Charlevoix county herald., 1910-03-05

This, figured, was probably the berth
of the first officer; the captains room
would naturally be the one farthest
astern.
The upright piano, with the high-
| backed cushioned chairs surrounding
it. blocked my view aft, but on round
ing these / observed closed door,
which apparently led into room
extending the entire width or the
cabin. Never suspecting that it might
be occupied, | grasped the brass KNOB,
and stepped within. Instantly L came
to full stop, dazed by establishment
nv teeth clenched in quick effort at
selfcontro. The entire scene burst
in upon my consciousness with that
first surprised survey-the draped
portfolios opening out upon the gray
fog-bank. the brass bed screwed to
the deck, the chairs upholstered in
green plush, the polished table with
vase of flowers topping it, the glisten-
ing front of a bookcase in the corner
the tiger rug into which my feet sank
All these things / perceived, scarcely
realizing that l did so, for my one
true impression concentrated itself
upon the living occupants.
There were two present. AT low
dressing table, her back toward me,
fronting a mirror, yet with eyes
fastened upon an open book lying III
her lap, sat woman. The lowered
head yielded me only an indistinct out
line of her features, yet the full throat
and rounded cheek gave pledge or
both youth and beauty. Standing al
most directly behind her chair, with
short, curly locks, crowned by smart
white cap, her hands busted amid her
mstresses' tresses, was maid, petlte,
70. .Iish, fiuttering about like num-
ming bird The latter saw me at once,
pausing in her work with eyes wide
open in surprise, but the preoccupied
mistress did not even glance up. Sne
must have heard the sound OF the
door, however, for she spoke care
lessly:
Il thought you were never coming
10 What caused you to sail so suddenly?
ie These unexpected words, uttered sc
Is naturally, served partially to arouse
20 me from the dull torpor of surprise.
e clenched my hands wondering II
~ was really awake, and stared back int
~ the frightened eyes of the maid, wh'
III appeared equally incapable OF articula
~ ton. Suddenly she found voice.
~ 1T is not re one, madame, sh'
w cried, shrinking back. Non, non; /
y. is un homme stranger
w What is that you say, Celeste!
oh and the other arose swiftly to he
'm feet, the open book dropping to tn
3d. floor as she turned to face me. In
''e stantly l recognized her, in spite @
do the long hair trailing unconfined ia
'io below her waist-recognized her wit
a sudden leap upward of my heart int
us,, my thoat. There was no semblance c
Gil fear, only undisguised amazement. /
VI the dark gray eyes that met mine.
y "What-what is the meaning OF TIL
al strange intrusion? Are you membe
&c of the crew."
ou Instantly my cap came OF. tn
me thought occurring to me of what
All rough figure / must be making in m
W soaked jacket, with the glistenin
N. peak of 10y cap shsdowing my face.
rn mo, madame;" and l bowed befol
ner II am not one of your crew.
ga my entrance here was entirely
ing mistake"
ana She leaned forward, one white har
ex- grasping the back of her chair, the
IN preston in her eyes changing as 81
ess raod INV face nerplexity merging in
the faint recollection.
EST CT do NOT unite comprehend" 81
fur- confessed at last, changing her specs
mo- to a slightly broken Spanish. ~
ST. YOU are Senior Estevan?"