Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-08-10
CHAPTER I.

sea. The crowd which had gathered on
the pier to listen To the band began to
move and disperse, the music being over
for that afternoon, fine glowing August
afternoon, tempered by the fresh, soft
air breathing across the bay. crisping the
waters here and there and bringing a de
iightful saltness from the ripping wat
ers.
The scene is Fordsea, flourishing bath
ing place on the South Coast of England,
not altogether dependent for its prosperity
on summer nOmads. Its attractions are
OF n more permanent character. Being
IN the close neighborhood of the naval
and military station OF Eastport, the utii-
GERS of both services are glad to estab blish
their families In the villas. terraces, cres-
cents, which border the grassy common
Intervening between them and the beach.
At the end of this pleasant common n
pretty two-stOried villa stood on an abrupt
rising ground. \ veranda, its supports
oyergrown with roses and honeysuckles,
ran along the side facing the sea. This
v-rauda was evidently used as a morning
room, comfortable lOungiug- chairs, a work
table laden with books, bright-colored
silks and woods, a doll and a cup and ball
lay about
On the beach in front of this dainty
mansion younG lady sitting a
ridge of shiugle bleached 10y sea and sea
water To perfect cleanliness, which af-
f.rled a comfortable resting place. The
young lady seemed much at her ease Her
skirt of blue serge was turned up over a
second skirt Of white and blue and caught
up at the back in what used to be called
''fi>hwife" fashion-the bodice fitting her
slight supple figure easily. perfectly; a
little foot in dark blue stocking, and
an Incompatible shoe peeped forth as she
supported an open book on one knee. and
wide -brimmed sailor hat almost hid her
face as she bent over the page. \ big
brown boat drawn up beside her made
a shelter from the level rays of the sink
Ing sun. Altogether she presented pref
~ picture of quiet enjoyment.
As the last strains Of the band died
away a gentleman in boating attire stroll
ed slowly across the grass, paused. lookdd
round as if searching for something and
then came straight over the shingle to-
wards her.
She heard his step and looked at her
book with renewed attention, nor did she
move till he stood beside her. Then she
raised her face. an interesting, rather
than pretty face, somewhat brunette in
complexion, and pale, with a warm pale
ness-a small. oval face, with a delicate
chin and a very slight downward curve
at the corners of the soft red mouth, that
gave pathetic expression TO her counte-
nance when in repose. Her eyes, too,
which were her best feature-large eyes,
with long, dark lashes. had a wistful, far
away look, more suited to a saint than to
their piquant owner.
The man who paused beside her was tall
and slender, with a grace of movement
not usual in an Englishmcn. He was
darker, too, than ordinary Anglo Saxons,
who rarely possess such blue-black hair
and flashing dark eyes as his. His we'll
cut, refined. but determined mouth was
uuShaded by mustaches, though a strong
growth of black beard showed through
the clear olive-brown skin. He smiled
soft. caressing smile he threw himself
on the sand at her feet, saying: Il thought
you had gone on the pier with Callander|
NJ: he has gone to the station to meet
Mr Standish, and Mabel has had the
honor Of command from the Grand
Duchess to drive with her."
The saintly-pathetic expression entirely
disappeared as she spoke with swift,
arch smie and n flash of scOrn from her
holy eyes"
''Ah." he returned. in an amused tone.
"why did you not go TO meet your be-
loved guardianE'
i never meant to go. l came out of
the way to listen to the band here. Music
j. So charming as it comes fitfuly on the
Jrrczc, and | enjoy it most alone
w ell. it is over now, SO l may ven
ture to stay?'
"Oh. yes. If you like! But am tired
Of sitting here. | want to match some
silks DO you mind, Mr.. EgertonF
Don't you think it would be cruel to
waste this lovely evening matching silks
in stuffy shop? Let us go along the
common towards the pier. We may meet
some Of your party returning
YES. let us go along by the sea-
They walked awhile in silence, Eyer
toms expression hardening rs though his
Thoughts were not pleasant. Presently
lie began TO speak on Indifferent topics,
and suddenly, after a pause, Miss Wynn
asked: do you really think Col. Callan'
der seems better"
Yes. do. fancy the sunstroke which
Knocked him down was not severe. Good
IA an excuse to come home to his wife,
perhaps, and-here she isl" he exclaimed.
iutrrruptng himself, as a smart victoria
aud pair came up at brisk pace ana
stopped beside them.
Il thought we might meet you, SAID
the elder Of two ladies who occupied the
carriage, stately looking woman OF per-
LarS sixty or more, with iron gray halr'
II tAiu-lipped, close-shut mouth, and eyes
too light for her complexion. Her COM
pauiou was beautiful young woman, ex
qII>.tcly fair, with soft blue eyes ana
.-ht golden brown hair. Except on her
lips She had scarce a trace Of color, ana
her delicate face expressed pensiye weari-
ness as she lay back in the carriage.
Il Thought we should meet yor, re-
pcatcd the elder lady, who was the DOW
ascr Mrs. Callander. Now Mabel can
walk home with you, for l must return 10
receive my niece. Henrietta Oakeley. ou
ought to have come with us, Dorothy, but
uu doubt you were better engaged
Esrrton bowed. and raised his hat as
II he had received a high compliment.
Dorothy smiled and gave a sauoy little
toss of her head as her sister alighted
from the carriage.
hope you will III dine with me :"
morrow. to meet Miss Oakcley," continued
the bowa-rr. Mag have the pleasure
Of seeing You. too. Mr. Egerton?'
"Ccrtainiy; shall be delightedr'
-lrs. Callander opened and upreared
grand white. much-befounced parasol.
bowed gracously and was whiried away
10 her hotel.
h"u do not look much the better of
our drive, Mabel" said her sister, look
ing earnestly at her.
assure you Mrs Caiiander was un-
us"anv amiska aon,t th;nk .he sta b