The Somerset reporter., 1908-11-05
A FEUD AND
ITS FINISH.
BY CLhRlSSA MACKE.
Copyrighted. 1903. by Associated
Literary Press

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Amelia Nernet sat out on the sand
spit waiting for the turn of the tide.
She had become absorbed in her sketch
Ing, and time had passed unnoticed
until the curling swish of water told
her that the sand spit had become a
temporary Island.
1t was midday now, and she could
not hope to reach the mainland before
o'clock-unless she waded Amelia
looked down at her pretty tan shoes
and then turned and peered over the
sand dunes toward the town.
A narrow channel of choppy water
cut off escape for the present. Out In
the bay few sails flashed In the sun
light, but none was within hailing dis
tanCe.
Amelia picked up her pencil and re-
turned to her sketch book. Aunt Tom
will he worried" she thought, "if l
don't return to luncheon, and yet
she will have the satisfaction of know
Ing that her predictions have been ful.
on the sand spit!''
A shadow fell across the open book.
Amelia lifted a startled face to meet
the astonished glance Of tall young
man.
T-I beg your pardon" he STAN
mered. lifting hts white canvas hat.
"I thought had the island to myself"
81 wish you had" said Amelia plain
lively; "the turn Of the tide Is re-
sponsible for my presence here
Mine too. became interested In
this confounded book, and | was dog
ing comfortably when the water crept
around my ankles and woke me up"
He thumped viciously upon the offend
ing volume and cast 1t from him. 81
suppose there Is no escape until 3 or
O'Clock"
None" sighed Amelia, "and nothing
to eatr'
"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
courteously. "A thoughtful aunt pre-
pared 1t for me against possible star
vation between an o'clock breakfast
and IL 30 luncheon" lie opened the
good sized basket which he had
brought and removed a snowy fringed
napkin.
you're awfully kind" murmured
Amelia hungrily. ~ hope I'm not rob-
bing you"
"Not In the lenst We are casta-
ways and must make the best Of the
food we have saved" he said gayly.
'@There should be cask of water
and some timed things"
Here are u flask Of lemonade and a
cup. chicken salad sandwiches. pouad-
cake and grapes-a very ladyllke re
past"
The young man spread a napkin In
AmeIlas lap and helped her generous
ly. You were sketchlng?" lie ven
tured, glancing down at her drawing
materials.
Yes. 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
In one corner she had inscribed her
signature In bold black characters,
Amelia Vernet." He glanced at the
name, and his eyes shot peculiar
look at the girl.
Amelia was looking at his strong
brown fingers clasping the sketch book
Very capable, tine muscled digits they
were too.
Your sketch Is good" he said sin
cerely, putting the book aside.
When the last crumb of poundcake
had disappeared Amelia sighed con
tentedly. THAT was the most deli
ciOus meal l ever ate" she said CRATE
fully.
Aunt Tom is famous cook" he re
piled careessly as he returned the nap
kins to the basket.
Aunt Tom repeated Amelia She
seemed to stiffen under his look Of
mild surprise.
why not? A man may have an
Aunt Thomasina. may he not?' Ame-
liza flushed at the mischievous look in
his gray eyes.
"Of course" she said, with reserve.
Only, you see, have an Aunt Thorn
asina too"
Not an Aunt Tom Forrest, III be
bound" said her companion.
mo, but an Aunt Tom Vernet," an
nounced Amelia haughtily.
"Oh, by Joye. A great-aunt?"
"Yes."
SOS mine. Then | went to school
with you. You remember Donald For
restY" he asked eagerly.
Amelia arose to her feet and shook
the sand from her white skirt. She
looked very young and lovely standing
there in the brilliant October sunshine
with the blue sky reflected In her eyes.
She also looked very cruel and quite
Alike lady In tragedy when she
looked down at him.