The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-05-15

knew that Ronald Norton loved her,
and that she loved him. And now all
was at end.
Her pride would not suffer her to
recall him; his would not allow him to
ask II. They had suddenly drifted
apart-would the wave of time ever
bring them together again?
Mabel bore her burden for few
days until Il began to tell upon her
health and spirits. Her pale cheeks
and heavy eyes revealed that some
thing was wrong.
What Is the matter with you,
Mabel?" asked Styles. dropping In one
day. you are but the ghost OF your
former self"
"Oh, don't know" answered Mabel,
as carlessly as she could. IL only need
change, | suppose"
Change? Well. suppose you go
with us to Australia"
Australia A sudden Joy shot
through Mabels heart. She had been
longing and planning to get away. as
far away as possible. from the spot
which had grown unendurable to her.
How soon are you going?" she
asked.
"By next Saturdays steamer"
81 will CO."
ooh, that is too good" cried Eta.
springing up and embracing her.
coaxed mother all could to go with
us. but she Is too timid. Father has
crossed so mapv times he will make a
! splendid escort. and you will be such
delightful company for me-"
Mabel smiled derisively. Sorry
company she would prove for Eta
upon her as the needless girl ratified
| on.
The day on which they sailed was
cloudy and gloomy-in fit keeping with
Mabel's spirits. She had hoped to the
last that Ronald Norton would come
to her and say: STAY" but she had
never seen nor heard from him since
that night-maybe she never would
again, and scalding tears dropped
from her eyes at the thought.
She had borne IN wonderfully since
deciding to go abroad. for the relief
of getting out of sight of all eyes and
| giving way to her grief was what she
| lived for.
Their party has come early on board
and retired at once to their state
rooms, so that Mabel was alone.
Alone she felt. separated from her
home and friends, every moment bear
ing her farther and farther away from
her country and-Ronald!
She lay listening to the creaking
and groaning of the ship. the hustle
and strange noises which never cease
upon a voyage. and never thought of
them at all. Her heart and brain were
filled with but one image. and she at
last fell asleep with tears for him wet
upon her cheeks.
Among the last of the passengers
who came aboard the vessel was a
gentleman with grave. handsome
face and reserved air. which gave a
sort of fascinating melancholy to
him; and although perfectly courteous,
he kept aloof from all. seeming to
prefer his book or silent meditation
to all company. Hour after hour he
spent gazing upon the foaming bill
lows, the matchless sunsets. the love-
ly moonlights of ocean.
Poor Mabel and Eta we're both de-
prived of these enioyments. Eta be-
Ing dreadfully seasick. and Mabel too
worn and miserable to leave her room.
They had been out nearly a fort
night when Mr.. Styles insisted on
Mabels going on deck. declaring 1t a
shame that she should lose the pleas
ures of the trip. which was SO near
ly over.
So Mabel summoned all her strength
and went with him.
1t was magnificent night. The full
moon. glittering on the water. and
reflected back by each wave. tinged
everything with silver.
Mabel was entranced. She took Mr..
Styles arm and walked up and down
once or twice. but her step was Ian.
guild. and she grew weary.
Mr.. Styles proposed that she should
sit awhile. so he prepared a seat for
her, and wrapped her mantle round
her, but she shivered.
why, you haven't half enough
round you! It's always cool up here, u
he declared.
And off went the kind soul for an
other shawl.
Mabel waited alone. watching the
groups around.
A gentleman, smoking a cigar, had
been sitting some distance off. He
threw 1t away and rose as If to &c
below.
AS he was passing Mabel he stopped
suddenly.
She turned her face inquiringly-
and Ronald Norton sprang toward her
Mabel" was all he said. but the
love-light which flashed over his face
and the thrill that shot through eacf
heart. In their passionate handclasp
told the truth.
Mabel could not utter one word, but
lay painting with the glorious life that
had suddenly opened for her.