The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1900-09-29

daring TO t0ucn treSS OF your 4oNe-
ly hair! l am quite innocent Of pre-
sumption. Except in pecuniary way,
am the peerof any man on this vessel.
Proud as you may be- my little queen,
Kennedy dares to love you with love
that will never die.'
Turning his eyes once more upon her.
he saw that che was trembling, and
that she seemed powerless to move,
with her wide eyes fixed upon him in a
sort Of fascination.
The night breeze was blowing up
cool. Kennedy let the wheel slip about,
and taking wrap from the seat,
folded it def+ly about her.
There he said soothingly. 1T Is
cold here; go back to your friends.
Kennedy will trouble you no more
do not fear
And he returned to his post, not
again looking toward the slender fig
ure which moved slowly away from
him.
The next day Beatrice, with a great
assumption of carelessness, inquired of
her father where he had found Ken
nedy, and who the skipper was.
why, l thought you knew, was
the ready response. Kennedy is the
son of old Lady Kennedy, down at
Birch Landing, two miles below our
place. She is a reduced gentlewoman,
and her son is a fine fellow-very much
above his present position. He was a
wild boy, however; ran away to sea,
and learned navigation in a hard
school. He might have sailed master
of large steamer to China, but his
mother, to whom he is quite devoted,
is growing old and feeble, and he
would not leave her, although he could
find no employment suited to his ca
pacity. He applied for Dawson's
place, and I was glad enough to get
him, for he is a thoroughly good sail
or"
Beatrice was very quiet all the rest
of that day, and watched Kennedy
shyly from the corner of her long
lashed eyes. But to all appearance, he
had quite forgotten the little episode
of the preceding night, meeting some
chance remark Of hers with a gravely
respectful salute. and Immediately af-
ter requesting her in the most mat
ter of fact manner to step aside. as
the great boom swung about.
There were no more coZy chats with
Kennedy. Beatrice was angry with
herself to find that she missed them,
for the man could be a most delight
full and entertaining companion.
Somehow his passionate words, so
different from any she had ever list
ened to, haunted Beatrice. The sense
less compliments of the young gentle
men on board The yacht wearied her,
7ISsgslIilledy had told her wonderful
stories Of the sea and strange coun-
tries. She longed to be again on the
old, pleasant footing with him, but she
was too proud.
At last. when they were nearing
home, came a terrible gale, when the
heavens were black above them and
the sea black beneath, and all pande-
monium seemed to be let loose, as the
storm shrieked about them.
Beatrice, half dead with terror, felt
the Spray crash upon rocks, and was
conscious presently of Kennedy's voice
in her ear, and Kennedy's strong arms
bearing her across the deck.
She clung close to him, not too proud
now to hide her wild, white face
against the coarse blouse.
The others first" she said. when
she became conscious that he was
making preparations TO send her
ashore in one of the boats with the
rest Of the party.
SO she remained with her father and
Kennedy. Then a line was rigged to
help them over.
You go first Mr.. Grant" said the
skipper. land I will bring Beatrice.
Co" he insisted, gently, as the old
man hesitated; Il will surely bring
Beatrice and he smiled strangely
grand, fearless smile into the fathers
eyes as he drew the girl toward him.
Yes, papa" said Beatrice. "Do not
fear; 1 know Kennedy will save me-
She clasped her hands about the
mans neck. and stood so, looking back
at her father as he swung himself over
the side of the vessel.
And Kennedy did save her. They
came ashore, Beatrice half senseless
in his arms, but alive and unharmed.
They were all saved. and a week
later saw them in their own home.
Beatrice was quite i'll for a day or
two. but when she was able to come
down stairs, she sent for Kenendy.
He came in, dark and handsome in
his splendid young manhood, and
smiled at the slender figure in it's white
wrapper.
Il sent for you," she said shyly. "to
ask your forgiveness for my foolish
treatment of you. Papa" laying a
white hand on her fathers coatsleeve.
'you told me not long since. to choose
a husband. have chosen.' and she
made swift gesture toward Kennedy,
which brought him to her side.
"Bless my soul," cried papa Grant.
laughing little, and growing very red
in the face. perhaps Kennedy doesn't
choose yOu.'
"Mr. Grant" said Kennedy. framing
the girls sweet face in his strong.
warm hands. and kissing. tenderly and
reverently the dropping white lids and
the red lips Il love ber, and l do