The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-11-01
Observation-Disclosures. 80.
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When / went to the seashore for
August was completely worn out. I
had managed a class Of fifty children
Tor ten months, excepting holidays.
and never had encountered so much
mischief. June was hot month, and
by the time had completed the work
attending examinations 1 was too bro
ken down to get away for a change,
though my salary and my savings were
so small that could only afford one
months outing, anyway.
L was walking one evening on the
beach drinking in the delicious salt sea
breeze when met a man who noticed
me with more apparent interest than
I usually received from strangers of
the opposite sex. He brought a pair
Of fine brown eyes to bear upon me,
which caused me to lower mine, though
his gaze was perfectly respectful. even
deferential. My brief look at him was
only sufficient to tell me that his face
was intellectual and his clothes were
shabby.
At short distance from the shore
was rock on which would often go
after sunset, sink into a seat worn by
the water and enjoy the waves and
the breeze. I went there one evening,
passing over the narrow strip of sand
that led to It just as the full moon
was rising. For several nights 1 had
been troubled with wakefulness, and
now, lulled by the plash of the waves
and the sea breeze and the moonlight
on the water, fell asleep.
was awakened by cold bath. The
tide had risen, and wave higher than
the rest had completely covered the
lower half Of my body. looked at the
water; 1t was all about me. I looked
up at the moon; It stood on the meridi-
an. I turned my head; the breakers
were on the beach behind me. l was
becoming terror stricken when saw a
man on the shore making motions to
me. He called to me, telling me to re-
main where was and he would go to
the inlet near by and fetch boat. Ten
minutes later l was relieved to hear
the sound of oars and see rowboat
rising and falling with the waves.
When it reached the rock and the oars
man turned his face to me, the moon
struck full upon it. He was the shah
by genteel man l had passed on the
beach.
There was every reason to suppose
that he had saved me from drowning.
for could not swim, and since nearly
every one on shore had gone to bed it
is doubtful If my cries would have been
heard above the noise Of the breakers.
Be this as it may, had had a thrilling
introduction to my rescuer and did not
require him to secure the good offices
of a mutual friend to make us &C
quainted.
After that we spent many an hour to-
gether on the beach, l tried without
appearing to be inquisitive to discover
his occupation and social status. but
failed. Though he was nearly forty, he
did not seem to have taken hold Of
career. He disliked money making, but
loved literature, art, science. all that
was ideal and intellectual. I asked
him what career he would choose II be
chose any, and he said he would prefer
that of a gentleman. I sighed, regret
ting that want Of energy or purpose
had neutralized his excellent qualities.
/ cannot think of my action In this
Important episode in my life without
ho1 hn1i0xyo6 rnvoof
the most practical woman. l had pitied
those women who had lost their heads
in losing their hearts. and yet l not
only suffered myself to fall in love with
this man, who appeared to drift like
ship without rudder, but permitted
him to make love to me. Shabby as he
was, no woman in her senses would
have formed any other conclusion with
regard to him than that he made a
precarious living by his wits.
However, the result was the usual re-
suit Of infatuation. He said he had an
income of 5000 year. and earned the
same. We passed from friends to low
ers and, after many misgivings on my
part, to betrothal. One thing he per-
suaded me to do that l considered posi-
lively rash-to be married quietly at
the seashore and return together. ]
consented under protest, and we were
married.
On reaching the station to return to
the city my husband put me on train
going in the opposite direction. was
terror stricken. had married stran-
ger, and heaven only knew what he
was going to do with me. He led me
into a private room in parlor car.
demanded to know what all this mean.
especially the unwarranted expense.
EASY, sweetheart" he said in bis
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