blooming creature six years and had neg
lected to cultivate her? Now he would
learn by experience and make the most
Of the present.
SIS this your first visit abroad?"
Eyes. have been away five years. !
call Europe my schoolroom I didn't
know anything when left America ex-
cept riding, you know. was perfect
Ounce. have studied the arts and Ian
guages. 1 can sing and speak to you in
five tongues
with the tongues of men and angels,
I've no doubt"
81 can paint yon picture that will
not be half bad. Have / not used my
opportunities"
II would to heaven had used mine
half so we'll"
And then the interesting subject was
allowed to drop.
But Lucille and DR.. Harrisse had d
thousand other things to discuss. He
delighted in woman who dared to dis
agree with him. They found that they
had just missed each other at Inter
lachen; that he had only been prevented
by chance from joining the party with
which she had made the ascent of Mount
Blanc. They had mutual friends abroad,
but still the great enigma, where he had
known her In America, remained un-
solved.
But he troubled himself very little
about it alst now. He was drifting with
the tide. He was passing through anew
phase of existence. He had believed
himself invincible, and, behold, he had
been conquered by the ''touch of hand,
turn Of head" It was absurd perhaps
for man of his years to be SO easily en-
chanted. He rather longed for the end
Of the voyage in order to discover if it
was only the glamour of a pretty face
and a sweet manner thatinfatuated him.
He assured himself that it would.
| 1t seemed to DIR. Harrisse about this
time that DR.. Johns was always Joining
them, that he had a weakness himself
| for Miss Lindsay, and Harrisse smiled,
thinking how futile it was.
You remember Captain Hamerton?v
asked DIR. Johns on one of these occa-
sions, when the talk had somehow drift
ed upon love and marriage.
"Oh, certainly" said Harrisse, wish
ing Captain Hamerton and DR.. Johns
were IN the Red sea-. fguratiyely speak
ing. ~ remember him-an ancient mar
iner or somebody, eh?'
"Well, you know, he fell in love with
circus rider. Fact. And he go if a
day. Real love AFFAIR."
"Oh, well," said DIR. Harrisse, '.there
must be nautch girls and circus riders
perhaps, but we don't choose our wives
and sweethearts from among them"
II think must go below" !" said Lucille,
"the sun Is withering.-
Naturally enough Lucille was tired Of
the surgeons "reminiscences. Naturally
she felt no interest in the vulgar loves Of
circus riders and old beaux.
''You will miss the sunset" he said
aside, OBTAINING her DR.. Johns will be
gone presently Let us see the evening
star come out together ON the last night
at sea. +"
"And I suppose he married her and
lived happily ever after, said Harrisse,
having carried his point and turning to
l. ~ Ir.Ir~