Holbrook argus. (Holbrook, Ariz.) 1900-1913, 1901-06-15
Eat CROSS PURPOSES



.
day. you are but the ghost of your
former self"
"Oh, don't know" answered Mabel,
as carelessly as she could. 81 only need
change, L suppose"
Change? Well, suppose you 60 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 uncomfortable to her.
''How soon are you going?' she asked.
"By next Saturdays steamer"
81 will CO."
'Oh, that is too goodr' cried Eta,
springing up and embracing her. 1
cOaXed mother all 1 could to go with
US, but she is too timid. Father has
crossed so many times he will make
splendid escort, and you will be such
delightful company for me-"
Mabel smiled derisively. Sorry COM
pany she would prove for Eta Styles,
and painful thoughts crowded 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: "Stayw 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 up wonderfully since
deciding to go abroad, for the relief of
getting out of sight of all eyes and Civ
ing way to her grief was what she lived
for.
Their party had come early on board,
and retired at once to their Staterooms,
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
grooming Of the ship, the hustle and
strange noises which never cease upon
voyage, and never thought of them
at all. Her heart and brain were filed
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 abord the vessel was a gen
tleman with a grave, handsome face
and reserved air, which gave a sort of
fascinating melancholy to him; and al
though perfectly courteous he kept
aloof from all, SEEMING to prefer his
book or silent meditation to all COM
pany. Hour after hour he spent gaz-
ing upon the foaming pillows, the
matchless sunsets, the lovely moon
lights of ocean.
Poor Mabel and Eta were both de-
prived of these enjOyments, Eta being
dreadfully seasick, and Mabel too worn
and miserable to leave her room.
They had been out nearly a fortnight
when Mr.. Styles insisted on MabePs
going on deck, declaring it a shame
that she should lose the pleasures of
the trip, which was so nearly over.
So Mabel summoned all her strength
and went with him.
1t was a magnificent night. The full
! moon, glittering ON the water, and re-
| Elected back by each wave, tinged ev-
erything with silver.
Mabel was entranced. She took Mr.
Styles arm and walked up and down
once or twice, but her step was languid
and she grew weary.
Mr.. Styles proposed that she should
sit while, so he prepared a seat fol
her, and wrapped her mantle around
her, but she shivered.
"Why, you haven't half enough
round you! It's always cool I'D here ,
he declared.
And off went the kind soul for an
other shawl.
Mabel waited alone, watching tn,
groups around.
A gentleman, smoking a cigar, hat
been sitting some distance off. He
| threw it away and rose as if to gC
below.
AS he was passing Mabel he stopped
suddenly.
She turned her face, inquiringly-ant
| ASOAoAL 4NOl lOl SpldHS lOWdIu ueT.
'Mabel!' was all he said, but the
love-light which flashed over his fac,
and the thrill that shot through eaci
heart in their passionate handclasp
told the truth.
Mabel could not utter one word, bu
lay painting with the glorious life tina
had suddenly opened for her.
No weary hours now-no languid in
difference-but two noble hearts, flee
ing from each other, had been turned
back to love and happiness.
Mabel stayed abroad. long enough t.
procure her bridal trousseau, but say
all she knows Of ocean voyages is tina
moonlight nights are perfectly lovely.
All He Was Good For.
81 don't know what to do with tina
how of mine" said q father to an nj,