The Democratic advocate., 1908-11-06
u FEUD AND
ITS FINISH.
Bv CLARiSSA MACK1E.
copyrtshted, 1908. By Associated
Literary Press.

un;t waiting for the turn of the tide
cbo had become absorbed In her sketch
inc and time had passed unnoticed
until the curling swish Of water told
her that the sand spit had become a
temporary island.
# WIS midday now, and she could
,ot hone to reach the mainland before
: o,c]ock-unless she waded. Amelia
,ooked down at her pretty tan shoes
and then turned and peered over the
sard dunes toward the town.
narrow channel Of choppy water
cnt ofr escape for the present. Out in
tbp bay few sails flashed in the sun
1ioht but none was within hailtng dis
tapce
Amelia picked up her pencil and re
turmoil TO her sketch book. "Aunt Tom
will he worried" she thought, 'if
don't return to luncheon, and yet
Shp will have the satisfaction Of know
ing that her predictions have been full
frpd-at last the tide has caught me
on the sand spit!'
A shadow fell across the open book
Amelia lifted a startled face to meet
thn astonished glance of a tall young
man.
sT-I beg your pardon" he STAN.
mprcd. lifting his white canvas hat.
81 thought 1 had the island to myself y
81 wish you had" said Amelia plain
+ireIy: "the turn Of the tide is re-
snonsible for my presence here"
"Mine too. 1 became interested in
this confounded book, and was doz-
ing comfortably when the water crept
around my ankles and woke me up
he thumped viciously upon the offend
ING volume and cast it from him. 81
sunnose there is no escape until 8 or
i o'clock.
"None," sighed Amelia, "and nothing
to eat!"
"Wait: we'll see about that" The
stranger disappeared behind the dune,
and Melia saw him making haste to-
ward the narrow inlet.
"How shocked Aunt Tom would be
if she could see me talking to a per
feet stranger, butt am quite sure he
is a gentleman, and he must be staying
at one of the plantations near by. His
face is familiar, and yet
He came around the dune and sat
down on the sand beside her. II hope
you will share my luncheon he said
courteousiy ga thoughtful aunt pre-
pared it for me against possible star
vatiOn between an s o'clock breakfast
and a 1870 luncheon" He opened the
good sized basket which he had
brought and removed a snowy fringed
napkin.
you're awfully kind" murmured
Amelia hungrily. "I hope Pm not rob-
bing you"
"Not in the least. We are casta-
ways and must make the best Of the
food we have saved" he said gayly.
There should be a cask Of water
and some timed things"
Here are q flask Of lemonade and a
cup, chicken salad sandwiches, pound
cake and grapes-a very ladylike re-
pastr'
The young man spread a napkin IN
Amclia's lap and helped her generous
ly. You were sketching?" he ven
tured, glancing down at her drawing
materials.
Yes, a little-the marsh and the
Sloping hill beyond, with it's masses of
cedar and pine. Would you like to see
it?' asked Amelia frankly.
Yes" he replied, taking the book
and opening at the page she indicated.
signature in bold black characters,
Amelia Vernet." He glanced at the
name, and his eyes shot a peculiar
look at the girl.
Amelia was looking at his strong
brown fingers clasping the sketch book.
Very capable, fine muscled digits they
We're too.
Your sketch is good" he said sin
cercly, putting the book aside.
When the last crumb of poundcake
had disappeared Amelia sighed con
tentedly. That was the most deli,
eious meal 1 ever ate," she said CRATE,
fully.
Aunt Tom is Il famous cook" he re
p.ieu carelessly as he returned the nap
kiDS 10 the basket.
Aunt TOm"' repeated Amelia. She
seemed to stiffen under his look OF
mild surprise
Why not? a man may have al
Aunt EhomaSina, may he not?" Ame
III flushed at the mischievous look il
his gray eyes
"OT course" she said, with reserve
Only, YOU see, have an Aunt Thorn
asina tCo."
Not an Aunt Tom Forrest, I'll bi
oo124,' said her companion.
NO, but an Aunt Tom Vernet," al
hounced Amelia haughtily
Oh. by Joye! A great-aunt?"
Yes"
Sos mine. Then l went to schoc
"lth you! You remember Donald For
fest:' he asked eagerly.
Amelia arose to her feet and shcoi
the sand from her white skirt. Sh,
lOoAea very young and lovely standin:
there in the brilliant October sunshine
with the blue sky reflected in her eyes
one also looked very cruel and quite
IKE a lady in a tragedy when sh,
looked down at him.
believe l remember you." she sal;
coicly. II also remember the famil,
Ieud. No Vernet ever speaks to {
orrest~ willingly But l have par
taken Of your lunch, sir. and 1 thanl