The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-04-24
CHAPTER III.
THE COUSINS.


built their box-like cabins on the boil
bluff rising from this dangerous coast,
and wrested from its waters their har-
vests of cod and pollock.
For two centuries this place had an
uneventful, unprogressive existence,
but lately the hand OF improvement has
touched il, and under the undermining
influence, it is gradually tending to-
wards the realization of that much
abused thing, a summer resort.
To the world in general, it is still com
paratively unknown, but to those for
tuBate enough to have spent a summer
beneath the inspiration of its life-giving
air, it, charming, unconventional fea-
lures afford theme for neyer-ending
praise.
Margaret CHANGED to hear OF this odd
bit of creation, and longing for some
thing out OF the ordinary run, decided
to try its unconventional freedom, not
withstanding the season and Miss Hill
ton s advice. She had not been very well
during the winter, and the doctor, dis
covering a general breaking down, had
prescribed change of scene and air as
the most effective medicine.
Margaret cheerfully agreed with him,
and very gladly awaited herself of this
opportunity to escape for time the un
pleasant notoriety which her late in
heritance had given her, and the more
than friendly overtures of polite
Cornelias, with ambitious, matrimonial
hopes for their respective jewels.
She did not realize Miss Hilton's fear
by regretting her selection of S'conset.
She found il both novel and delightful.
Its unique features amply atoned for
its duliness, and with much to fill her
days she could not complain OF mo-
notony.
: There were pleasant walks along we'll
kept roads or across the moors, whose
swelling undulations OF rich coloring
were scarcely less impressive than the
ocean itself. OF the sea she could never
tire. Whatever its mood, the broad ex-
panse of lonely waters appealed to her
with fascination which only its lovers
understand.
The old houses, many Of which had
heard the storms of two centuries and
gave ample evidence of the fact, con-
tributed another element OF variety.
How many delightful hours she had
spent in their cozy interiors, climbing
shaky ladders doing duty for steps, to
bump her head against the rafters Of
funny little attics, hunting out the BITS
of furniture which looked so ridiculousy
large in comparison with the room; they
occupied, or sitting i'll the tail, spindle
legged chairs before the broad fireplace
watching the burning logs and listening
TO tales of danger and adventure upon
the sea.
She loved nothing better than to pore
over the log books and follow in imagi-
nation the whaling expeditions OF other
and more prosperous days.
And the old captains, in whose odd
ways and quaint sayings she took such
amused interest, were always happy to
spin their yarns for such appreciative
ears.
Thus she speedily grew in public IA
ror. She helped Aunt Maria TO make
bread and bake beans, and ate her full
share OF them afterward. She delighted
old Captain Baxter by pretending to be-
lieve his uncomfortable tales, and she
produced such an impression on Captain
Morris that he CALAMITY and I'M
blushingly declared she was the kind of
girl he liked
Sac was really and thoroughly enjoy
ing herse I. Yet, Notwithstanding, Mi $
Hilton, VIII SO pre-oneeived n5tion }
were not to tie removed, cont nued to
write d Jleful letters, in which sympathy
for Margaret in her suopo ,ed dreary
surroundings was largely PREDOMINANT.
Rea ling one OF these commiserating
notes on the beach one afternoon, Mar
garet could not refrain from smiling as
She compared her actual surroundings
taAt NV IA
The day was exceptionally, fine, clear,
and warm, the bright sun and soft winds
seeming to hold the promise OF early
summer. The sea, so often WI upon
this danSetoIs coas, was unusually
calm, and the waves rolled in with lam
guild rhythmic unison, q qulverin2 sweep
OF blue waters, breaking into a ctrl OF
foam upon the high, broad beach.
From the bold bluff looking out upon
the restless ocean TO the wave-washed
horizon rose the little village, marvel
of quaint, picturesque beauty, with It's
much-shingled cottages of curious de-
sign an I still more curious architecture.
Beyond lay broad expanse OF moor,
rising into range OF low-lying NILS,
and further still the distant sparkle OF
the sea. Over all a cloudless conset
sky, and The promise of glorious sum
set Lying at full length on the beach.
Margaret enjoyed the calm serenity OF
the scene about her.
But she wa5 not left long III undis-
turbed quiet. The current OF her
thoughts was rather rudely diverted
from Miss Hilton and her letter to the
spectacle OF her hat sailing gracefully
ND the beach under the impulse of a
gust raised for the occasion.
With an exclamation more forcihie
than elegant, she sprang to her feet and
FASTENED in pursuit. until she was
brought TO breathless standstili by a
very audible Hello.
And the next second head, followed
Immediately by the body OF young
man, made itself visible from behind
one of the numerous dories lining the
beach.
Obi" cried Margaret, somewhat star
tied and wondering whether the Sudden
apparition had fallen from the clouds or
assembled from the sand.
Il beg yonr pardon remarked this
very much alive apparition. surprised IN
HE turn, and displaying g remarkable
activity In getting on bic feet. I've
been asleep, Didn't know q soul was