Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1909-01-08

A FEUD AND
ITS FINISH.
BY CLARlSSA MACKIE.
Copyrighted. 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.

I Copyrighted. 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.
0AANNNNNNNNNANNANNN
Amelia Vernet 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
temporary island.
1t was midday now, and she could
not hope to reach the mainland before
8 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
lance.
Amelia picked up her pencil and re-
turned to her sketch book. Aunt Tom
will be worried" she thought, "if
don't return to luncheon, and yet
she will have the satisfaction Of know
ing that her predictions have been full
fllled-at last the tide has caught me
on the sand spitI"
A shadow fell across the open book.
Amelia lifted q startled face to meet
the astonished glance of tall young
man.
I'll beg your pardon" he STAN.
mered, lifting his white canvas hat.
II thought had the island to myself"
II 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 COMPOUNDED book, and l was doz-
ing comfortably when the water crept
around my ANGLES and woke mo up"
He thumped viciously upon the offend
ing volume and cast 1t from him. ~
suppose there is no escape until o or
4 o'clock"
None" sighed Amelia, land 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
IL she could see me talking to per-
feet stranger, butt am quite sure he
Is a gentleman, and he must BIO 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 It for me against possible star
walton between an 8 o'clock breakfast
and 1890 luncheon" He opened the
good sized basket which he had
brought and removed snowy fringed
napkin.
you're awfully kind" murmured
Amelia hungrily. 81 hope I'm not rob
bling you"
mot In the least. 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 n flask Of lemonade and n
cup chicken salad sandwiches, pound
cake and grapes-a very ladylike re-
pastw
The young man spread napkin In
Amella's lap and helped her generous
ly. "You were sketching" he ven
tured, glancIng down Mt her ORA wing
materials.
Eyes, little-the marsh and the
sloping hill beyosSd, with Its masses Of
cedar and pine. Would you Ike TO see
itT 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. fine muscled dlgits 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 / ever ate" she said CRATE
fully.
Aunt Tom Is famous cook" he re-
piled carelessly as he returned the nap
kins to the basket.
Aunt Tomw repeated Amelia. She
seemed to stlffen under his look Of
mild surprise.
"Why noti A man may have an
Aunt Thomasina, may he notT Anne
ila flushed at the mischievous look In
his gray eyes.
"Of course" she said, with reserve.
"Only, you see, have an Aunt Thorn
asina too"
mot an Aunt Tom Forrest, I'll be
bound" said her companion.
"No, but an Aunt Tom Vernet," an
nounced Amelia haughtily.
"Oh, by Jove! A great-auntT
Eyes"
SOS mine. Then l went to school
with you! You remember Donald For
restT 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
like a lady In a tragedy when she
looked down at him.
II believe / remember you" she said
coldiy. II also remember the family
feud. No Vernet ever speaks to
Forrest-w willingly. But have par
taken Of your lunch, sir and thank
you for your courtesy. You will ex-
cuse me II return TO my sketcblng"
Forrest Jumped to his feet. The red
blood mounted to las dark forehead.