The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-06-29

pearancc were that COM
- - mon to the seeker for
summer recreation, and the
wheel from which he had just dis
mounted was leaned against neigh
boring tree.
Faui Benedict. the young man stand
Ing mus in musing attitude, was
member "a = cGinping party at Lake
Lahore, one of those beautiful gems
of nature with which Northeastern
Pennsylvania is SO generously endowed.
The scene on which he gaaed mood
ily. while he famed his heated brow,
might will enraptuie one whose
thoughts were in accord with nature $
melodies. The August sun had lately
sunk behind the wooded hills which
bordered the western outline OF the
lake, and gorgeous banners of crimson
and gold, in ever-changing panorama
of form and color, were reflected from
the sky upon the ripping water. The
birds among the treetors were singing
their evening mathis. and distant
whippoorwil was sending forth an
evening call. Added to this was the
musical dip of oars, and now and then
the sound of human voices came float
ing across the water as some foatinS
party added its note OF melody to the
general theme.
But in spite of the environments,
Paul Benedict's face was no. that of
one in harmony with his surroundings
The rather large. full lips. which usual
ly wore a cheering, kindly smile, were
compressed into hard cynical ex-
preston: the knitted brow aud vague
unseeing look of the brown eyes ind!-
Gated that the thoughts were turned
within.
Nestled among the tall birch AMI
naples, at little distance from the
shore. stood Gray Swan Cottage, and
here Miss Annie Benson was entertain-
ing small party of friends, Of which
Paul Benedict was one. Among the
guests, carrying sunshine in her face
where'er she went, was Maize Dennie,
the merry, carefree daughter of
prominent banker of Fairfield. Paul
Benedict's father was superintendent of
of the d. 4 c. coal mines at South
Fairfield, and Paul, who acted as his
fathers bookkceper and confidential
clerk, had, sometimes, 20 transact Gusi-
ness with Mr.. Dennic. which called
him to the latter's home. In this way
the young people were frequently
thrown into each others society. and
while on one hand there had sprung
up feeling of deep adnira ton AMI
genial friendship for the manly, sober
minded Paul Benedict. or the other,
the fair young face, the ready mirth,
the witty repartee, hai come 20 mean
much more than pa ;sing friendship;
and while he had not openly declared
his love for her, there is d Subtlcty Of
understanding between congenial
minds which needs not the medium of
speech to reveal the workings of the
inmost soul.
1t was with the antnip2 tinn of gen.
uine pleasure that he ha,. contemplated
a week spent in her society, as the
guest of their mutual friend, .Annis
Benson. Then, why this cynical curl
of lip and frown upon the open brow?
Two l"ats are coming slowly toward
the shore. In one he recognizes the
form of Maize Dennie, ana facing her,
idly toying with the oars. sits Percy
Holden, cousin of Anris Benson, who
is enjoying his aunt's hospitality. i
graduate of Andover ii year since, and
now about to become a member of the
law firm of Lawson & Graves, Percy
Holden, with his fair, handsome face,
his dashing elegance of manner, and
fascinating conversation, had at once
become formidable rival for the af-
fections of Maize Dennie; he seems, as
it were, to have captured the citadel
by storm. 1t was this which had sent
Paul Benedict spinning away over soli-
tary country roads, seeking to drive
out the hearts unrest; this which had
closed the windows of his soul to the
beauties with which nature is letting
down the curtani of the night.
But, listen. What is that cry of dis
tress? What ragedy of life or death
is intruding upon this quiet scene?
In the boat which had approached
nearer the shore were seated Mrs. Ben
son and little daughter Ruth, with two
young ladies who were rowing the frail
craft, in attempting to change posi-
tions, the boat had been given sud-
den lurch, which threw little Ruth and
Madge Carter into the water.
Both young men heard the cry and
saw the accident but before Percy
Holden has given motion to his drift