Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-12-27
NUMBER 81.

lyon might help me-" she said
plaintively. tugging at the rope.
He gave q swift stroke or two. and
they swung round. There were angry
masses Of clouds drifting toward them
over an uneasy. rufiled sea.
"Why don't you row faster! We
shall never get homei" she exclaimed
petulantly.
1.-THE tide 10 strong and the wind 10
against US. I'm doing my best"
Ronald, what was thati Oh, don't
say it's lightning! I'm more afraid Of
it than anything In the world. Oh,
listen -
There was subdued but sullen roar
in the distance, now dying away, now
gathering force and cracking ominous-
ly.
"Ronaid. was that thunderl'' Aid
Angelica waveriDgly.
There is generally thunder when it
lighteDs, he answered. with bitter sar-
casm
But we're out in an opcn boat,
miles from home or shelter OF any kind"
IL am aware Of that.
She gave pathetic little guip and
pressed her hands together.
"Oh-h! There's another fash Ron
aid, I'm going to faintv
Faint: Nonsense T. he returned
roughly
"Nonsensey What do you mean, Mr.
Grant? How dare you! suppose have
q right TO faint il choose. I-ah"
Crash, rattle, rattle, bangi C-r-a-c-ki
Put that over you" said Ronald
sternly, wrapping her In his macintosh
coat.
But it doesn't rain. and that makes
1t m-much more dangerous, d-doesn't
it, Ronald"
much more. b" he answered merci.
Iessly.
"Oh. how can you be 20 heartless
and cruell" she moaped. "You don't
care how much I suffer- Men are al
ways like that
"And women never, Of course. put
in Ronald, with quiet irony
"Ob. don't-don't be 20 hardi /
know I'm wicked girl, and this 10 to
punish mer' A vivid CLEAN shot up
the heavens and something seemed -
burst over their heHds. "Oh Ronald,
Tin frenzy Of terror save me. save mel
Oh, let Us die togetherl | love you. oh,
you know do! Don't look ut me %
cold! Forgive me, Ch. forgive me, Ron
add" Angelica hid her face in the
cushions and sobbed.
II can better bear 10 die with you.
dear. than to live without you," mid
Ronald tenderly There was suspi-
cious twitcbing about his mouth, but
he mastered himself heroically. and il
did not become q smile.
A silence followed. The thunder roll.
ed and tumbled far away to the west,
and presently there was sIesm more
brilliant than any before.
Whats that awful light?" moaned
Angelica.
Look, dear. It's the sun"
1.-THE sunp' She started up in conster-
nation 1T can't be, Ronald (indig-
nantlyJ Do you mean to tell me the
storm is Over!'
II think it's passed by. You seem
annoyed. Aren't you glad we're out OF
danger"
"Yes-yes, Of course. Only l thought
-tbauehtily) perhaps now. Mr. Grant.
you will take me homer"
"Yes. I'll take you home, Nan.
They'll be surprised. won't they. ct our
news?"
News? What-whst do you meanT
gasped Angelica.
~ think you know" There was no
mistake about his smile now.
Ronald" she said pathetically,
now you re not going to be tiresomeS"
Man." he answered gravsly, II do
hope not. But Of course lifetime 10
severe test. -
"You know It was only because |
was frightened. It's mean advantage
its ungentlemanly"-her voice died
away weakly.
Ronald tprcvokingly) - Are you
quite sure You didn't mean all you
said?
Angelica (tearfully)-It's 20 absurd
Mamma will be so angry. Mary Mac
lean in Madame.