Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1911-08-10
and skim over the ocean. Remem

Indeed, in all things Lisa was SIN
gular. As a child she had been seri-
GUS, and now that she was woman
that seriousness had deepened into
what? could not define II. She
seemed to have been lifted far above
the narrow old world views among
which she had been born. And yet
she did not seem fitted for the hum
drum existence Of a working woman.
She certainly was not In hurry to
set to work. II questioned her as to
her plans she would say, Time
enough for that when have returned
to the city" Indeed, began to sus-
pect that she had had another motive
in coming to America-a love affair.
She did not enjoy our meeting as did
and every day grew more and more
distrait. Besides, it was plain that
she was trying to conceal from me the
fact that she was troubled. sounded
her as to the cause.
Lisa" said, "you have something
on your mind"
"Whut makes you think so:" she
asked, starting.
"Well, I have thought that perhaps
there IL some one in Russia-sOme
nobleman whom you love and who
loves you. but whose rank cuts you
off from him."
She sighed. but did not affirm or
deny my hypothesis Her actions only
confirmed me in It, for 1t filled the con
ditions. She would be likely to keep
such case hidden from the world for
the sake of her lover. II not for her own
! returned the sigh, for had dreaded
this very confession. My view Of the
case was further confirmed by an in
cidcnt that occurred soon after. We
were sailing on the ocean when we
were overtaken by Il sudden squall. l
lowered the sail as quickly as possible,
leaving only small bit Of it loose for
steerage. The wind struck in from
the north and blew US southward along
the coast. We were not only In danger
of being tossed keel upward, but Of
striking on sunken rocks. l confess
was very much frightened. Lisa sat
as calmly as If we We're swinging in
hammock.
"How brave you are!" said.
"Brave Do you call this something
to fear? There are troubles far more
to be dreaded"
Fortunately the wind lulled rs we
were passing an inlet. and. hOisting sail,
| soon made smooth water and tied up
to a low wooden pier.
THANK God" l exclaimed as step
ped ashore.
"Why thank God?" said Lisa. I'VE
don't know what to be thankful for.
We don't thank him when some mis-
fortune befuils us. yet 1t may be
blessing In disguise"
"Why, Lisa" exclaimed, looking al
her In surprise.
Don't mind me-" she said, smiling
"rry and remember me rs you knew
me In school, not as | am now.'
She said nothing more as we walked
away toward our respective homes.
Notwithstanding her seeming indiffer-
ence looked for some involuntary
consciousness that she was relieved at
our narrow escape from death in the
sea, but II she felt 1t she gave no sign.
Surely" l said to myself, this love
must have taken a strong hold OF her
since she doesn't care to have been
cavad from daathr
That she sursred was plain, but
Low or what she suffered was Il mys-
terry. There were times when she did
not appear to suffer at all, when
some bright ray of hope seemed to
break In upon her and lift her out OF
her dependency into whirl Of mer-
riment. Once when she was IN this
mood said to her:
II know why you are happy today.
You have received news Of your lover.
All will yet be well.'
watched her closely to observe the
effect of my words. but they had no
effect, at least none that ! could de-
tect. Her gay mood lasted till we
parted Then l saw tears.
"Iisa," said, give me your conf
dence: trust me-"
81 cannot even trust myself" she
replied and ran away.
There were times when she would
show tenderness for me. which !
could only account for on the ground
that we were solitary companions IN
a foreign land. Once when we were
walking on the beach by moonlight
she felt for my hand and held 1t In
hers with her face averted. ! tried
to catch a glimpse of it. but without
avail till she turned and looked at me
as serenely as the moon was looking
on the ocean.
One morning Lisa and were walk
ing on the beach. The wind was
northerly, and, though the sky was
cloudless, the air was crisp. Both
felt its invigorating influence. and sud
denly Lisa started to run. AS she did
SO she took handkerchief either from
her belt or her bosom. l thought l
saw something white fiutter away
from her and fall on the sand, but
supposed 1t WIS the sunlight on the
handkerchief. She was running very
fast, and had all | could do to catch
her. When did so ! had forgotten
to ask her If she had dropped any
thing.
That evening the moon, which had
waned, rose late. and concluded after
leaving Lisa to go to the rocks and
watch 1t come up out Of the water.
it rose with its shrunken cheek, max
Ing n trudge Of lighted wave crests
between me and It, was chilled sit
ting still and concluded to 20 down
on to the beach. Indeed, | missed my
companion and wished to bring her
naa rar IN mo nv going over the ground