The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1901-06-14

Australia! A sudden joy shot through
Mabel's heart. She had been longing anil
planning to get away as far as possible
able to her
"How soon are you going?" she asked.
"By next Saturdays steamer"
81 will co.
ooh, that is too goodp' cried Eta,
springing up and embracing her. 81
coaxed mother all l could to go with us.
but she is too timid. Father has crossed
so many times he will make a 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 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 up wonderfully since de-
Gliding to go abroad, for the relief of get
ting out of sight of all eyes and giving
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 bearing her
farther and farther away from her coun-
try 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 that
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 a grave. handsome face and reserved
air, which gave a sort Of fascinating
melancholy to him. and. although perfect
~ courteous, he kept aloof from all. seem
ing to prefer his book or silent meditation
to all company. Hour after hour he
spent gazing upon the foaming pillows,
the mntchless sunsets, the lovely moon
lights of the 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 fortnight
when Mr.. Styles insisted on MabePs going
on deck, declaring It shame that she
should lose the pleasure of the trip, which
was so nearly over.
So Mabel summoned all her strength
and went with him.
1t was q magnificent night. The full
moon. Clittsring on the water and reflected
back by each wave, tinged everything
with silver.
Mabel was cntrunced. She took Mr.
Styles arm and walked mp and down once
or twice. but her step was languid, 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" he de-
clared.
And off went the kind soul for another
shawl
Mabel waited alone. watching the
group around.
A gentleman smoking cigar had been
sitting some distance off. He threw it
away and rose as if to go below.
AS he was passing Mabel he stopped
suddenly.
She turned her face inqulringly-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 each heart in
their passionate hand clasp told the truth.
Mabel could not utter one word, but lay
painting with the glorious life that bad
suddenly opened for her.
No weary hours now. no languid In
difference. but two noble hearts fleeing
from each other had been turned back to
love and happiness.
Mabel staid abroad long enough to pro-
cure her bridal trousseau. but says al she
knows of ocean voyages is that moonligt:
nights are perfectly lovely. Chicago
Times-Herald.