The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1910-05-05
CHAPTER xv-coutinusd.

The slight change OF voice per-
ceptible in this final sentence might
have excused the utterance OF the
question trembling on my lips. yet
set my teeth, and remained silent.
1T is odd how our lives are infu-
enced," she continued. thoughtfully.
Il feel that the charm OF the sea has
been the one great impelling force
which has nodded mine. l wonder is
il destined always to be so? Are these
waters even now bearing me on as
Fate Wills? Ever since I can remem-
Der I have permitted the ocean 10
take that place In my heart which.
perhaps. should be otherwise occu-
pied. Il has been my master, my
strongest love. But ! must not think
this. much less say H." hastily awak.
ening, and pointing forward, See. Mr.,
Stephens. how those clouds and the
waters blend yonder In such fantastic
forms; they appear an army Of sheeted
ghosts bearing down 10 block our
passage into the Polar sea"
l looked IN the direction indicated.
scarcely noting the phenomena, but
wondering what was the real meaning
concealed behind her yelled utterance.
In truth Lady Darlington was not a
woman easily interpreted. She was
by no means a creature OF moods, yet
behind her effort al outward cheer
fulness l IA constantly aware Of
something hidden, some haunting
memory OF the past. more to be
dreaded e than her present enyir.
onment
Sometimes I even thought she delib-
erately played with me: yet this was
not 50. There was nothing Of the CO.
quette IN her nature. nothing OF pur.
poseful deceit IN either words or &C.
ton. and ] cast the unworthy thought
from me With the Indignation Il de.
served. sun. her method was most
strange, most peculiar. Indeed. she
was Ike two women. ever keeping me
on the qui yiye, alive with expectancy.
yet never quite bringing 4 me that
open he~aTtcdneHs I 30 much desired.
One second ua though by purest acci-
dent. ] looked down into her soul. the
next I saw nothing but tho cater GOV,
er!ng Without IN the least meaning
20 be 30 she became a teasing puzzle
an enigma OF womanhood. belore
whom / was beginning 10 worship. IN.
able 20 analyze eve my own feelings.
half hopeful. hAlfsAfraid.
Hence Il was that on this day 1 re.
manned leaning against the plano
listening 20 her really brilliant exc
cution OF difhcult music, gazing down
upon her unconscious face, the swinG
OF the deck under my feet. but vlth q
heavy heart behind the smile upon ms
lips. The music finally ceased. yet vi
fingered there ~conye-slng over ths
memory aroused by rs rendition. when
futile emerged from bis room. pre-
pared for his turn Of service ON deck
lie stopped and stared across AZ ~
his hand on the knob OF the closeC
door.
Such songs are most unBeCmly un
der our present circumstances. h'
said, solemnly, apparently addressini
the lady only. for his glance NE
mine. In presence OF death and th'
hereafter, madam. prayer is the nat
ural outlet OF the soul"
Her sympathetic face whitoned, III
expression Of her eyes changing In
stanlly.
"What-what do you mean. Mr.. Tut
tier are We IN any special dangerg"
In the midst OF life WI are II
death. What Is man that thou az
mindful OF him. or the Son OF Ma
that thou yisitest himg Death ride
upon the wind, ace upon tho waters
Place not ?our trust In princes. no