The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-09-05
Select Storp.
IN THE TIME OF ROSES.
From the Baltimore Telegran


here and there by gnarled apple tree.
In the foreground, slim girlish figure in
a dainty gown of blue, crimson roses at
her waist and nesting in her shining hair;
arms, white and rounded, hanging loosely
by her side, and her dark, dewy eyes look
ing dreamily out over the water
Just in front of her, his tall, athletic
form outlined strikingly against the roll
ing sea, young man stood, pleading his
love- The tapping of the waves on the
shore, and the distant cries Of the a-birds,
were the only sounds to break the peaceful
stiffness of the scene.
s'And you will not forget me, Gladys?
The girl eyes were turned slowly toward
him, full of strange pitying sadness,
while half unconsciously her restless fingers
began pulling to pieces the flowers in her
belt.
He stretched his hand out demuringly,
saying in caressing voice, s'Won't you
give them to me?"
For answer, she broke off spray of
the blushing roses, and held them out
hesitatingly.
He took her hand together with the
flowers, and pressed it passionately to his
lips.
.'Do you mean that you will consider it,
Gladys?''
She looked up longingly into his face,
her own quite pale, and her sweet eyes
full of tears.
at is better as l said, Lucein, you will
soon grow to think of me only as your little
friend, and II shall go on as before, no,
not as before, for 1 shall remember that
you once loved me.
$50 you persist in sending me away,
dear?''
She bowed her head sorrowfully, saying
in tones low and brave, as if to convince
herself, ''It is best.
He stopped suddenly, and kissed her
reverently on the brow.
IF you are ever in need of friend,
Gladys, send for me, and | will come, if
it be from the ends of the earthp Then
he strobe off toward the sea, placing the
flowers in his coat as ne went leaving her
standing alone among the roses.
Lucien Overleigh first me Gladys Mars
den in the little sea-coast town of st.
Leonards He was accorded quite ris-
ing artist in London, and had been fad
in society that winter. But he had dropped
his work in the height of the season, and
had come to ST. Leonards at the advice of
his physician, for brief rest Wandering
along the beach one sunny day in June,
he had come upon Gladys and her little
sister sitting on the sand, Gladys reading
aloud and her small companion leaning
against her shoulder, listlessly watching
the sails out at sea.
Something in the girls tender manner
to the child beside her, and the rare sweet
ness of her smile as she turned 10 answer
a question. caught Overleigh's fancy, and
he began to think of some plan for APP
preaching her Suddenly thought struck
him. Walking quickly up to her, and
raising his hat deferentially, he inquired
the way to the hotel, explaining that he
was out sketching, and had wandered so
far, he had forgotten the way back.
Gladys tried to direct him, but finding
it difficult to make the way clear, said:
at is quite time for Nab and to be
at home, and as our paths lie in the same
direction, you may walk along with us if
you like. .
Quick to avail himself of the oppor-
tunity, Overleigh replied:
''If you will allow me, and then gently
assisted the little lame girl to rise.
Wouldn't you like to ride on my
shoulder, Miss .Mab?' he asked gayly
s.Oh SO much, - came in bright, ht-
tie voice; and then, IF Gladys does not
mind :"
~ am afraid she will tire you, her
sister said blushing brightly.
But Overleigh laughed at the idea, and
shouldered the poor little creature crutches
and all, to his intense satifaction and
Gladys amusement
So they wandered on along the leafy
lanes, Overleigh making an occasional in
quiry about the places they were passing,
and Gladys answering in monosyllables,
until their ways separated. Then, plac-
ing the child on the ground and thanking
Gladys profusely for her kindness, he lifted
his hat, and walked off down the road
whistling an air from "Troyatore
This was but the beginning. As the
days passed on, it became quite matter
Of course for Overleigh to meet the two
sisters in his daily walk, and stroll along
the beach with them; telling wonderful
stories about the ships to Nab, and now
and then winning one of Glady' charming
smiles.
One time, after speaking of his busy life
in London, he asked:
Miss Gladys, have you always lived in
that picturesque cottage on the hill2
81 will tell you all that I can remem
Der. Mr. Overleigh, but it isn't much.
Would you care to hear it2'
0verleigh's answer was an eager assent,
so Gladys commenced,
81 was born several miles from here,