Smyrna times., 1893-11-15
A LITTLE FILTRATION.

we met at the boat, all equ ipped for
the journey, our spirits ran high, aud
we were in the jOlliest mood possible.
Jack came to bid me farewell, laden
( with basket of the choicest fruit and
box of candy, and when the signal
was given that we were about to start
he left me with lingering hand shake
and promise to see me soon.
The sail was delightful one, and
we enjoyed it immensely until we dis
covered that we could not secure a
state.room; not even a berth was to be
had.
We returned to our places on deck,
talking a great deal about it, as girls
naturally would, and finally, as there
was nothing else to do, decided to sit
up and watch the moon, which had
risen, full of silVery, beams in cloud
less sky.
Seated near to us were two young
men who could not avoid oVerhearing
our conversation. After a time one of
them respectfully addressed me, say
ing he understood our unpleasant posi-
ton, and begged that we accept their
room. We demurred, but finally con-
sented on one condition-that it should
be at our expense, and not theirs.
Imagine four girls slowed in a box
seven feet by five. 1t would have puz-
zled sardne packer to dispose of the
satchels, umbrellas, hats, wraps and
other clothing; but we did very well,
and felt truly grateful that we had been
favored with place in which to lay
our tired heads.
I'VE can thank Helen's eyes for our
good fortune" said Beth Hunt. "If it
hadn't been for the languishing looks
she cast at the taller of our knights, we
might have been moon gazing now"
"What nonsense, Beth !" exclaimed
with what indignation could muster,
for am afraid her charge was true
enough. ut was the man who looked
at me-"
Eyes, and yon returned the glance
with interest Helen, your love of
flirting will yet lead you into mischief
What would Jack think if"-
"Oh, don't be silly" was the pettish
interruption; and Beth said no more.
When we reached our destination, a
small hotel, we found that our knights
of the state-room," as we called them,
were in advance of us, and had also en-
gagged rooms there.
Naturally, we met again; at summer
resorts acquaintance are easily made,
and ripen with most astonishing rapid
ity; so between one of these young
men and myself close intimacy soon
existed. We were continually together,
either sitting on the piazza, strolling
along the beach, OF boating. Charles
Melville was handsome, apparently
! ,f
Irritation. More did not seek to know
concerning him, and he was apparently
so engrOssed with me that he talked
very little of himself.
His companionship was very agree
able, and when at the end of a week
Jack wrote that he would arrive the
following morning and spend a day
with US, was not altogether pleased.
But when 1 met him, and beheld such
an unmistakable look of pleasure on
his honest face, my conscience smote
me, and / endeavored to still its pangs
by treating him with more than usual
kindness; consequently the visit proved
to be SO enjoyable to him that he re-
turned to town in the best of spirits.
When 1 again saw Mr.. Melville there
was a slight cOnstraint in his manner,
and an air of disapprobation which puz
Zled me; but after awhile it wore of, =,
and we were better friends than ever.
Time went on, and each day was but
a repetition of the one past. My vaca-
ton was fast drawing to a close, and it
was a source of much regret to me, for
was living ain fools paradise and with
the vanity of youth, fattered myself
that no girl had ever before had such
an ardent lover as / had in Charlie
Melville. Not one word had been
uttered in regard to the all-important
question of marriage; but of course, that
would come later; l should say yes of
course.
1t was rather awkward about Jack;
but felt sure that he did not care for
me as Charlie cared.
The day before my departure for
home Mr.. Melville and l were stroll
ing along the beach. Suddenly we
came face to face with a gentleman
who stopped and extended his hand to
my companion,
"Well, Charlie, old boy, where did
you drop from ?"
! went on alone, in order to allow
the two men a few moments chat, but
did not pass beyond the sound of their
voices before overheard the stranger
say:
"How is you wifeP Is she hereP"
My feelings can better be imagined
than described. said not a word to
Mr.. Melville when he rejOined me, but
he saw from my manner l knew all
and laughingly endeavored to mend
matters. l was indignant aud hurt,
and turned angFily upon him.
"How dared yen impose on me so,
Mr.. MelvilleP Why did you never say
you we're married ?"
at is possible, my dear Helen" he
answered with an air of surprise which
under the circumstances was madden.
ing, THAT you did not know IL? I'm
sure thought l had mentioned my
wife and baby a dozen times. / am
very proud of them both"
!. Was there ever such assurance? ]
8 could not speak for q moment; then ]
5 said
"And you amuse yourself by flirting
: with every girl you meet !"
He smiled and looked me full in the
face.
':Not every girl, HelenI snly those
1 who permit me to do so. When they
are willing the game is perfectly fair
One-particularly it they happen to be
engaged.
He glanced significantly at jacks
ring, and had not word to say.
n knew that had been more culpablt
h than he. Tears Of anger and mortified
|. vanity sprang to my eyes, and without
! glance at his half hooking face,
. left him.
}. Well, went home a sadder ani
Z wiser girl, and was so miserable that
Il confessed all to Jack, Offering to sci
= him free. He was very angry at first
. and had great deal to say about the
d falsity of women. But in the end, see.
ing that was truly penitent, be for
+ gave me, and one day l am to b.
Mrs Jack.
/ have never met Mr.. Melville sine,
parted with him on the beach; but
understand that he is devoted to hi
, wife, who knows all about his hirta
tiona, and ID meyer the least bit jealou
Of the victims Of his wiles, being sirmlS
convinced that no girl is worthy of cor
sideration who encourages the atten
tions OF stranger, and seizes every op
portunity to enjoy "a little Irritation.
TIE BEST PLAsTER.-Dampen
v piece OF flannel with Chamberlain
Pain Balm and bind II on over the sea
of pain. 1t Is better than any plaster