The record-union., 1898-04-03
In the Shadow of the Naples.

L ne marriage was a private oiie- -Aif1
we'll it might be. The groom was d
grisly old sea dog of 65, called by eotir-
tesy Captain. The bride shy, Witd
rose of girl scarcely III, pretty as a
picture. Her grandparents. an old
couple living on the West Shore'
thought it great luck for Selma TO be
married and have a home of her own,
since they were too old and impover-
ished TO long furnish her with one.
Now, possibly, she could help them.
Selma's short life was like rose
tree that had never borne a rose. "A
picture merely sketched but never
painted. She had not waited for love
to bring the dropping flower of knoWl-
edge changed to fruit of wisdom.
She was content in her new home
after the manner of child with a
new toy Her home, a neat cottage
with large windows overlooking the
blue bay dotted with islands, green In
summer and white with drifted SHOWS
of winter in that season.
The harbor light, with its red eye,
CLEANED across the night at her, while
the waves beating on the island
beaches Iulled her to rest.
The winter had been very severe and
! the grandparents Joined the majority
happy in the knowledge that Selma
was provided for.
The Captain was kind in his gruff
way, but outside of creature comforts
had no ideas. He never imagined a
young woman wanted pleasures. or
young company. He was contented e
attend his nets and traps and sail day
Of In, y &c he h,>7
He never grumbled as long as meals
We're ready for him when he returned
So the months and years went by, and
Selma was 20. A ripe peach bloom In
her plump cheeks and a more serious
light in the pretty brown eyes.
The Captain was not quite as hale,
and more surly if possible. And the
young wife gave many sigh as she
watched him sail away leaving her
alone Ito slow sad hours"
1t was a welcome relief one day
when party of young people, her
nearest neighbors, called for her to
accompany them for much talked of
visit to the maple sugar camp Some
miles away.
One of the party had an uncle who
owned a grove of the tall rock NAPLES.
The green woods had partially thrown
off their white mantle of snow. and
the work must be done in the ensuing
six weeks of March and April, when
warm days and cool nights coaxes the
sap to flow.
The sugar camp presented an ami
mated appearance. Surrounding II
were several small cabins in which
the party lived while the sugar making
went on.
There was sweet, sap-like odor In
the air, mingled with resinous per-
fumes Of burning boughs, woodsey
smells of wet MOSES, new ferns, and
fragrance of arbutus that bloom
amidst the SHOWS" with it's pink cheek
pressed against the MOSES under win
ter'S white mantle
The gentle spring hreeze fans these
odors through the grove, cheerful bon
fires crackle and blaze merrily. and the
sound OF the wood-choppers are ming
led with the bubbling song of boiling
sap.
Fresh voices ring out in the song.
The Maple Leaf Forever" the chorus
interrupted by peals of merry laughter
The NAPLES, Spartan-like hold their
heads haughtily erect, as if to conceal
their injuries while their life-blood is
being slowly drained away drop by
drop.
A triangular notch is made in each
trunk and wooden leader inserted
Piggins and noggins catch the flowing
sap of the forest beauties Over the
fires swing great iron pots in which
the sap is boiled down
The heat is intense, but the patient
watcher must not weary Scorchel
syrup is loss. Great golden bubbles
catch the light and fall under the hand
of the stirrer. The girls try the strip
every few minutes on little balls Of
snow. Tired of this they fashion birch
bark baskets and canoes to hold the
sugar, or help grease the molds of
various designs, hearts, cubes and
patty pans known the world over by
those who like sweet morsels.
Selma was cheered and charmed with
all this bright scene and her heart
stirred with new feelings of delight
ana nope. a PRESENCE of the future.
Away from the surly, gruff old man to
whom her young life had been bound.
she seemed to regain her lost youth
1t was the last day of their visit
when young man, camera in hand.
came to see them and ask the privilege
of taking few pictures of the scene.
Selma's sweet face attracted his at
tention. He had, unseen, taken snau
shot of her, under tall maple. She
was resting while forming a basket
of birch bark The fire near by threw
ruddy glow over her fair face and
l. plintp1 l;rl
brown hair as she stopped over her
task.
She raised her head, as one who
sees vision. And he,
As on that sun
columbus stared that offered him the
Loves fire was litten sudden in each
breast
She flushed rosily apd bent her head
again over her task.
Sweets to the sweets, Selma" said
one girl, putting bit of the new sugar
between her teeth and peering in laugh
ing amusement at the young man who
stoop cap in hand.
"Hullo Tremain, glad to see you; come
right in" shouted the proprietor cor
daily. Take a seat on mother earth s
lap or stand UP and grow good"
Thank you, Mr.. Cameron, l will dc
the last said the young fellow, survey
ing the scene before him. Cant l heir
tho'?' he asked
| Eat? yes" laughed the other genially
We are all but finished Tonight the
whole kit and kerbilin of us will cele-
brate a most successful boil by a good
square feed. Mum is coming up to bring
pies and things. So stay and help u.s. -
he said Hospitality. My girls there will
all be sweet on you, if it is sugar you
| like"
IN stick to you through thick and
thin Caid Ia1 ~