Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1904-08-25
WHEN THE TIDE
CAME In

By EDGAR wELTON COOLEY

NIEARY, but radiant with happt-
w ness, Clark Morgan walked rap
idly up the street from the modest
station building through the gathering
twilight A combination Of fortunate
circumstances had enabled him to con-
clude his business affairs 2l hours
sooner than he had anticipated, and he
had thus been enabled to reach home
on the evening of his wife's birthday
This fact added elasticity to his
steps and buoyancy to his spirits. He
had little present for Gertrude
tucked away in his grip, an incXpen-
siye little bauble, but one she had long
desired.
He planned to slip in upon her and
take her by surprise. Then he would
present her with the gift, and they
would sit under the naples and watch
the darkness deepen, see the iireflies
arise from the grass and hear the
booming of the beetles through the
gloom. and the splashing of the sea
upon the rocks.
Quietly he slipped through the gate.
when he reached the summer cottage.
Crept silently across the lawn, and en-
tered noiselessly at the side door.
The living room was vacant; the
last rays of the sun struggled through
the lace curtains and kissed the cell
ing. Shadows lowered in the corners;
a deep silence reigned everywhere-a
silence perfumed by a vase of lilies
Of-the-yalley on the table.
For moment he paused in the CEN
ter of the room, then a slight rustic
from the parlor reached him, and he
smiled.
Softly he stepped to the portieres
and, drawing one of them slightly,
peeped through the narrow opening.
Gertrude stood near the piano. At
her side was James Bernard. His arm
encirced her waist; her arms were
around his neck; her head was slightly
bowed; his lips were pressed against
her forehead.
James Bernard was Clark Morgans
closest personal friend. The latch
string at the Morgan home had always
been out to him.
Silently the pOrtiere slipped from
the husbands fingers and blotted the
picture from his sight. For a moment
he stood immovable, and thousand
thoughts passed through his mind.
Then he turned his head and glanced
out the window, gazing for miles
across the restless sea. On the far
horizon rested a jagged rocE-Fisher-
mans Point-like a grim monument
tn hic
a deep gloom swept toward him. He
stretched forth his arms as though to
welcome it. If it We're only everlast-
ing oblivion!
Again his glance rested upon Fish
erman's Point. 1t was sinking from
sight; the tide was rising 1t would
go down into the sea and the waves
would sweep over it, like the waves
were sweeping over him. But on the
morrow it would rise again, even as he
would when the great sorrow had
passed.
Thinking thus, he crept out again
into the shadows, and when he re-
turned it was with a merry whistle
and radiant smile. His wife met
him at the door and he kissed ner and
extended his hand to Bernard
How nice that we can all spend the
evening together he said; "it will De
a pleasant ending to Gertrudes birth
day
He smiled at his wife but her ewes
dropped before his and he thought he
saw the suspicion of blush upon her
cheek.
Yes" replied Bernard. carelessly
81 dropped in to congratulate Mrs.
Morgan upon her anniversary"
"A Kindness we bot, very much an
preciate, | am sure" Morgan answered
''apd, my dear" he added, smiling
pleasantly at his wife, Il have planned
a little diversion for tomorrow. They
say angling Is fine cit Fisherman's 8
Point, and l suggest we three-now
don't say you can't spare the time,
Bernard, old chap-sail out there to-
morrow afternoon, taking along some
luncheon and enjoy tho sport until
dusk"
"Hnw delightful" exclaimed Mrs.