Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1902-09-25
TWO PEOPLE
WHO NET.
by :. RHETT ROMAN.

uI-u> Mtl-tdI SuHlAt>>Ou
yawn-he was undeniably bored
and turned to Get better view of tn,
sea
This afternoon il wore a yiciou,
look, and because the SKY was ob-
scured by clouds. which had been
drifting up from the southeast fol
the past p hours. IL, color wa, tavny,
and the white caps. appearing and
disappearing a. far a, the eve could
see. appeared doub'y white by con-
trast
The tide was ri>ingra pidlyand the
surf asserting itself and il impor-
lance in louder tones as il crept up
over the gray beach, while ,hrill
gusts from the sea. which swept oc-
casionally over the dwarfed oaks and
rustling palmetto trees Of the Isle Of
Palms, gave their usual warning
Tompkins, manager Of an airy
wooden structure, the Seashore hotel.
built in Italian style, just beyond
the reach of the tides. frovned and
looked disgusted as he paused in the
hallway and looked out at the red
CLEAN Of the sun, the rolling bank of
clouds, dun colorod. and the scurry-
ing flight Of seagulls. and listened 10
the ominous beat of the breaker, on
the beach.
Great preparations had been made
for a gala night at the Isle Of Palms.
Chinese lanterns festooncd the
dancing hall, between the pillars and
electric lights, and threw many-hued
and softened CLEANS over the broad
piazza, where sofas and chairs. ap-
parently scattered in careless con-
fusion. were securely fastened 10 the
flooring.
Long rows Of palms in boxes and
the dark-leaved, robust myrtle: Of
the island gave a needed touch of
color TO the ballroom and corridor
and great punches Of pink and white
oleanders, which grow and thrive 30
luxuriantly among the sand hills and
shifting dunes Of picturesque Long
Island smiled poetic greeting to all
corners
Through an open archway the sup
per room was visible. White-aproned
walters harried. and driven by sharp
orders, were methodically completing
their work.
The musicians Of the field band Of
the First artillery, grouped on a stand
in the dancing hall, were leisurely
turning their instruments and get
ting ready for the concert, which
seemed TO make the wind laugh
shrilly as it swept up from the sea,
brushing the scent Of oleander over
Mclean as il passed.
Fergus wondered why the recollec-
ton Of the child his aunt had adopted
years ago should come back TO him
so wildly this lowering summer
evening:
Perhaps because her smile was as
radiant sometimes a. the distant
lightning flashes over James Island,
and her dark eyes as menacing and
magnificent as the coming storm
across the SEA.
Mclean had heard next to moth
ing in recent years Of Aunt Fannie
and her "tempestous undertaking."
as he laughingly described the or
phan she brought to her luxurious
home 10 brighten il.
"She's poor, old Cousin Toms
but her mother wa, a Rus
dear aunt. In adopting
Olga you must remember YOU are
taking TO your placid bosom the I'M
petuosities and other strange char
Rcteristics Of race you know nothing
about.
Gust look at her eyes and YOU will
zee that the child is volcanic" Nc
Lean had warned his aunt. laugh
ngly.
Nevertheless, for some years after
her arrival he and Olga had grown 10 !
,e fast friends. be assuming the role
# defender and adviser, and Olga oc-
that Of |