Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1899-03-30

Il "
vas almost asleep when he Was
startled By sound, and felt. rath-
er than perceived, that he was not
alone. PeeriDg in the direction OF
the window, he was surprised to
discern woman standing there,
and TO hear her say
will Jon please tell me the
time?'
Quicsly Basil threw another
isrD 81 <wSoa d,]on tie Ut
which minated the room glanced
at hls watch and answered
Half FAST five o'clock. Miss
Weston Pardon me- dad not
know you were here. 1 suppose.
like myself, you sought shelter from
the storm. Won't you come near.
er To the fire.
No, thank you; | am not cold.
was not caught by the rain.
have been here all the afternoon.
Didn't you find it dreary?'
No, wanted to be alone
'Indeed! Then am sorry | in
truded; but until the rain abstes, I
fear you will have to let me share
yonr retreat
Certainly, she cody responded.
Basil iselt thrill of resentment
at her demeanor, and yet was rath-
er glad that the storm com pelled
them, for time. to be dependent
upon each other for COMPANY.
From his position he could obtain
d good view of her profile as the
freight flashed upon her. She had
seated herself upon a rude bench
by the window, her hands clasped
in front OF her, her eyes, with a
fixed, strained expression, gazing
into the dark clouds above the
swayina branches OF the trees. For
some time neither of them spoke
she seemed to have entirely forgot
ten his presence, so absorbed was
she in her meditations.
Il
Basil felt no qualms of consci-
ence as he noted the unconscious
grace of her position, admired the
tight fitting. airy white dress, With
the light wrap falling. forgotten.
half around her. He wondered il
she knew how long were her eye.
lashes. and thought the little curls
and waves Of her HAIR very prettily
arranged. He wished he knew
why she appeared so pensive
eand sad, and wondered what
she saw out there in the dark
ness. Did she know how late il
was growing? Perhaps she wanted
more light. Happy thought
There before him, on the shelf OF
mantel, he saw a candle in a black
bottle. lie lit it, and glanced
again in the direction of the girl.
She ha6 risen aud was looking
around and about her as il looking
for something.
sWhat 10 it? Have you lost any
thing?.' Can help vou find it:'
Basil politely inquired.
'No--ves-that is. it does not
make any difference; / dropped 9
letter. I think
'Were you writing here?
'Yes; | had nothing to do, 80
scribbled to while away the time.
suppose the wind blew my effasiou
away It was awfully careless oi
me-
/ She blushed and appeared EN-.
barrsssed as she drew q stool nearer
the Gre and continued to turn the
leaves of the ledger she carried
Basil noticed her confusion, AM
thought she must have been writ
ing to her lover. Aloud. he said
he knew it was rude, but he wal
unaccountablv jealous of this un'
known lover
Ito whom was the letter ad
dressed? +? Perhaps I may find il
for you after the raiL is over
Again the color mantled her face
as she said
mo, no. hope, pray, yor
won't look for it. Really, il 10 mo-
Of any importance.
/ 'Just as You please" he answer
ed, while he inwardly vowed b,
would make q diligent search 70
the missing sheet, and satisfy hi
curiosity by looking sc the address
Then he remembered the letter, tn
advertisement, be had answered
Could she have written It.? Nos
to PUNISH her to her coolness
Taking the letter from his pock
ct he walked leisurely TO Miss Wes
ton, and plscing il in her lap re
turned to his former position. bend
i ing upon her mischieyous gaze .