Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-09-24
CHAPTER VIII.


Sark; the second week in May came up
on me as IL borne by whirlwind. 1t
was only a month to the day SO long |
fixed upon for our marriage. My mother
began to fidget about my going over to
London to fit myself out with wedding
clothes. Julia's was going on fast to
completion. Our trip to Switzerland was
distinctly planned out. Go l must to
London; order my wedding suit l must.
But first there could be no harm in run
ming over te Sark to see Olivia once
more. AS soon as l was married would
tell Julia all about her. But if either
arm or ankle went wrong for want OF at
tention, should never forgive myself.
1t was the last time l could see Olivia
before my marriage. Afterwards should
see much of her; for Julia would invite
her to our house, and be a friend to her.
spent wretchedly sleepless night; and
whenever dozed saw Olivia before me,
weeping bitterly, and refusing to be COM
forted.
From St. Simpsons we set sail straight
for the Havre Gosselin. To my extreme
surprise and chagrin, Captain Carey an
nounced his intention Of landing with
me, and leaving the yacht in charge OF
his men to aw;.it our return.
'"The ladder is excessively awkward"
!, objected, "and some of the rungs are
loose You don't mind running the risk
Of plunge into the water?"
mot in the least" he answered cheer
lily; "for the matter of that, plunge into
1t every morning at L'Ancresse. I want
to see Tardif. He is one in a thousand,
as you say; and one cannot see such
man every day of ones life"
There was no help for it, and gave
in, hoping some good luck awaited me.
led the way up the zig-zag path, and
Just as we reached the top saw the
8; slight, erect figure of Olivia seated upon
% the brow Of a little grassy knoll at
short, distance from us. Her back was
towards US, SO she was not aware Of our
vicinity; and l pointed towards her with
y, an assumed air of Indifference.
II believe that is my patient yonder,"
said; 81 will just run across and speak
to her, and then follow you to the farm. ;"
"Ahw he exclaimed, there is lovely
: view from that spot. recollect it we'll
will go with you. There will be time
enough to see Tardif."
Did Captain Carey suspect anything? :?
Or what reason could he have for wish
ing to see Olivia? Could 1t be merely
that he wanted to see the view from that
particular spot? l could not forbid him
accompanying me, but l wished him at
Jericho.
Olivia did not hear our footsteps upon
the soft turf, though we approached her
very nearly. The sun shone upon her
glossy hair, every thread of which SEEM
ed to shine back again. She was read
ing aloud, apparently to herself, and the
sounds of her sweet voice were waited
by the air towards US. Captain Carey's
face became very thoughtful.
A few steps nearer brought US in view
of Tardif, who had spread his nets on
the grass, and was examining them mar
rowly for rents. Just at this moment
he was down on his knees, not far from
Olivia, gathering some broken meshes to-
gether, but listening to her, with an ex-
preston Of huge contentment upon his
handsome face. A bitter pang shot
through me- Could it be true by any pos
sibility-that lie l had heard the last time
Il, was in Sark?
Good day, Tardif," shouted Captain
Carey; and both Tardif and Olivia start
ed. But both of their faces grew bright
or at seeing us. Olivia's color had come
back to her cheeks, and sweeter face
NO man ever looked upon.
II am very glad you are come once
more" she said, putting her hand in
- mine; "you told me In your last letter
~ @ you were going to England"
! glanced from the corner Of my eye at
Captain Carey He looked very grave,
but his eyes could not rest upon Olivia
without admiring her, as she stood be-
fore US, bright-faced,. slender, erect, with
= the folds Of her coarse dress falling about
her as gracefully as If they were of the
Richest material.
''This is my friend, Captain Carey, Miss
Olivia" said, in whose yacht have
come to visit YOU"
E 'Taam very glad to see any friend of
@Dr. Martins s." she answered as she held
sout her hand to him with a smile; "my
doctor and 1 are great friends, Captain
Carey"
$50 l suppose" he said significantly
or at least his tone and look seemed
fraught with significance to me.
"Tardif," 1 said, Captain Carey came
ashore on purpose to visit you and your
farm"
l knew he was excessively proud of his
farm, which consisted of about four or
five acres. He caught at the words with
alacrity, and led the way towards his
house with tremendous strides. Olivia
and were left alone, but she was NOV
ing after them slowly, when ran to her
and offered her my arm, on the plea that
her ankle was still too weak to bear her
weight unsupported.
"Oliviar' l exclaimed, after we had
gone a few yards, bringing her and my.
self to a sudden halt. Then was struck
dumb. 1 had nothing special to say tc
her. How was it l had called her SC
familiarly Olivia?
well, DR.. Martin r she said, looking
into my face again with eager, inquirinl
eyes, as If she was wishful to understand
my varying moods.
What lovely place this is!' l ejac
ulated.
More lovely than any words l eve
heard could describe. 1t was perfec
day, and a perfect view. The sea wal
like an opal. The cliffs stretched below
us, with every hue of gold and bronze
and hoary white, and soft grey; and her
and there black rock, with livid shades
Of purple, and a bloom upon it like
ravens wing. Rocky islets, never trod
den by human foot, over which the foam
poured ceaselessly, were dotted all abou
the changeful surface Of the water. Ant
iust beneath the level Of my eyes wal
Olvia's facs-the loveliest thing there