The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1900-12-01

Birch Landing, TWO miles DelOW our
place. She is reduced gentlewOman,
and her son is fine fellow-very much
above his present position. He was a
wild boy, however; ran away to sea,
and learned navigation In 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 1 was glad enough to get
him, for he is thoroughly good sail
or"
Beatrice was very quiet all the rest
of that day, and watched Kennedy
shyly from the corner of her long
dashed 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 TACT 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,
Tor the man could be most delight
Iul and entertaining companion.
somehow his passionate words, so
diHerent 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.
Kennedy had told her wonderful
stories or 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 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 chung 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.
80 ghn rom n m cd ,,y;tI, har fbor on,1
Kennedy. Then line was rugged to
help them over.
"You go first Mr.. Grant" said the |
skipper, "and l 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; 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 unframed.
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, ito
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
husband. l have chosenw and she
made swift gesture toward Kennedy.
which brought him to her side.
"Bless my soulw cried papa Grant.
aughing little, and growing very red
n the face, perhaps Kennedy doesn't
moose your
Mr.. Grant," said Kennedy, framing
he girls sweet face in his strong,
warm hands, and kissing, tenderly and
everently the dropping white lids and
nc iCu hpo. 1--WE ueT, ana L Go
hoose her above all other women. T
ould give my life to make her happy"
Not word about his poverty and I
er riches-no cringing semblance of '
Kennedy was quite [
S proud inhis way as Beatrice herself. l
"Well, WELL" said Mr.. Grant. wink |
lg a tear out Of his kindly eyes, you .
eserve her, if anybody does, Kennedy c
GU saved her life. Be good to her S
If you don't want me to e
lake your life a burden to your a
Kennedy smiled, without an answer. Il
nd took a crumpled glove from his
Dcket. IL
II couldn't help it." he declared, as =
eatrice caught 1t from him with a Is
tile stamp of her dainty foot. 81 s.
'uldn't, and wouldn't, have given up u
lat precious little glove if my life de- o
ended upon it!' b
And he kissed her again with an II
ldacity that was refreshing to be- il
'ld.-Saturday Night. a.