Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-29
THE ISLE OF STRIFE
GEORGE c. SfIEDD

Copyright. 1872, by Small, Maynard Z CO..

tentious one, of single story, low rooted,
wide and built OF natural logs. A spacious
veranda extended entirely around it; a
lofty pine guarded its door, past whose
trunk path descended to a small wharf;
within there were half a dozen rooms,
one a living room, raftered with heavy
beams, paneled in oak, furnished as my
father had loved it. with plain, massive
furniture. rugs, books. few sea pic
lures. old pewter. and having In its end
the aforementioned great stone fireplace.
Here it was on the second day after my
arrival that l sat snug before the crack
ling hearth while a storm ragged without.
Even In summer when gale sweeps the
island fire is welcome. for a nor easter
brings a sharp edge to the Maine coast;
| and SO. while the boughs dashed the roof
| and the rain beat the windows, l sat with
legs Outstretched and smoked pipe In
abundant comfort
The hurricane had burst the night Of
my coming to Lavouche and was only
now beginning to diminish in fury. There
fore, 1 reflected. every one had kept in
DOORS and the MooreS knew not that they
had me for a neighbor.
You've not seen any of them?'' l asked
Andrew.
He sat opposite me. his soles toasting
before the fame. churchwarden pipe in
his hand.
NO Master Charles" He persisted in
addressing me as he had done when /
was q youngster, and as he would In all
probability continue to do during the rest
not. But, then. I've been very busy pre-
pairing the lodge. You'll be very glad to
see them. I'm sure, and they'll be very
glad to see YOU"
Andrew was stout and old and DELHI
crate He had devoted his life to service
In the family Of Woodworths: he could
not conceive so impossible thing as
anybody not being glad to see Wood
worth. Moreover. I did not attempt to
instruct him that such might be the state
Presently he said, Eyes. Mr.. Moore will
be charmed to see you-as he was always
delighted to see your father
"Are he and Betty here alone?"
when he brought the provisions for the
pantry, that there is. besides Mr.. Moore
and his daughter, young lady who Is
visiting Miss Betty. and two gentlemen
quite houseful. Master Charles
OF conversing with Andrew I never
wearied. His style carried a reminis-
cence. first fragrance of that period
when a young man he had been trained
by my grandfather-the period of hair
sofas, wax flowers. crinolines and civil
war ballads. He had remained in that
"Quite a houseful for fact" / said.
Eyes. but Moore House is large"
True
And Miss Betty likes people about"
"Also true
"She will rejoice to see you. Master
Charles, I'm sure"-he paused, thought
fully putting his pipe-"for think she has
a fond affection for you. indeed do
What leads you to that conclusion.
Andrew?
Because two weeks ago. as 1 was
polishing the doorplate OF the house in
New York, she came up the step and ad-
dressed me. She was but newly returned
from South America. where she had been
| sojourning. and she inquired after you.
we'll. L hope he will do no foolish thing
because of the letter l wrote said she.
| 1 said. He's already done 1t. Miss Betty;
! he's been gone a wanderer these two
years Then she stood awhile. looking
sorrowful
so know her tender heart was
grieved. In consequence ! said. I'll write