The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-05-27


listlessly watching the last of the
baggage bundled on to the boat by the
burly freight handlers, aud now she gave
a little sigh of intermiXed relief and sup
pressed excitement as the big hawserS that
held the boat TO the wharf were loosened
and flung into the water She waited until
the men drew in the wet rope then she
turned to the scenes about her. What
labyrinth they seemed to be passing
through Tugs, pilot.boats, ferries, all
seemed to be crossing and recrossing in
most reckless manner as the Priscilla
plowed along independently, as ii the
whole river were clear OF distractions.
The sun was just setting, and New iork's
tall buildings shot skyward, black against
the pink glow. There were familiar domes
and spires, but she turned hastily from
them and cast glance at Liberty, silent
and impassive with her upstretched arm.
A slight frown rose to her face as she re-
called that day they had land d there from
the yacht, and she bit her lips in vexation
at the reflection. cat any rate, it is all
right now" she said to herself, while Il
peculiar light stole into her eyes. This
is the end of it all. / couldn't do better
than to 90 at once and not let him know
where. 1t will save all fruitless discussion.
And-and I hate scene"
She qtarad steadily at the buildings on
Blackwell's island. They were very misty
and indistiuct, and she passed her hand
rapidly over her eyes.
The deck was filling with passengers,
and she moved to a more retired spot,
where she sat back aud watched the shore
grow dark and the lights come ont one by
one. SHE pushed up the veil she had worn
and looked about her. 1t was curious
crowd, il seemed to her. She had never
Travelled this way before. What miHtnre
of refinement and vulgarity There were
man and woman eating out of some
brown paper bags, and just beyond thcr, a
man and wife apparently Of her own set.
Well. she could 20 to her state-room
early and "a be hy herself. She woald 90
down to dinner now. Alone? 1t gave her
a peculiar sensation to think of it, Well,
it was part OF the penalty of running away,
as it were.
She rose TO 60.
cam Just in time to take You down ?'
familiar voice said close beside her,
Her hand grasped the back of the camp
chair. The motion, together with swaying
Of the boat, made her stagger for moment,
but strong hand held her firmly. 81
shall be very glad if you will go down with
me,' he repeated.
She sat down again suddenly. 'Did
you get my note?' she demanded.
"Ot course" drawing chair and speak
ing in low voice as he re-adiusted the
wrap that had slipped from her shoulders.
"But You didn't suppose would obey, did
you ?" lie smiled as he spoke.
"It was ilorrid of you, she replied, Civ
ing her shoulders a shrug so that the wrap
loosened again and fell to the deck, where
it lay unheeded, perfectly horrid."
He made no reply to the charge.
"You knew we couldn't keep on this
way size continued in grieved voice.
"It waa misunderstanding, misunderstood
ing, all tine time, and of course that wasn't
WASH c.e." She hesitated and glanced
quickly al the figure beside her. His eyes
were or the passing landscape
"Aud | didn't want any scene. It's
horrid ana common to make scene" She
swallowed hastily. and so | wrote the
note ard endcd it all, and just came away,
so as to Il rid of all this. Aud now you've
folowed ipa' Sac spoke Indignantly and
beat r...oo on the deck with her foot.
He looked at her gravely for an instant,
then turned again to the darkness outside
81 dou't think you can realize what it is?'
he said, HE eyes on distant revolving
beacon. 30 ak a man to give up what is
more thnn if, to him."
Inc IIHNt HUN lht puNCiiul iChS bi"HSN
full upuu :hem, rested for moment, and
then left tatm in darkness once more.
81 couldn't give up that way, ~ he went
on, his hard impu'siyely stealing out to
hers. "Fur II | did it would be for all
time, and so | was bound 80 make one
more fight. When found that you were
gone, inst ri-ked a chance of it being this
way, because you had always insisted on
never going by this line, and so, being il
woman, | thought you'd take it now"
The houi in his made feeble attempt to
Withdraw, but he held it close.
at wasn't nice Of you,' she said sud
denly, as If a new thought had struck her,
because I'm alone, you know, and il any
one we know should see us together"--
The darkness covered his smile. "Nice
women can travel alone" he replied, 'but
then, Thought that perhaps we might turn
this into = sort Of On ante-wedding journey,
you know. We can get off at Newport