The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1899-12-09

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my mother quite fond friendship had
been struck up. The old mother lived
all alone, and I was glad to think that
she had obtained such a. pretty little
companion to spend an hour with now
and again.
Il shall call you mothers fairy"
said l, smoothing her hair.
Her eyes sparkled. "Have you seen
any,"
Fairies, my dear? No. But I've
seen what's almost as good.''
We soon became friends, and did
not quarrel with the little maid be-
cause she was inclined to place q
higher value upon me than such a
common fellow as I deserved. It was
not her fault; she looked at me through
my mothers spectacles, which the old
woman had placed on her eyes. 1t did
neither of us any great harm She,
child-like, was very curious about the
shells, regarding them as the most
precious possessions; and I told her
great deal about them, and about the
coasts on which they were gathered,
never suspecting until now that had
so much to tell worth listening to.
would pause sometimes, doubtful
whether it was worth listening to, but
she invariably wound me up again by
crying, softly and eagerly, "Go on; go
on,!' and on would go, as well pleased
as she was herself.
At sea again, thought much Of her
and of her fairy ways, which were
new and delightful experience in my
rough life. On my return, found her
as before in my mothers cottage, and I
made kind of castle with the shells,
with windows and turrets in it, and
place inside for candles; and If I
had not already won her heart, I won
it on the presentation of this toy. But
a child's heart is not hard to win.
So the years went by, and reached
the age Of forty. had been on my
longest voyage, and had gone through
some dangers unnecessary to relate,
and it was with more than ordinary
satisfaction that walked with light
step to the cottage of Beecroft, Mariner.
MY heart glowed as I drew near to
the old familiar spot, noting little
signs by the way which, insignificant
though they might be, were to me en-
dearing landmarks. Nothing was
changed! not even my old mother,
who pressed me once more to her faith
full heart, with tears and words of
Joy.
"And Mabel?' 1 asked. my little
maid!'
My mother looked with smile across
my shoulder, and I turned and saw her.
But it seemed to me that I was gaz-
ing on fairy vision in cloud, and
for a moment or two I was spell-bound.
Was this fair and beautiful creature
the Mabel I had left behind? Was
this lovely vision my little maid?
Yes, it was she, and no vision that
would vanish at a good rub of the
eyes. She came toward me with smiles
and outstretched hands. I took them
and held them in mine, and we stood
gazing at each other, in wonder, she
with smiles upon her face. Hitherto
I had always kissed her, and she had
kissed me, but either my wonder. or
the new light in which she appeared to
me now, caused me to hold back. And
after the first moment or two, the op-
portunity was gone. I can't tell YOU
how badly I felt over it. Something
sweet seemed to have gone out of
my life, leaving behind an aching feel
ing in my breast. She did aot appear
to feel as I felt, for she was full of
eager" words, while mine came slowly
and awkwardly. Perhaps to all but
myself the change was natural, meet
ing now, as we did, as man and
woman; but to me it was an unexpect-
ed and uncomfortable experience.
Mabel could not stay with us long, hav-
ing home duties to attend to.
II saw you coming down the street."
she said, land threw on my hat and
ran after you to shake hands with
you"
"That was good of you, Mabel"
said I.
Good" she exclaimed. "See what
time you have been away-so long
so long! I have been looking every day
for your return
"And if had never come back, Ma
bel?"
The first answer she gave me was
reproachful look Then she said:
There are some things we should not
speak lightly Of. Death is one."
"A sailor looks it in the face very Of
ten, Mabel, and grows to think more
lightly than landfolk. You have
really missed me, then?"
Indeed I have"