Middletown transcript. [volume] (Middletown, Del.) 1868-current, 1905-10-07

"Look at me, Miss Wolstencroft. !
was strong year ago:sI could run and
leap and dance with the best. And now,
what am L? poor shell Of a man, lying
here like the hulk of disused ship pulled
high and dry upon the sands. No more
work for me, 10 more ambition, no n or.
FIN. Only wreck for the rats to play
i'll, for the birds to come and build among
the rotten planks. God when | think
Of it Who only year ago was a
malI-to lie helpless for the rest Of my
days most likely, useless lump, hope
les incumberance, glib ,ering presently,
perhaps, oSer past strs 18th and b,gone
valors. Pm Lot a bad chap, Miss VOL
>tt.croft I've had my fling, its true,
taken my fun when it came along, bought
my experience, like tile rest, but I've
never done mean or dirty action in my
lie yet here ! am, in the prime Of life
and strength, cut off, disabled
The sea was sparkling in the sunshine.
Miss Wolstencroft blinked her ewes, as if
the strong light hurt them, before turn
ing them on him.
With an ina1ticulate nurmur-pcor
man it sounded like curse-he turned
his head aside
II am looking at you, Major Arnott, !"
she said brightly.
Then don't, lie groaned, FOR it can't
be pleasurable sight"
Il am looking" she went on, as if lie
had not spoken, and with her head little
on one side, 'and trying to measure your
shoulders with my incompetent woman's
eye. They obscure the VIEW plain
lively Il wish you'd turn them round. :"
The broad back was motion!ess, how
ever. "I'il stake my purse to penny
postage stamp" she continued critically,
they're twenty-five across if they're an
inch. Plenty Of room for the birds to
nest in, ell, Major Arnott?''
lie turned ; a deep sigh strangled in a
laugh.
Don't try to natler into tranquility
and nice behavior, Miss Walstencroft !;
I'm not to be cajoled."
Nevertheless, his humor palpable light
ened.
"And So, he went Oh presently, "you
are confident Of your powers ~ He
looked her over doubtful expression on
the strong, attractive face. That's like
yon / shall lose my money, but shall
have bought you lesson in humility.
Now, when shall it be, ell r.
She accepted the challenge promptly.
Tonight, by moonlight, when tile pier
is deserted. As for your money, you
shall see"
The smile Of victory was OIL her lips.
The words oame trippingly. Major Ar
mott demurred in favor Of the present.
Il feel fey" she told him "but I'm
not going to make an exhibition Of my
self in broad daylight, all the same
Frisking along the pier, kicking up my
heels for the benefit Of the multitude,
would never do at my time Of life. No.
| must have coming background for my
middle-aged freaks !; soft moonlight,
ripping water, stars-if they are procura-
Delights in the distance, and Ships on
the horizon I'm rather like tile elderly
fairies in the back row Of the ballet, Maj
Arnott-as nimbe as the best Of 'em, and
look all right at night"
YOU'RE the youngest woman Of my ac-
quaintance, lie said, thoughtfully, re-
garding herewith sober gravity from under
penthouse brows.
''I'm fairly hale and active" was the
cheerful response"
You're younger in thought and mind
continuing than many forward chts
Of seventeen. When one first meets YOU,
your reserve chills-even while it inter
ests But day by day your shyness, in
difference, pride Tor what the deuce it
may be melts, and one takes pleasure
i'll watching your nature unfolding leaf