Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-12-05
A WOMAh'S WIT.
A PeriIOus Attempt to Secure a
"SWeet-FOrget- Me-NOt.'

Indeed, Miss Mclaughlin, it is
not only possible, but easy of accom-
| plishment."
81 think not. The attempt would
be hazardous. No one should en-
danger bis life in such way"
The afternoon sun shone warmly
on Bridgewater Cliffs. The soft
murmur of the sea fell family on the
ear. There was peace in the air and
upon the sea.
Mark Hilton's usual c,ear-headed
| Judgment was somewhat disturbed
this afternoon for was not Kitty
Mclaughlin with him? 1t was not
every day that he had her all to him.
self three miles from human habita-+
ton. However be might strive to
conceal it, his citation would show
itself in face and speech. Nature
was in opposition with his mood.
This was no ordinary pair. Mark
Hilton was twenty-four, handsome
not a pretty man. He was tall
and straight, possessing a face of pc
culiarly intellectual cast.
His manner, and at times his
speech, exhibit ed the slight awk-
wardness often seen in those who
are given to halits Of seclusion. He
did not much affect general society !;
he was man with an object in his
life, and that object was not mere
personal popularity. Mark Hilton
was, in the highest sense, gentle
man.
Miss Kate Mclaughlin was nine
teen years of age, tall and well-iorm-
ed. She had pleasant and intelli-
gent face. People did not consider
her beautiful, Mark Hilton TO the
contrary, Notwithstanding. What
most disting uished her most was her
remarkable gracefulDess of speech
and manner. She was finely educat-
ed, and, like Hilton, possessed of
marked individuality.
The young men who Fought her
society were well treated, hut with
the exception of Hilton, made small
progress in their efforts to acquire
her confidence and to become more
intimate. There was a line they
could not cross. They could not
never see the reason why. She did.
She knew that the alchemy of love
could not unite gold and lead with
out debasing The former. She knew
in her heart who she loved best.
The subject which Mark Hilton
and Kitty Mclaughlin were discuss.
ing SO earnestly was the possibility
OF safely reaching certsin tiny blue
flower which grew far out on the
rugged face OF the cliff. Kitty had
discovered it in its isolated position
a few moments before, and, remark
ing that it was unlike any they had
seen that day, wondered what it
could be.
The distancs was so great she
could not decide although she was a
good botanist. Marx, with more
enthusiasm than righteousness, vol
unteered to get it for her-a propos-
al she would not listen to.
"Nonsense p returned Marx
"There is not danger worth men
tioning. Don't you see :here is /
line of shelving rock jutting out
from behind the elf which leads
directly to it."
s'But You might slip or become
dizzy. 1t must be hundred feet 10
the bottom" she said with a shud-
der.
"Slipping is impossible with these
on said Mark" calling attention
to the rubber-soled lawn tennis shoes
which he wore; and my head was
always a steady one."
"But you shall not imperiI yodr
life in such foolhardy attempt
said Kitty, decidedly.
AOh, yes. 7 will. You don't know
what determined fellow I am when
get started" answered Mark With