The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1896-01-23

~sS~HOSA WV
ings Of the fishermen. didn't care, you
didn't care-what happened. We had
quarreled, or, rather, l, at lunch. said
harsh things
MY DEAR" he interrupted, "there
were faults on both sides. They render
ed life intolerable and love impossible,
butt !.
Hush! We rowed out. You had the
SOULS and I steered-at least I lay in
the stern and splashed the waves with
my hands-the hands you used to kiss
SO often''
She paused and looked at the hands
firm, plump and white and decked with
lovely rings of curious workmanship
He, too, looked at them and sighed. She
sighed.
But out we went. Then the skies
became dark, the water darkened, too,
and grew rough, and you tried to turn.
We were far, far away from shore. You
must have been looking at me instead
OF the land, or you would have seen that
we were floating fast in current. With
an effort you brought the boat round
and pulled for safety. Oh, you looked
splendid! Your thin jersey showed the
lines of your strong, supple body, the
muscles Of your arms and chest rose
superb]y, and your manly face, flushed
and firm, fascinated me"
The man smiled, half scornfully.
You pulled hard, and I don t think
was frightened. I didn't care what
happened Then the rotten oar cracked,
and you bound it round with our hand
kerchiefs, but it still was weak, so you
tore off long strip Of my petticoat to
bind it with, and we drifted, drifted
out. When at last you tried again, it
snapped, and the blade fell into the sea.
Then you came to me, to the stern, and
took the tiller from my hands. You put
your arm round my waist and said,
Don t be afraid, dear wife! I knew we
were drifting out to open sea, storm and
death and was aware that you knew it.
Don't be afraid, little wife, you said,
and suddenly put your arm round my
neck'
Il remember"
brought my face to yours and laid your
lips on mine. Oh, that kiss-that kiss
1t still stings on my lips In it I felt
the depth Of your love. I felt that ]
loved you-felt that we were man and
wife, and the only beings alive on land
or sea. That kiss is what I regret-that
kiss, the one moment Of rapture in my
life''
She paused.
Il remember.
"Why did that foolish steamer save
us? I could have died there, happy in
your arms-quite happy"
"Quite happy?''
relied within week-at least I did
and things went worse than ever after
ward What are we women made of
The old song is wrong-we are made Of
gall and wormwood and marble. TIC
think that we are here, and that paper
lies there! You We acted very handsome
~, allowing me more than half your in
come and letting me keep the fiat
"Do you think could live in it after
you have gomez" he answered, with a
break in his voice. 'There's nothing in
it that does not speak of you. It's a
graveyard Of memories"
She looked at him over the fan and
saw tears in his eyes. Then she rose
and walked across the room.
"Herbert," she said in timid voice,
after a long pause, cit is O'Clock.
He'll be here in five minutes to see the
deed executed
The man bowed his head and hid his
face in his hands.
She took out her handkerchief, a ri
diculous bit Of lace and lawn, and touch
ed her eyes.
Herbert, tomorrow is just year
after that day. The night train starts at
o'clock. If we went to Etaples, we
might find-might fnd-that kiss
again.
He jumped up, tears in his eyes and
smile on his lips. "You mean to
say He caught her in his arms and
pressed his lips long and passionately
on her mouth.
Il don't think we really need go to
Etaples," she said, with smile, after a
long pause, "but it will be pleasant
little-little honeymoon.
He rang the bell, told the servant to
tell Mr. Hawkins that no one was at
home, and she babe the girl pack her
things instantly. When the girl left the
room, they both took hold Of the deed
and slowly, gravely tore it into two
pieces
1t is new way" he observed, "of
executing deeds Of separation. :" =
Sketch.
Mrs. w. x. Vanderbilt's marriage to
Oliver Belmont will take place on Jan.
~. On the following day she and her
husband will sail for Europe on the
steamship Teutonic.
State Treasurer Phillips of South
Dakota has paid $3.50, 900 Of the 1920,
600 funding warrants due at the time
of the Taylor defalcation. Treasurer
Phillips says state finances are in good
shape and improving.
oAov Ion