The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-07-05
Selett Stnrp.
INTO DEEP WATERS.

something struck tne vicar III his uauSh-
ters appearance that day. He was a
grim man, and generally he remarked lit
tie that did not concern his work. Her
eyes sparkled and she was full of some
mystery. He Was reminded of her child
ish days when she used to prepare "sur-
prises, and he thought as he looked at
her after all she was not much changed by
of frocks and twisting her hair
up.
Then he retreated once more into him
self
She had no remarkable beauty from any
classical point Of view. Her features were
not regular, and an analy Of her claim
to even prettiness would have shown it to
be slender. Yet Sibyl North was pretty,
and she had that nameless charm that is
more potent than perfection. Her mouth
was good and 50 were her teeth, and as
she was always laughing you saw them
well and knew how white they were. Her
eyes were not large nor was their color any
way noticeable, but they danced with mis-
chief and merrment. Her hair was brown
and curly. 1t was long, too, and she was
very proud of it.
She had the happy temperament that Is
not ruttied by the thousand and one small
worries of life. She was not spared any
Of these, | suppose, but she rode buoy
antly over them like craft SO light that
the waves carry it safely above the rocks
against which a heavier vessel would be
broken She was splendidly healthy, and
this perhaps made it easy to be light
hearted.
Mr.. North was widower with fami
ly of six, of whom Sibyl was the eldest.
She kept house for him and she helped the
yoverness with the children $ lessons She
played cricket with the boys in the field
behind the house on the holidays. She
mended stockings, she patched youthful
knees, she knitted and she read to her
father. She had always lay or a bosom
to be tried on by the five yearold boy or
the -year-old little sister, and she could
comfort either and turn their tears into
smiles. She packed for her brothers when
they went to school, and she hid IA cake
somewhere among their clothes to cheer
their homesickness.
Mr.. North was a silent man who had
given himself up to books, He was short
in his manner, and his children regarded
him with awe. Sibyl was looked upon as
mediator. but mediation was little neces-
sary since all authority was vested in her
self and the governess. TO Sibyl only did
he show the warmer side Of his nature.
He liked to have her with him. He put
into her willing hands much that was prec
ious-and tedious, too-of his work, and
she copied for him and made copious ex-
tracts. He seldom praised her in words.
1t was not his way.
Il should like picture of you, he
said one day suddenly.
Sibyl looked up in surprise.
"a picture, father? p
He was silent few moments.
"Well, a photograph, . he said, pres
emily, and speaking slowly. Gas fami-
" this has been neglected. Your mother
died, and have no likeness of her.
He said nothing more and the subject
was dropped. Sibyl went on with her
work of correcting proof. A smile curved
the corners of her mouth and her eyes
twinkled. Her thoughts wandered.
From the study windows she could see
the waves beating on the shore. The Vi
Garage stood on the Cornish coast. 1t was
On the outskirts of fishing village and
four miles from a town. The smell OF the
sea and the taste of brine were in the air
when presently Sibyl put down her work
and went out.
William North opened the window and
looked after her. He too noticed the
smell of the sea. The air seemed full OF
spray, and the waves broke themselves on
the shore with insistence. 1t was on the
next day that Sibyl wore an air of mys-
tery. MIR. North birthday was approach
inc and the children were getting up a
play. Instinctively he connected with this
her sparkling eyes, that seemed of them
selves chuckling over something, and 4
mysterious visit to the town. lie remem
bered afterward her look upon that day.
The play progressed. William Nortl
unbent somewhat and quizzed the children
as to the surprise they were getting tol
him.
"But Sibyrs got real surprise, sale
Mabey, the youngest girl, blurtlng out II
an excess of affectionate confidence part Of
the secret of her sister.
ssHush r said Sibyl.
You little blab," cried the boys, ''ont
can tell you anything.
"The mysterious visit to town ! SAID
Mr.. North.
ssBe quiet, father, ''you're not tc
known said Sibyl "Mabey, told yor
not to say word about it.
eyes, Mabey shall have her tongue
tied. cried one of the boys.
nsYou little telltale, said the other,
and Mabey subsidized into tears and Sibyl'
lap.
Mr.. North watched her as she soothed
the little things distress. How gentle
she was
ooh, my girl p he said to himself sud
denly. Her goodness seemed revealed te
him in that moment.
eThere's strong tide tonight . said
Arthur. 'Jack and are going to Teth
er's point to see it. Old Tremin says ii
will be one of the highest ever known, and
there's heavy sea on already. "
The younger children clamored to &C
too.
"No," said Sibyl. "You, Willie and
Mabey, must stay with me. Tether's
point is too far for you to walk, besides il
will not be high tide before your bedtime
Elsie, you can go with them if you like